Top Bollywood Comedians Who Left Us In Splits With Their Performances
Posted On: 02 Nov 2021 | Last Updated : 21 Jul 2022 | Views : 2.1k
Comedy isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. One must have good comic timing and a unique sense of humour to be a good comedian. If laughter is considered to be the best medicine, then the one who makes you laugh is the best doctor and not everyone is talented enough to make you laugh. However, Indian cinema has made it look much easier as Bollywood has been blessed with several comedians that made their ways in industries over the years and made their audience chuckle with their unique styles and have graced the Hindi cinema with their acting skills. Let’s check these famous Bollywood comedians, who never failed to tickle your funny bone with their mere presence on the silver screen.
1. Johnny Lever
One of the first stand-up comedians of India, Johnny Lever, has appeared in around 300 films. He started his career in Bollywood with the 1981 film Yeh Rishta Na Tootay. Since then, he has never failed to entertain people with his inborn skills and unique talent. He has received thirteen nominations in Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role and bagged the award twice for his work in Deewana Mastana (1997) and Dulhe Raja (1998). He is best known for his work in movies like Kishen Kanhaiya (1990), Khiladi (1992), Anari (1993), Baazigar (1993), Karan Arjun (1995), Raja Hindustani (1996), Judaai (1997), Koi Mil Gaya (2003), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Golmaal 3 (2010) and many more.
2. Asrani
Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, is one of the best Indian actors who has appeared in several character and comic roles in the career span of over five decades. Anyone who has watched Sholay would recognize him as the hilarious jailor. The role gave him the status of legendary actor. He got his break in Bollywood in the 1967 movie Hare Kanch Ki Choodiyan. Comedy is not his only forte as he has also appeared in serious roles. However, he climbed the ladder of success mainly by his comic roles. He is best known for his comic roles in movies like Chupke Chupke (1975), Chhoti Si Baat (1976), Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999), Hera Pheri (2000), Dhamaal (2007), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), and Bol Bachchan (2012).
3. I. S. Johar
The excellent comedian of Bollywood, I. S. Johar started his acting career in Bollywood with the 1949 action-comedy drama Ek Thi Ladki. He is best known for his work in crime action drama Johny Mera Naam (1970), in which he played triple roles – Pehle Ram, Dooja Ram, Teeja Ram and won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role. Other important movies of his career include Bewaqoof (1960), Johar-Mehmood in Goa (1965), Johar in Bombay (1967), Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong (1971), Banarasi Babu (1973), Kashmakash (1973) and Guru Ho Jaa Shuru (1979).
4. Johnny Walker
Born as Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi, Johnny Walker was a bus conductor before making it big in the Indian film industry. He was spotted by actor Balraj Sahni while he was working for Hulchul (1951). Balraj Sahni was amused by Badruddin’s talents and asked him to show his drunkard act to Guru Dutt. The meeting helped him gain a role in Baazi (1951), and it was Guru Dutt who gave him the name of Johnny Walker, a famous brand of Scotch whisky, after his drunkard act. There was no turning back then after. He became a respectable actor and acted in over 300 films. His best works include Taxi Driver (1954), C.I.D. (1956), Chori Chori (1956), Naya Daur (1957), Pyaasa (1957), Madhumati (1958), Mere Mehboob (1963), and Chachi 420 (1997).
5. Kader Khan
Kader Khan, the film actor and screenwriter, is one of the most successful comedians of Bollywood. He has acted in over 300 Bollywood films after his debut in the 1973 film Daag, starring Rajesh Khanna in the lead role. He started with small supporting roles but later, started appearing in a variety of lengthy character roles. His first attempt in comedy was in the 1983 film Himmatwala starring Jeetendra and Sridevi. It was followed by his other comedy roles in movies like Aaj Ka Daur (1985), Bol Radha Bol (1992), Coolie No. 1 (1995), Aunty No. 1 (1998), Dulhe Raja (1998), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Chalo Ishq Ladaaye (2002) and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004).
6. Mehmood Ali
Mehmood Ali, magnanimously known as Mehmood, is known as India’s national comedian for his contribution in the Indian film industry. In a career span of over four decades, he has acted in over 300 Hindi films. He started with small unnoticeable roles before appearing in pivotal roles in movies. Mehmood’s laurels were more in comic roles because of his Hyderabadi Urdu accent. He was a respectable actor who was so good with his work that many times leading actors rejected the film because Mehmood’s presence in the movie diminished theirs. His best works include Dil Tera Deewana (1962), Pyar Kiye Ja (1966), Patthar Ke Sanam (1967), Padosan (1968), Waris (1969), Pocketmaar (1974), Salaakhen (1975), Sabse Bada Rupaiya (1976), and Andaz Apna Apna (1994).
