Every industry makes comedy movies but Bollywood comedy movies are one of the best. Bollywood has released some of the best comedy movies over the years and the actors never failed to make us laugh, Below are the top 22 comedians of Bollywood, the movies they did, and some lesser-known facts about them. Check them out!
1) Boman Irani
Also known as David Williams of India in addition to being an actor is a professional photographer and a voice artist. Some of his movies that brought him laurels include “ Munnabhai M.B.B.S” and “Khosla ka Ghosla”. He has won the Filmfare, Start Screen and IIFA awards for his role in the movie “ 3 Idiots”. He has been married to Zenobia since January 28, 1985. They have two children.
Age: 60 years
Famous movies: Munnabhai M.B.B.S., Main Hoon Naa, Veer-Zaara, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Don-The Chase Begins Again, Heyy Babyy, 3 Idiots, Housefull, Jolly LLB, and Sanju
Awards: Best Performance in Comic Role (Munnabhai M.B.B.S.), Best Villain Award (3 Idiots), Best Supporting Actor Award (3 Idiots), Best Performance in a Negative Role (3 Idiots), Best Actor (Shirid Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi)
2) Paresh Rawal
He is a signature comedian who has made us laugh hard through his movies like “ HeraPhera” alongside another greatest comedian of all times Akshay Kumar. He started his career as an actor and a villain but slowly got aligned with the comedy, which gave him a new lease in life. He is married to Swaroop Sampat. They have two children.
Age: 68 years
Famous Movies: Naam, Mohra, Aitraaz, Hera Pheri, Nayak, Awara Pagal Deewana, Hungama, Hulchul, Phir Hera Pheri, Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Welcome, Aitithi Tum Kab Aaoge?, OMG – Oh My God! and Sanju
Awards: Padam Shri, Best Supporting Actor (Woh Chokri and Sir), Best Performance in a Comic Role (Sir), Best Comedian Award (Hera Pheri), Best Supporting Actor (Raja), and Best Acting of Sardar in Sardar Patel Singh
3) Rajpal Yadav
Yadav started his career with Doordarshan’s serial ‘Mungeri Ke Bhai Naurangilal’. He is a pass out of the National School of Drama and truly an entertainer besides being a rib-tickling comedian. Very few are aware of his talent as a screenplay writer for ‘Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh’ which earned him a lot of accolades. He is an actor and writer, known for Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Jungle (2000) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007). He has been married to Radha Yadav since June 10, 2003.
Age: 49 years
Famous movies: Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Ek Aur Ek Gyarah, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Hungama, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Garv: Pride and Honour, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Maine Pyar Kyu Kiya?, Garam Masala, Shaadi No. 1, Apna Sapna Money Money, Bhagam Bhag, Partner, Dhol, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Bhoothnath, and Khatta Meetha
Awards: Best Actor Award in a Negative Role (Jungle)
4) Johnny Lever
John Prakasa Rao Janumala commonly known as Johnny Lever has done nearly 350 films in Bollywood. He is bestowed with the inborn ability to entertain people and truly has accomplished the same creating history in Bollywood. He bagged two Filmfare Awards, one for ‘Deewana Mastana’ in 1998 and the other for ‘Dulhe Raja’ in 1999. Lever is also the president of the Cine and Television Artist Association and the Mimicry Artist Association Mumbai. Johnny Lever, born in Andhra Pradesh and was brought up in Mumbai’s King’s Circle area (Dharavi). His mother tongue is Telugu. Johnny studied in Andhra Telugu School till the seventh grade but couldn’t study further because of financial problems in his family, after which he decided to leave school.
