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TOP 13 Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time

TOP 13 Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time

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Many people from all over the world are obsessed with movies and love Bollywood celebrities. Billions of Indians share an overwhelming obsession with Bollywood actors. The feeling of love that Bollywood actors receive in India is incomparable. The insane fandom that these Indian celebrities have is truly incredible. These are the actors whose films not only received critical acclaim but also grossed a lot of money. These are the Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time who’ve already made an indelible mark on their fans’ hearts via their work in the Indian film industry. Some of these actors may have passed on to a better place, and yet their works live on in the minds of their fans.

Let’s take a look at some of the greatest Indian actors of all time, as voted by the public.

Nargis Dutt

Nargis Dutt
Nargis Dutt

Nargis Dutt was a Bollywood actress and politician from India and is one of the Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time. She is recognized as one of the greatest actresses in Indian cinema history, having made her screen debut in a small role at the age of 5 with Talash-E-Haq, and yet her acting career started with the film Tamanna.

Nargis featured in different hugely successful as well as successful movies throughout her three-decade career, many of which starred her along with actor Raj Kapoor. She has been the younger sister of Anwar Hussain, a well-known actor. Her most well-known role was Radha in the Academy Award-nominated Mother India, for which she received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. During the 1960s, she appeared in only a few films.

This stunning comedienne is one of the most well-known names in Bollywood. Her performances in films such as Mother India and Awara have received widespread acclaim.

Notable films include Mother India, Awara, and Shree 420.

Raj Kapoor

Raj Kapoor
Raj Kapoor

Raj Kapoor (December 14, 1924, Peshawar, India [now in Pakistan]—June 2, 1988, New Delhi), Indian film actor and director whose Hindi-language movies were popular in India, the Middle East, the Soviet Union, and China.

In the 1930s, Kapoor worked as just a clapper-boy for the Bombay Talkies and also as an actor for Prithvi Theatres, both of which his father, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, owned. Aag (1948; “Fire”) was Raj Kapoor’s first major film role, which he produced and directed.  In 1950, he established his own Bombay film studio, and the following year, he attained love stardom in Awara (1951; “The Vagabond” or “The Tramp”).

He also appeared in films such as Barsaat (1949; “Rain,” or “The Monsoons”), Shree 420 (1955; “Mister 420”), Jagte Raho (1956; “Stay Awake,” “A Night in the City,” or “Under Cover of Night”), but also Mera Naam Joker (1970; “My Name Is Joker”), for where he also wrote, produced, as well as directed. His two brothers as well as three sons appeared in some of the movies he directed.

Despite playing lead characters in his early films, Kapoor’s best-known characters were based on Charlie Chaplin’s poor but honest tramp. The use of sexual imagery frequently defied traditional Indian film standards. Many of his movie songs went on to become musical hits. On May 2, 1988, while receiving the highest honor in the Indian film industry, Kapoor did suffer an acute asthma attack but also collapsed; he did die one month later.

Notable films include Awara, Shree 420, Mera Naam Joker

Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar
Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar, the Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time, was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan on December 11, 1922, in Peshawar, British India, now in Pakistan. He died July 7, 2021, in Mumbai, India), and is a legendary Bollywood actor. He excelled in a variety of roles due to his low-key, naturalistic acting style. He was known for his good looks, deep voice, and fine accent, in addition to his acting abilities.

Kumar was born into a 12-child Pashtun family. He moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) and decided to work in a British army canteen, in which he was noticed by Devika Rani, a leading actress at the time, but also her husband, Himanshu Rai, who hired him to act for their film company, Bombay Talkies.

Kumar began acting in the 1944 film Jwar Bhatta, but it wasn’t until just several years later, in the film Jugnu, as he had a box-office hit (1947). He rose to prominence in Mehboob Khan’s 1949 film Andaz (“A Matter of Style”), in which he costarred with Raj Kapoor. As his career progressed, he played a series of doomed characters in films including Deedar (1951; “Meeting”), and Daag (1952), for which he did receive the first of 8 Filmfare Awards for best actor, and Devdas (1953). (1955). His on-screen persona took on plaintive overtones, and he has been dubbed the “King of Tragedy.”