7. Mukri
Mukri, the Indian film actor, started his career in Bollywood with Pratima (1945) alongside actor Dilip Kumar. Dilip Kumar and Mukri were schoolmates in the past and later worked together in many movies. With his toothless smile and perfect comic timing, he never failed to amuse the audiences. He has acted in over 600 films in a long career of six decades. His most notable works include Kala Pani (1958), Milan (1967), Gopi (1970), Bombay to Goa (1972), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Naseeb (1981), Coolie (1983), and Mahaan (1983).
8. Paresh Rawal
The notable Indian actor, Paresh Rawal, made us laugh our lungs out with his role as Babu Bhaiya in the 2000 cult classic Hera Pheri. It was his acting that became the key reason for the success of the film nationwide. The actor started his career with the action-drama Arjun (1985), and appeared in several villainous roles and character roles before venturing into comedy. Some of his best works include Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Awara Pagal Deewana (2002), Hulchul (2004), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Bhool Bhulaiya (2007), Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010), OMG – Oh My God! (2012), and Coolie No. 1 (2020).
9. Rajpal Yadav
If at all there would be a list of top 10 Bollywood comedians of all time, the iconic comedian Rajpal Yadav would surely fit in it. The actor started his career with a television show and finally got a break in Bollywood in the 1999 film Shool. Rajpal Yadav appeared in several negative roles during the start of his career, however, he preferred comic roles. His role in the 2006 comedy drama Chup Chup Ke gained him huge popularity when one of his dialogues - Mujhe sab aata hai, Main expert hu, from the film became a viral meme. His best works include Hungama (2003), Waqt: The Race against Time (2005), Garam Masala (2005), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Dhol (2007), Judwaa 2 (2017) and Coolie No. 1 (2020).
10. Shakti Kapoor
Shakti Kapoor, born as Sunil Kapoor was spotted by Sunil Dutt while he was making Rocky (1981) and casted him as the antagonist in the movie. It was Sunil Dutt who suggested that he should change the name to Shakti Kapoor to get the villainous stint. He started his acting career in Bollywood with the 1975 film Ranjit Khanal. During the start of his career, he mostly appeared in villainous roles but in the 1990s he was often seen in positive comic roles. His best movies include Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri (1990), Bol Radha Bol (1992), Raja Babu (1994), Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Judwaa (1997), Hungama (2003), Chup Chup Ke (2006) and Bhagam Bhag (2006).
11. Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher, the recipient of several awards, holds the record for winning the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian five times. He started his career with the 1984 film Saaransh directed by Mahesh Bhatt. He usually appeared in small unnoticeable roles during his initial years in Bollywood. It was the 1989 multi-starrer action-drama Ram Lakhan that gave him wide recognition, which helped him to get lengthy character roles in the movies. He is best known for his comedic roles in movies like Lamhe (1991), Khel (1992), Darr (1993), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000), Mohabbatein (2000) and Main Tera Hero (2014).
12. Jagdeep
Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey, better known as Jagdeep, is best known for playing the character Soorma Bhopali in the 1975 blockbuster film Sholay. Inspired by the character he directed the movie Soorma Bhopali with his character as the protagonist. The actor started his career as a child artist in B. R. Chopra’s Afsana (1951). He was then launched as a leading actor in films like Bhabhi, Barkha and Bindiya. He was established as a comedian with the 1968 film Brahmachari. His other notable works include Nagina (1986), Kroadh (1990), Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Andaz Apna Apna (1994), and Parwana (2003).
13. Deven Verma
Deven Verma, the Indian actor, was particularly known for his comic roles. The actor started his acting career in Bollywood with the 1961 film Dharmputra. He won Filmfare Best Comedian Award thrice for the movies – Chori Mera Kaam (1975), Chor Ke Ghar Chor (1978), and Angoor (1982). Many may not know but this notable comedian is related to the veteran Bollywood actor Ashok Kumar. Deven Verma married Ashok Kumar’s daughter Rupa Ganguly and became a part of the famous Bollywood Ganguly family. His other works include Yakeen (1969), Nadaan (1971), and Andaz Apna Apna (1994).