Age: 62 years
Famous Movies: Tezaab, Mujrim, Kala Bazaar, Khatarnak, Kishen Kanhaiya, Khiladi, Aasoo Bane Angaarey, Anari, Baazigar, Aulad Ke Dushamann, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Karan Arjun, Sapoot, Raja Hindustani, Judaai, Koyla, Baadshah, Joru Ka Ghulaam, Koi Mil Gaya, Phir Hera Pheri, Khiladi 786, Boss,
Awards: Best Comedian Award (Raja Hindustani), Best Comedian Award (Deewana Mastana and Dulhe Raja), and Best Actor in Comic Role (Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega)
5) Kader Khan
Kader Khan not only known for his comedy but also as a scriptwriter, dialogue writer, and director. He has received a lot of appreciation since his college days which was noticed by Dilip Kumar. He is one of the most senior, versatile and hard-working comedians who has worked in more than 450 movies in Hindi and Urdu. He was an actor and writer, known for Taqdeerwala (1995), Naseeb (1981) and Baap Numbri Beta DusNumbri (1990). He was married to Azra Khan. He died on December 31, 2018 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Age: 81 years
Famous movies: Dulhe Raja, Coolie No. 1, Aankhen, Sooryavansham, Hum Hain Kamal Ke, Hero No. 1, Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni, Aankhiyon Se Gooli Maare, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Sajan Chale Sasural, Amar Akbar Anthony, Bol Radha Bol, Judwaa, Deewana Mastana, and Himmatwala
Awards: Sahitya Shiromani Award, Padma Shri, Best Dialogue (Meri Awaaz Suno and Angaar), and Best Comedian (Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri),
6) Asrani
Anyone who has watched ‘Sholay’ will immediately identify the hilarious jailor in it. That role catapulted Asrani to legendary status. His full name is Govardhan Asrani and he is still entertaining us with the same enthusiasm as before. Asrani completed his professional acting course from Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, and got his break in the movie ‘Hare Kanch ki Choodiyan’ in 1967. But comedy is not only his forte, but Asrani has also played serious roles in films like ‘Mere Apne’. He also sang a song in the movie ‘Alaap’ in 1977 and a duet in the movie ‘Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan’ with Kishore Kumar. He has four sisters and three brothers: two elder and one younger.
Age: 79 years
Famous movies: Namak Haram, Aap Ki Kasam, Ajnabee, Chupke Chupke, Sholay, Nikaah, Himmatwala, Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander, Muqabala, Taqdeerwala, Gharwali Baharwali, Dulhe Raja, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Mehndi, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Ankhiyon Se Gooli Maare, Baghban, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Awards: Shama Sushama Award for Best Comedian (Amhonee), Best Supporting Actor (Abhimaan), and Best Performance in Comic Role (Balika Vadhu)
7) Jagdeep
Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffry known as Jagdeep has one of the oldest associations with the film industry. He stepped in Bollywood as a child artist in BR Chopra’s ‘Afsana’. The year 1957 proved to be a breakthrough for Jagdeep. With Bimal Roy’s movie ‘Do Bigha Zameen’ he began his journey of comic roles. His role as Soorma Bhopali in ‘Sholay’ is has left a mark on our hearts. He is one comedian who can make you laugh without uttering a single word.
Age: 81 years
Famous Movies: Khilona, Bidaai, Sholay, Agent Vinod, Swarg Narak, Shahenshah, Phool aur Kaante, Andaz Apna Apna, Hasina aur Nagina, Bombay To Goa and Gali Gali Chor Hai
Awards: Special Award for Oustanding Contribution to Indian Cinema in 2019
8) Rajendranath
Rajendranath played as a side actor in Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor films, but he was more famous for his comic roles. And he made a remarkable mark of his in this area. His struggle continued till Shashadhar Mukherjee offered him a comic role in 1959 film ‘Dil Deke Dekho’, directed by Nasir Hussain. His funny contrivance pushed the audiences to swim in the pool of laughter. Apart from his legacy in the Hindi film industry, very few are aware of his contribution to Punjabi cinema.
Age: 76 years
Famous Movies: Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai, Mere Sanam, Jeevan Mrityu, Purab and Paschim, Aan Milo Sajna, Dharkan, Prem Rog, and Bol Radha Bol
9) Mehmood
Mehmood Ali, popularly known as Mehmood, was an Indian actor, director, and producer but more known for his comedy. A vast career of more than four decades and 400 movies, Mehmood was a king of comedy in 1960. His laurels are more in a comic role because of his typical Hyderabadi-Urdu accent. ‘Bombay to Goa’, one of the movies he directed, was the first film with Amitabh Bachchan as the male lead. His spontaneity made him the leading comedian of the silver screen. Mehmood and all his six sons acted together in the movie ‘Ek Baap Chhe Bete’ in the year 1978. He is known for his work on Do Phool(1974), Dil TeraDiwana (1962), and Andaz Apna Apna (1994). He died on July 23, 2004 in Pennsylvania, USA.
