Entertainment
Ten Best Bollywood Actors of All Time
Many actors come and go, but not every actor remains in the memory of the audience. Only a very few such actors’ legacies stand the test of time.
The debate as to who is the best Bollywood actor will always remain a subjective topic, as many Bollywood fans will readily go for Amitabh Bachchan whenever the million-dollar question resurfaces, while Shah Rukh Khan’s devotees will always beg to differ. Other great actors such as Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, and Salman Khan each have their own strong cases to be considered the best of the lot.
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This list tries to be as objective as possible to make a countdown of the ten best Bollywood actors based on longevity, versatility, movie reception by critics, and their influence among the most important parameters to come up with our distinct list of Hindi cinema’s finest.
- NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, born in May 1974, is an Indian actor known for his versatility, who was once a science student. After graduating from Gurukul Kangri University with a BSc in Chemistry, he started as a chemist before leaving his job to consider acting. He participated in many plays in his bid to get admission into the prestigious National School of Drama in New Delhi. Siddiqui graduated from the National School of Drama in 1999 and relocated to Mumbai, where he started appearing in minor roles.
Siddiqui’s big break would have to wait until 2012, when he played an ill-tempered intelligence officer in the movie Kahaani—a performance received with critical acclaim. And as if that was not enough to prove his worth or argument as a great performer, his appearance in the gangster epic drama Gangs of Wasseypur in the same year cemented him as a legendary Bollywood star. From there onwards, Siddiqui went on with a more impressive catalogue, receiving many accolades along the way.
Among the many trophies awarded to the Budhana, Uttar Pradesh actor are the National Film Award, IIFA Award, two Filmfare Awards, and a nomination for the International Emmy Award. Siddiqui’s versatility ranged from comedy to horror, gangster, officer, caring father, and abusive husband. He tied the knot with a woman named Anjali, who later went by the name Aaliyah Siddique. Together, they have two children.
- RANBIR KAPOOR
The son of actors Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, Ranbir rose through the ranks of the acting family, and without overstating his efforts and skills, he made a name for himself throughout his acting journey. With seven Filmfare Awards to his name so far, one can only watch Ranbir’s remarkable performances in awe. Over his short film career, Kapoor’s boldness is what set him apart from his peers. Through his eccentric and challenging film roles, one can simply argue that not even the finest actors that graced the screen before him could take on the roles he took with ease—and in doing so, he became great.
Kapoor was born in 1982 and kick-started his career in 2007. In addition to his seven Filmfare Awards, he is also the recipient of the Critics Award for Best Actor. He is one of the best-paid actors in Bollywood. He married fellow actress Alia Bhatt in 2022, and together they share a daughter.
- DILIP KUMAR
Dilip Kumar was one of the first known method actors in Indian cinema. He was dubbed the Emperor of Acting due to his total dominance over the industry in the 1950s and ’60s. Kumar’s early romantic roles, coupled with his later portrayals of elderly characters, cemented his status as India’s greatest method actor. A record-setter, Kumar had the most Filmfare Award wins by a male actor, with eight—a record later equaled by Shah Rukh Khan. He also received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. Some of his notable works include Saudagar, Shabnam, Tarana, Yahudi, and Leader, among others. Kumar married twice—first to actress Saira Banu and later to Asma Rehman. He was also a member of Parliament from 2000 to 2006. Kumar died on 7 July 2021 at the age of 98.
- ANIL KAPOOR
Anil Kapoor is one of the few actors in Bollywood to have achieved success in Hollywood. The son of actor Surinder Kapoor, he also rose from a well-known acting family and went on to carve his name among the finest actors of his generation. A versatile actor, his acting ranged from comedy to serious action and political roles, and he also equally excelled in negative roles. The Hollywood movie Slumdog Millionaire, in which Kapoor made his Hollywood debut, went on to receive eight Academy Awards from ten nominations. He later appeared in another movie, Mission: Impossible—Ghost Protocol. Kapoor’s versatility goes beyond acting, with a number of acclaimed productions. His notable works include Awaargi, Jamai Raja, Who Saat Din, Mashaal, Yudh, Saaheb, and Meri Jung. Kapoor’s daughter, Sonam, was also an Indian film actress before she retired.