14. Utpal Dutt
Utpal Dutt, an Indian actor, director and playwright, was a pioneer figure of Modern Indian Theatre. He was spotted by filmmaker Madhu Bose while performing a role in the play ‘Othello’ that helped him to bag the lead role in Michael Madhusudan (1950). He became extremely famous over the time with his comedic roles. He won three Filmfare Awards in Best Comedian category for the films – Gol Maal (1980), Naram Garam (1982) and Rang Birangi (1984). His other notable works include Guddi (1971), Shaukeen (1982), and Hamari Bahu Alka (1982).
15. Paintal
Kanwarjit Paintal, magnanimously known as Paintal, is an Indian actor and comedian. Paintal came to the B-Town (Mumbai) in 1969 and started his acting career in Bollywood with the 1970 film Umang. He started off as a comic actor and then started teaching acting. His important works include Jawani Diwani (1972), Bawarchi (1972), Piya Ka Ghar (1972), Parichay (1972), Jangal Mein Mangal (1972), Heera Panna (1973), Roti (1974), Rafoo Chakkar (1975), and Satte Pe Satta (1982). One of his notable roles was Champak Bhoomia in Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973), and his role in the film played an important part in the success of the film. He won Filmfare Award for Best Performance in Comic role twice for the films Bawarchi (1973) and Chala Murari Hero Banne (1978).
16. Om Prakash
Om Prakash was one of the Indian actors who had the longest career span in Bollywood. He appeared in over 300 films in his career span of over five decades. He started his career as a leading man in movies like Dus Lakh (1966), Annadata (1972), and Charandas (1977). He later appeared in pivotal character roles; however, he is best known for his roles in comedy films. One cannot forget his work in movies like Howrah Bridge (1958), Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966), Padosan (1968), Sadhu Aur Shaitaan (1968), Dil Daulat Duniya (1972), Chupke Chupke (1975), Namak Halal (1982), Naukar Biwi Ka (1983), Sharaabi (1984) and Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986).
17. Keshto Mukherjee
Many must remember Keshto Mukherjee as a drunkard in movies like Zanjeer (1973), Aap Ki Kasam (1974) and Sholay (1975). Despite being a teetotaller throughout his life, this iconic comedian was famous for his drunkard typecast roles in Hindi films. He appeared in several movies and never failed to entertain the audience with his natural talent. He is best known for his goofy comic roles in movies like Padosan (1968), Maa Aur Mamta (1970), Bombay to Goa (1972), Parichay (1972), Chupke Chupke (1975), and Khubsoorat (1980).
18. Satish Kaushik
Satish Kaushik, an Indian film actor and director, is best known for his comedic roles as ‘Calendar’ in Shekhar Kapur directed Mr. India (1987) and ‘Pappu Pager’ in David Dhawan’s Deewana Mastana (1997). He started his acting career in Bollywood with the 1983 black comedy Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, and thereafter, he appeared in several character roles. However, it was comic roles that gave him the recognition. He has won Filmfare Best Comedian Award twice for the movies – Ram Lakhan (1990) and Saajan Chale Sasural (1997). His other important movies include Joshilaay (1989), Jamai Raja (1990), Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi (1997), Hadh Kardi Aapne (2000), Do Knot Disturb (2009) and many more.
19. Ravi Baswani
Ravi Baswani, a well-known Indian film actor, has acted in around 30 films in the career span of three decades. He is best known for his comic timing. He made his Bollywood debut with Chashme Buddoor in 1981. The film was commercially successful and helped him to gain the status of best comedians of Bollywood. His other important movies include Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), his role in the movie earned him Filmfare Best Comedian Award. This was followed by his comic roles in Ab Aayega Mazaa (1984), Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994), Chhota Chetan (1998), and Bunty Aur Babli (2005).
20. Gope
One of the first comedians of Hindi cinema, Gope, is also stated to be one of Hindi cinema’s most popular comedians. He has appeared in around 150 films in the career span of twenty-four years. His comic roles helped him garner the praises of critics and audience and soon he became the leading comedian of Bollywood. He became famous for lip-syncing the famous song – ‘Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon’ from Patanga (1949). His most notable works include Gopinath (1948), Bazar (1949), Beqasoor (1949), Sagai (1951) and Chori Chori (1956).
21. Rajendra Nath
Younger brother of Prem Nath, Rajendra Nath played the quintessential friend of the hero on-screen who often supported him to win his love interest and generate a few laughs. After doing a bit of theatre Rajendra Nath made his acting debut in Nasir Hussain’s Shammi Kapoor starrer Dil Deke Dekho in 1959. His character of Popat Lal in Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai was one of his most notable works while he made us laugh uncontrollably in films like Rajkumar, Janwar, An Evening in Paris, Jhuk Gaya Aasman, Jeevan Mrityu, The Train, etc.