Age: 72 years
Famous Movies: Andaz Apna Apna, Sabse Bada Rupayia, Salaakhen, Pocket Maar, Waaris, Padosan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Pyar Kiye Ja and Dil Tera Dewana
Awards: Best Supporting Actor Award (Dil Tera Dewana), andBest Comedian Award (Pyar Kiye Ja),
10) Johnny Walker
Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi, who later became popular as Johnny Walker, was a bus conductor before becoming a comedian. Actor BalrajSahni introduced him to Guru Dutt, who was impressed with his screen test as a drunkard and rechristened him ‘Johnny Walker’ after a Scottish whiskey brand. Walker’s comic timing is equaled only by Mehmood to date. He was the first comedian for whom legendary music directors S.D. Burman and O.P. Nayyar composed unforgettable numbers like “Sar Jo Tera Chakraye” and “Ae Dil hai Mushkil”.
Age: 76 years
Famous movies: Mughal-E-Azam, Mere Mehboob, Phool Bane Angarey, Insaaf, Bahu Begum, Mr. and Mrs. 55, Ek Phool Chaar Kaante, Preet Na Jaane Reet, and Chori Chori
Awards: Best Supporting Actor Award (Madhumati), and Best Comedian Award (Shikhar)
11) Sanjay Mishra
He did many commercials and small movie roles before he got the opportunity to stand with Amitabh Bachchan in a Mirinda commercial. His first released movie was Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India! in 1995 in which he played a small part as a harmonium player. He left television serials in 2005 after he got recognition for his role in Bunty Aur Babli and Apna Sapna Money Money. Mishra is known for his comedic roles, although he has played more serious roles in films such as Zameen, Charas, Plan, Satya, and All the Best: Fun Begins.
Age: 56 years
Famous movies: Dil Se, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Jung, Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein, Zameen, Bunty aur Babli, Golmaal, Phas Gaye Re Obama Apna Sapna Money Money, Welcome, Golmaal Returns, All The Best: Fun Begins, Jolly LLB, Masaan, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
Awards: Best Actor in a Comic Role (Phas Gaye Re Obama), and Best Actor for (Aankhon Dekhi)
12) Shakti Kapoor
Shakti Kapoor is one of the most comic actors on the Bollywood screen. Since the start of his career, he has done more than 300 films. He had been often nominated for the Filmfare Award in the most comic performance category. His on-screen pairing with another comic actor Kader Khan as the latter’s son has often led to laughable comedies. His very notable performances include Nandu of the David Dhawan masterpiece Raja Babu. Father of Bollywood actor Siddhant Kapoor and actress Shraddha Kapoor. Brother-in-law of Bollywood actresses Padmini Kolhapure and Tejaswini Kolhapure.
Age: 67 years
Famous Movies: Andaz Apna Apna, Raja Baboo, Hungama, Hulchul, Bhagam Bhag, Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri, Coolie No. 1, Judwaa, Khiladi, Bol Radha Bol, Rajaji, Satte Pe Satta, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega
Awards: Best Actor in a Comic Role (Raja Babu)
13) Javed Jaffrey
His father is the famous comedian Jagdeep. Javed Jaffrey is known for donning various hats: actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, VJ, Emcee, ad filmmaker among others. Javed carries on the tradition of humor with his comedic style. He made his debut in Meri Jung in 1985 in a negative role. His performance in the song “Bol Baby Bol Rock & Roll” showcased his dancing skills. He has acted in over 350 films, both Indian and international, to date, winning awards from SCREEN and IIFA. He dubbed Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Don Karnage in Hindi for Disney; scripted the Hindi version of Disney’s Jungle Book 2 and Pixar The Incredibles along with voicing for the antagonist. His character as Charlie Anna in the first full-fledged commercial animated film Roadside Romeo was highly appreciated. His commentary on the famous Japanese TV show “Takeshi’s Castle” and Ninja Warrior on Pogo TV and Hungama respectively has also garnered a huge fan following with kids and adults. He was also the judge for KWC INDIA (Karaoke World Championships India)with Manasi Scott, music director Raju Singh, Salim Merchant, Sulaiman Merchant, founder and organizer of KWC INDIA, Savio Paul D’sa, Lesle Lewis, Remo Fernandes, and Sunita Rao.