- DEV ANAND
Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand, simply known as Dev Anand, is an Indian actor, producer, director, and writer. Anand, a known and acclaimed actor whose versatility, consistency, and longevity spanned over six decades, was honored by the Indian government with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour. Anand first obtained a degree in English before serving in the military and later, alongside his brother, at the People’s Theatre Association, before his big break as an actor. Some of his most acclaimed works include: Baazi, Jaal, Taxi Driver, Insaniyat, Johny Mera Naam. Anand married actress Kalpana Kartik in 1954, and together they had two children, including actor Suneil Anand. He died in 2011 from cardiac arrest.
- AKSHAY KUMAR
Akshay Kumar is the king of versatility. His versatility knows no bounds. A stuntman and a true action star who excels in comedy and serious roles, Kumar is known for his hard work and dangerous stunt work. His accolades include two Filmfare Awards and two National Film Awards. Kumar is also known to engage himself in several film projects simultaneously, which explains why he always has the highest number of films per year among the Bollywood top guns.
Kumar appeared in the Forbes list of highest-paid celebrities and highest-paid actors in the world. Some of his most acclaimed works include: Khiladi, Jaanwar, Andaaz, Baby, Gabbar Is Back, and Rustom. Kumar has been married to Twinkle Khanna since 2001. Together they share two daughters.
- SALMAN KHAN
Film scholars and aficionados, as well as movie freaks alike, always point out a distinction between great actors and movie stars. Such is the case with actor Salman Khan, who is arguably the biggest movie star of his generation. Whenever the discussion of the greatest actor arises, names such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan always come to mind. Talk about a movie star, and Salman Khan’s image will always resurface, no matter how congested the industry might be and no matter the competition. Aside from acting, Khan is also a film producer and television personality. Khan dated many of his female co-stars; at the time of writing, Khan is still single. He won two National Film Awards for film production and another two Filmfare Awards for acting, among many accolades throughout his illustrious career. His most acclaimed roles include: Saajan, Karan Arjun, Wanted, Dabangg, Ready, Ek Tha Tiger, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
- AAMIR KHAN
Aamir Hussain Khan is another actor on this list who was honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan titles by the Indian government for his outstanding career in a variety of film genres. The media dubbed him Mr. Perfectionist for his extraordinary portrayals of different memorable characters. Almost all his films—but a few—are box-office hits, including Ghajini, 3 Idiots, Dhoom: 3, PK, and Dangal, among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Khan won nine Filmfare Awards, four National Film Awards, and also the Filmfare Award for Best Director. Khan has three children from two marriages.
- AMITABH BACHCHAN
Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most popular actor in Hindi cinema. Bachchan is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors for his strong leading roles, commercially successful films, and, of course, his longevity. Bachchan’s ridiculous accolades include six National Film Awards and sixteen Filmfare Awards. A member of parliament from 1984 to 1987, Bachchan’s most acclaimed films include: Namak Haraam, Agneepath, Aakhree Raasta, Shahenshah and Yaarana.
- SHAH RUKH KHAN
Dubbed as the King of Bollywood, and it goes without saying—he is indeed the King of Bollywood. Khan’s massive cult following on many continents and his media appeal over many decades can never be exaggerated. India’s most bankable star with a net worth estimated at over \$800 million. Different magazines have named the actor and film producer as the most influential celebrity year after year. Khan’s 14 Filmfare Awards from 30 nominations is the stuff of legend. He was also awarded the Padma Shri title by the Indian government. Khan’s most notable works include Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Mohabbatein, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Devdas, and My Name Is Khan. Khan has three children with his wife, Gauri Khan.
