We all love to watch some great Bollywood movies, and we enjoy it even more when the actors do a great job. While there are a number of great Indian actors who have made their mark in Bollywood, here are 20 actors who have managed to stun us with their performances onscreen.
20. Rajinikanth
Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, Rajinikanth was a bus conductor when his unique style of issuing tickets caught the eyes of a number of people. He wanted to become an actor and moved from Karnataka to Chennai to join a film institute. He later became one of the most popular actors who ruled the Indian screen. One of Rajinikanth’s most noted performances was in the movie Enthiran.
19. Akshay Kumar
From waiting tables in Bangkok, Akshay Kumar has come a long way to making it in Bollywood. He is known for his wit and spot on comedy. Born Rajiv Bhatia, Akshay has been one of the best actors to dawn your screen for a long time now. His most noted performance was in the movie Hera Pheri.
18. Ajay Devgn
Ajay Devgan is one of the most flexible actors in the Indian film industry. Having worked in almost all genres, he was a promising actor from the start winning the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for Phool Aur Kaante in 1991. He has done some amazing movies, but his best performance so far was in the movie Drishyam.
17. Mammootty
Mammootty is one of the largest stars in Malayalam cinema. He has acted in over 350 movies. Unlike most film stars, Mammootty is a lawyer by profession and is highly educated. He represents the Akshaya project as the goodwill ambassador. Mammootty is one of the few actors to receive a Padma Shri. He is best known for his performance in Thalapathi.
16. Salman Khan
He is Bollywood’s bad boy who is often in the news for walking into trouble. However, this does not take away from the fact that Salman Khan is an incredibly talented actor. He has done some impressive roles in movies such as Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Hum Aapke Hai Koun (1994), Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), and Baghban (2003).
15. Anupam Kher
Anupam might not be the limelight in mainstream Bollywood, but his appearance in over 400 movies and his roles have made him very popular. He has appeared international films such as the 2002 Golden Globe nominated Bend It Like Beckham, Ang Lee’s 2007 Golden Lion-winning Lust, Caution, and David O. Russell’s 2013 Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook.
14. Sanjeev Kumar
Sanjeev Kumar was one of the most talented actors in Indian cinema. His versatility and the way he portrayed his roles were impeccable. He is best known for his role in Sholay
13. Anil Kapoor
Anil grew up a lower middle class life with his parents in Tilak Nagar, Mumbai. He worked hard and made it big in the industry with his talent. He is the brother of famous producer Boney Kapoor and the duo did some amazing movies together. He is most known for his roles in Mr. India (1987), Parinda(1989), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Nayak (2001) and 1942 A Love Story (1994).
12. Amol Palekar
Amol is a great actor and has also done some notable performances in theater. He is best known for his performance in Gol Maal (1979) for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
11. Mehmood Ali
Mehmood was one of the best comedians Indian cinema has seen. He was known for his acting skills. He has also done some amazing main lead performances including the super hit movie Kunwaara Baap (1974).
10. Feroz Khan
One of the most stylish men to ever enter the Bollywood industry, Feroz Khan was known for his class and fashion sense. He has appeared in over 50 movies, but his most noted performances were in Janbaaz and Dayavan.
9. Naseeruddin Shah
Naseeruddin Shah is one of the most talented actors in Indian cinema. He has been honored with a Padma Shri and a Padma Bhushan by Government of India. He has done several movies but his most noted performance was A Wednesday (2008), Maqbool (2003), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Mirza Galib (1988) and In the name of God (2007).
8. Dilip Kumar
Dilip is considered as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. He has done some of the best movies in his time including the popular Mughal-e-Azam (1960). He has received the most number of Filmfare Awards as the Best Actor.
7. Shammi Kapoor
Shammi Kapoor was also known as the Elvis Of India because of his striking features. He was a popular actor who had a number of successful movies to his credit. Some of his most noted performances include 1968 Brahmachari for which he won the Best actor award.
6. Aamir Khan
Born into a conservative muslim family, Aamir has been a part of the industry for a long time. He started off as a child actor and still acts in so many movies. He is best known for his performances in movies such as 3 Idiots (2009), Rang De Basanti (2006), Taare Zameen Par (2007), Lagaan (2001) and Dil Chahta Hai (2001).
5. Amrish Puri
Would you believe that Amrish Puri failed a screen test in 1954 when he wanted to become a hero? He then went ahead and auditioned for the role of a villain and the famous ‘Mogambo’ was born.
4. Shah Rukh Khan
Often referred to as ‘King Khan’, Shah Rukh Khan is one of the few actors who managed to make it large in the film industry without any backing. Some of his best performances include Swades (2004),Chak De India (2007), Kal ho na ho (2003),Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham (2001) and the unforgettable Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995).
3. Kamal Haasan
He is one of the most versatile actors you will find in Indian cinema. Kamal Haasan has been acting for 52 years! He has done movies in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. Some of his best movies include Nayakan (1987), Pushpak (1987), Hindustani (1996), Hey Ram (2000) and Viswaroopam (2013).
2. Rajesh Khanna
He is the first ever superstar in Indian cinema who had a record of 74 Golden Jubilee Hits – (which includes 48 Platinum Jubilee hits and 26 Golden Jubilee Hits). One of the most loved actors of all time, Rajesh Khanna is best known for his roles in the movies Aanand (1971), Aradhana (1969), Namak Haram (1973), Kati Patang (1970) and Amar Prem (1972).
1. Amitabh Bachchan
This angry young man still manages to attract a large crowd whenever his movies hit theaters. Amitabh Bachchan can still give a number of young actors a run for their money. He is best known for his roles in the movies Sholay (1975), Black (2005), Anand (1971), Deewar (1975) and Don (1977).
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.