Age: 56 years
Famous movies: Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon, Zakhmi Rooh, Jawani Zindabad, Karm Yodha, Tahalka, Jeena Marna Tere Sang, Ta Ra Rum Pum, 3 Idiots, Dounle Dhamaal, Meri Jung, and Dhamaal
Awards: Best Comedian Award (Salaam Namaste), Best Fim on Social Issues as a Producer (Inshaallah and Football)
14) Arshad Warsi
Before making his acting debut, Warsi associated with the English theatre group in Mumbai served as an assistant director to Mahesh Bhatt in Kaash (1987) and also choreographed a song in Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993). His portrayal of Circuit in the comedy film Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003), and its sequel LageRaho Munna Bhai (2006) for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role marked a turning point in his career. In addition to acting in films, Warsi has hosted the dance show Razzmatazz in 2001, Sabse Favourite Kaun in 2004, and the first season of the reality television show Bigg Boss for which he was awarded the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Anchor – Game/Quiz Show. He starred opposite Karisma Kapoor in the TV serial Karishma – The Miracles of Destiny (2003) and featured as a judge for Zara Nach ke Dikha in 2010. Warsi is married to Maria Goretti since 1999 with whom he has two children.
Age: 52 years
Famous Movies: Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Hulchul, Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya?, Jolly LLB, Ishqiya, Sehar, Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, Dhamaal, Dedh Ishqiya, and Zila Ghaziabab
Award: Best Actor in Comic Role (Munnabhai M.B.B.S.), Best Comedian Award (Hulchul), Best Performance in Comic Role (Lage Raho Munna Bhai), Best Supporting Actor (Lage Raho Munna Bhai), Best Supporting Actor (Ishqiya), Most Entertaining Actor in a Comedy Film (Jolly LLB), Best Performance in a Comic Role (Jolly LLB)
15) Nana Patekar
Indian film actor and writer, philanthropist, and filmmaker, mainly working in Hindi and Marathi cinema. He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Parinda” (1989). He then won the Filmfare Best Villain Award for his role in “Angaar” (1992). In 1995, he won the National Film Award for Best Actor as well as the Filmfare and the Screen awards for Best Actor for his role in “Krantiveer” (1994). He also won his second Filmfare Best Villain Award for his role in “Apaharan” (2005). In 2017 he won the Filmfare Marathi award for best actor for his performance in “Natsamrat”. He is the only actor ever to win Filmfare Award for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Villain categories. He was bestowed with the fourth highest civilian honor of India, the Padma Shri award for his dedication in the field of Films and Arts. Patekar did some playback singing in the films “Yeshwant” (1997), “Wajood” (1998), and “Aanch”(2003). Patekar is known for his simple lifestyle and his generosity in donating to charities. He contributed money towards the rebuilding of the flood-ravaged villages in Bihar through the charitable organization Anubhuthi and many more.
Age: 69 years
Famous movies: Ab Tak Chappan, Rajneeti, Taxi No. 9 2 11, Krantiveer, Welcome, The Attacks of 26/11, Apaharan, Prahaar, Kohram, Angaar, Tirangaa, Paathshala, and Mohre
Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Parinda), Best Actor (Krantiveer), Best Villain Award (Angaar), Best Villain Award (Apaharan), Best Actor (Dr. Prakash Baba Amte – The Real Hero), Best Actor (Ab Tak Chappan), and Best Villain – Male (Kaala)
16) Shreyas Talpade
Talpade began his acting career appearing in Marathi soap operas and doing stage shows across Maharashtra. He also appeared in the Zee TV soap opera “Woh”(1997) in which he was the main lead. He has also acted in mini-serials for the production “Adhikari Brothers”. His role, in a very popular Marathi serial Damini, as the character Tejas was very popular among Marathi audiences. Fame arrived after he made his Bollywood debut in Nagesh Kukunoor’s Iqbal which was written by Vipul K Rawal in which he played the role of a deaf & mute youngster aspiring to be a cricketer. The film and his performance were well received by both audiences and critics. His next film was Kukunoor’s Dor in which he played the comic role of a behroopiya, a man with many disguises. This film was also well received by critics. In 2006, he starred in the comedy, Apna Sapna Money Money. In 2007, he starred in Farah Khan’s blockbuster movie, Om Shanti Om, with Shah Rukh Khan, where he played the role of Pappu Master. In 2008, he was seen in Kukunoor’s cross-cultural comedy film, Bombay To Bangkok. He also produced a Marathi film, “Sanai Chaughade”, which was released the same year. His most recent movies are Shyam Benegal’s Welcome to Sajjanpur, along with Golmaal Returns, Golmaal again and Sangeeth Sivan’s horror flick. Shreyas has produced a Marathi film, titled “Poshter Boyz”, under his home production banner, Affluence Movies. The Marathi film Poshter Boyz was remade in Hindi as Poster Boys and Shreyas made his directorial debut with this film which released on 8 September 2017. The film stars Shreyas himself along with Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.
Age: 44 years
Famous movies: Iqbal, Apna Sapna Money Money, Dor, Om Shanti Om, Welcome To Sajjanpur, Golmaal Returns, Golmaal 3, Housefull 2, Entertainment, and Golmaal Again
Awards: Best Male Debut Award (Iqbal), Best Actor (Iqbal), Best Breakthrough Performance Award (Om Shanti Om), and Best Supporting Actor Award (Om Shanti Om)
17) Om Puri
Puri’s first film was “ChorChorChhupja”, a children’s film. During this time, to make ends meet he also worked at the Actors’ Studio, where future actors such as Gulshan Grover and Anil Kapoor would be his students. Puri made his debut in the mainstream films genre in the 1976 Marathi film GhashiramKotwal, based on a Marathi play of the same name by Vijay Tendulkar. It was directed by K. Hariharan and Mani Kaul in cooperation with 16 graduates of the FTII. He has claimed that he was paid “peanuts” for his best work. He was critically acclaimed for his performances in many unconventional roles such as a victimized tribal in Aakrosh (1980); Jimmy’s manager in Disco Dancer (1982); a police inspector in Ardh Satya (1982), for which he got the National Film Award for Best Actor; a humble husband in Seepeeyan (1984).In 1999, Puri acted in a Kannada film A.K. 47 as a strict police officer who tries to keep the city safe from the underworld—it became a huge commercial hit. Puri’s acting in the film is memorable. He rendered his voice for the Kannada dialogues. Puri had a cameo in the highly acclaimed film Gandhi (1982, directed by Richard Attenborough). He became known internationally by starring in many British films such as My Son the Fanatic (1997), East Is East (1999), and The Parole Officer (2001). He appeared in Hollywood films including City of Joy (1992), opposite Patrick Swayze; Wolf (1994) with Jack Nicholson; and The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) opposite Val Kilmer.
Age: 66 years
Famous movies: Ghayal, Narsimha, Karm Yodha, Kartvya, Prem Granth, Ghatak, Ram aur Shyam, Talaashi, Zameer, Gupt, Chachi 420, Vinashak, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, Hera Pheri, Kunwara, Kurukshetra, Farz, Kranti, Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai, Awara Pagal Deewana, Chor Machaye Shor, Yuva, Aan: Men At Work, Lakshya, Chup Chup Ke, Don: The Chase Begins Again, Rangeela, Sing Is Kinng, Dabangg, and Agneepath
Awards: Best Supporting Actor Award (Aakrosh), Best Actor (Arohan), Best Actor (Ardh Satya), Brussels International Film Festival Best Actor Award for My Son The Fanatic, Padma Shri, Grand Prix Special, and Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
18) Kapil Sharma
Kapil Sharma the most popular Indian television personality in April 2016. Forbes India ranked him at 11th position in their Celebrity 100 list in the year 2016. Forbes India ranked him at 18th position in their Celebrity 100 list in the year 2017 with an income of Rs.48 crore. In 2013, he was awarded the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year in the Entertainment category, and was ranked third in the Most Admired Indian Personality List by The Economic Times in 2015. Sharma was nominated for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Pranab Mukherjee in September 2015 to acknowledge his contribution for the same. Kapil rose to fame after winning the comedy reality television show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2007, for which he won a cash prize of INR ₹10 lakh. He had previously worked in the Punjabi show Hasde Hasande Ravo on MH One channel. Sharma on the sets of Comedy Nights with Kapil in 2013, He participated in Sony’s Comedy Circus and went on to win six seasons of the show. He also hosted the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 6 and another comedy show Chhote Miyan. Kapil was seen as a contestant in the show Ustaadon Ka Ustaad in 2008. In 2013, Kapil launched his show, Comedy Nights with Kapil, under his banner K9 Productions on Colors.
Age: 39 years
Famous Movies: Kis Kisko Pyaar Karu and Firangi
Awards: Best Actor Comedy, CNN-IBN Entertainment of the Year, Best Comedy Show (Comedy Nights With Kapil)
19) Vijay Raaz
His breakthrough came when he played the role of Dubey Ji in the movie Monsoon Wedding in 2001. Raaz has been cast in small, often comedic roles in many Hindi movies, often depicting the character of a common man. In 2014, he debuted as a director with Kya Dilli Kya Lahore. He decided to focus on a film career and moved to Mumbai where he bagged a small but significant role in Ram Gopal Varma’s Jungle. Naseeruddin Shah had seen him perform at the NSD and recommended him to Mahesh Mathai for Bhopal Express and Mira Nair for Monsoon Wedding. After the success of Monsoon Wedding, Raaz received many roles. His first mainstream film cast as the leading actor was Raghu Romeo, a box office success where Raaz depicts the life of a confused lower-class Indian fellow. Raaz garnered massive recognition for his comedic role in the 2004 film Run. In 2011, he played a ruthless gangster in Delhi Belly. His gruff baritone voice makes Raaz a much sought after Voice-Over artist too. He has lent his voice to various films and ad commercials.
Age: 56 years
Famous movies: Company, Shakti – The Power, Road, Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne, Run, Welcome, Delhi 6, Gali Gali Chor Hai, Dedh Isqiya, Stree, Gully Boy, and Dream Girl
Awards: Best Actor (Raghu Romeo)
20) Annu Kapoor
Kapoor began his career as a stage actor in 1979 and was noticed in 1984’s Ek Ruka Hua Faisla, directed by Basu Chatterjee and written by elder brother Ranjeet. Annu made his film debut in Mandi, (directed by Shyam Benegal) in 1983. His career has spanned over 30 years, including Bollywood cinema, television serials, and game shows. Kapoor is best remembered for hosting the singing show Close-Up Antakshari, produced by Zee TV. His performance as an obsessive-compulsive sperm-bank physician in 2012’s Vicky Donor met with critical and popular acclaim. He worked in the horror TV serial Kile ka Rahasya (1989) as a cop who fond of singing. Kapoor has also appeared in Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. In 2007, Antakshari – The National Challenge was relaunched on Star One. The previous year, its “final” episode was telecast; the program’s initial run was from 1993 to 2006. His range of roles varies from portrayal as Saint Kabir in DD National TV serial of the same name, as Mahatma Gandhi in Sardar and Veer Savarkar in KaalaPani, to police inspector in 7 Khoon Maaf, a petty thief in Utsav to comedic villain in Hum. The Golden Era – With Annu Kapoor on the Mastiii channel is a nostalgia TV show about Indian cinema, adorned with classical era’s Hindi film songs and commentary by Annu Kapoor on unheard tales of Bollywood Cinema’s Legends. Currently, he does a radio program on 92.7 Big FM called “Suhaana Safar with Annu Kapoor on 92.7 Big FM.
Age: 64 years
Famous movies: Betaab, Mashaal, Mr. India, Diljala, Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Ghayal, Jamai Raja, Waqt Hamara Hai, Kachche Dhaage, Hum Kisise Kum Nahi, Aitraaz, 7 Khoon Maaf, Vicky Donor, Jolly LLB 2, and Dream Girl
Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Vicky Donor), Best Comedian (Vicky Donor)
21) Riteish Deshmukh
Riteish Deshmukh has starred in many commercially successful films such as Kya KoolHai Hum, Bluffmaster!, Malamaal Weekly, Heyy Babyy, Dhamaal, Housefull, Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya, Housefull 2, Grand Masti, Ek Villain, and Housefull3. Riteish made his debut as a film producer with the Marathi success Balak Palak, directed by Ravi Jadhav. The following year he made his acting debut in Marathi cinema with the action film Lai Bhaari. In 2014, Deshmukh appeared in 2 completely different roles; first in the romance-comedy film Humshakals, which was a box office failure and then in the romance-thriller Ek Villain. With Ek Villain, Riteish made his debut as an antagonist (villain), acting a part like this for the first time. Ek Villain was a box office success.
Age: 41 years
Famous movies: Masti, Kyaa Kool Hain Hum, Apna Sapna Money Money, Heyy Babyy, Dhamaal, Housefull, and Ek Villain
Awards: Best Comedian (Masti), Best Supporting Actor (Kya Kool Hain Hum), Best Performance in Comic Role (Housefull), Best Performance in Comic Role (Double Dhamaal), Most Entertaining Actor of the Year (Ek Villain), and Best Performance in Negative Role (Ek Villain)
22) Satish Kaushik
Satish Kaushik started his career as an assistant director to Shekhar Kapoor in the film Masoom (1983). He acted, wrote the dialogue, and assistant directed the cult classic satire Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron in the same year, reuniting with several of his college alumni at both FTII and NSD. His first film as a director was Sridevi’s Roop Ki Rani ChoronKa Raja (1993). His second was Prem (1995), which was supposed to be Tabu’s inaugural film. He continued to make films and got his first hit with Hum Aapke Dil Mein RehteHain in 1999. He is well known for his role as “Calendar” in the hit film Mr. India, alongside Anil Kapoor and Sridevi. He also was noted for his character of “Pappu Pager” in the comedy Deewana Mastana (1997), directed by his friend David Dhawan. He co-wrote and anchored a TV countdown show, Philips Top Ten, for which he won the Screen Videocon Award. In 2005, Kaushik directed Arjun Rampal, Amisha Patel, and Zayed Khan in Vaada. In 2007 Kaushik, together with Anupam Kher, who had been his batchmate at NSD, launched a new film company called Karol Bagh Productions. His next work is based on the life of Tansen, one of the Navaratna in Akbar the Great’s court. The role of Tansen will be played by Abhishek Bachchan, and the soundtrack will be composed by Ravindra Jain. The script for the film is being finished. He was cast in the lead role of SAB TV’s new show The Great Indian Family Drama, produced by Contiloe Productions, as Nawaab Jung Bahadur.
Age: 64 years
Famous movies: Mr. India, Ram Lakhan, Prem Pratigyaa, Swarg, Jamai Raja, Andaz, Saajan Chale Sasural, Deewana Mastana, Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi, Aunty No. 1, Gharwali Baharwali, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Hum Aapke Dil Me Rehte Hain, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Hadh Kar Di Aapne, Kyo Kii.. Main Jhooth Ni Bolta, Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?, Double Dhamaal, Udta Punjab, Baaghi 3
Awards: Best Comic Actor (Pardesi Babu), Best Comic Actor (Saajan Chale Sasural), and Best Comic Actor (Ram Lakhan)
Which is the best comedian from Bollywood, according to you? Let us know in the comments section!