He eventually chose a brighter image, attempting to play swashbuckling heroes in films like Aan (1953; “Pride”), Azaad (1955; “Free”), Insaniyat (1955; “Humane”), and Kohinoor (1955; “Humane”) (1960). He portrayed Crown Prince Salim, in the 1960 blockbuster Mughal-e-Azam. Bimal Roy’s Madhumati (1958), Nitin Bose’s Gunga Jumna (1961), as well as Tapan Sinha’s Sagina, were among Kumar’s other memorable films (1974).

Kumar made a comeback after a long absence with Manoj Kumar’s film Kranti (1981; “Revolution”). Following that, he appeared in Subhash Ghai’s Vidhaata (1982), and Karma (1986), as well as Saudagar (1991; “Merchant”). He was also recognized for his role in Ramesh Sippy’s Shakti (1982; “Strength”). Kumar’s most recent feature has been the family drama Qila (1998; “Fort”).

Notable films include Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam, Shakti

Dharmendra

Dharmendra
Dharmendra

Dharmendra is a Hindi film actor who was born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935. He is actually on the list of the Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time. He did receive the Filmfare lifetime achievement award in 1997 for his contributions to Indian cinema. His roles in action movies earned him the moniker “action king” and “he-man.” Sholay was one of his most prominent roles (1975). He was also a member of India’s 14th Lok Sabha, representing the Bikaner electoral base in Rajasthan for the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In 1960, he made his film debut in Arjun Hingorani’s Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. Anpadh (1962), Pooja Ke Phool (1964), Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi,  Kaajal (1965), Main Bhi Ladki Hoon (1964),  Purnima (1965), Phool Aur Paththar (1966), Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Naya Zamana, Sharafat, Patthar Aur Payal… He served in India’s 14th Lok Sabha as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan (BJP). The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan, India’s 3rd highest civilian honor, in 2012.

Notable films include Sholay, Dharam Veer, Aaye Din Bahar Ke

Rajesh Khanna

Rajesh Khanna
Rajesh Khanna

Rajesh Khanna worked primarily in Hindi cinema as an actor, producer, and politician. He is known as “India’s First Superstar” after set to star in 15 consecutive solo hit movies from 1969 to 1971. As a result, he became one of the most successful artists in Indian cinema history.

Khanna made his debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat, which was also India’s first official Oscar entry.  Ittefaz (1969), Aradhana (1969), Khamoshi (1970), Sachaa Jhootha (1970), Kati Patang (1971), Anand (1971), Dushman (1972), Amar Prem (1972), and Avishkaar (1972) are a few of his popularity as well as blockbuster films (1974).

As a candidate for the Indian National Congress, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from the New Delhi Lok Sabha Constituency in 1992. In 1973, Rajesh Khanna married actress Dimple Kapadia. Twinkle Khanna & Rinke Khanna are their two daughters.

Notable films include Anand, Kati Patang, and Amar Prem.

Sridevi

Sridevi
Sridevi

Sridevi was born on August 13, 1963, in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India, in her father’s hometown. Her mother was also from Tirupati, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. As a result, Sridevi was raised speaking Telugu as well as Tamil. Srilatha is her sister, and Satish is her stepbrother. Her father died in 1991, and her mother passed away in 1997.

She began her career as a child performer in the Tamil film ‘Kandhan Karunai’ in 1967. She was also a child actress in the Telugu film ‘Bangarakka’ in 1977 and the Malayalam film ‘Kumara Sambhavan’ in 1969.

She made her Bollywood debut as a child actor in 1975 with the smash-hit ‘Julie,’ in which she played the lead actress’s younger sister. She did not begin acting in adult roles in Hindi until 1979. In a career spanning 1967 to 2007, she emerged in 63 Hindi films, 62 Telugu films, 58 Tamil films, and 21 Malayalam films.

Sridevi formed a strong onscreen partnership with Kamal Hasan in Tamil films from 1977 to 1983, then with Jeetendra in Hindi cinema from 1983 to 1988, which aided her entry into the Hindi film industry. From 1978 to 1985, her initial claim to fame was playing the loving involvement of founded stars NTR, Krishna Ghattamaneni, and Visnuvardhan in Telugu and Kannada films.

On June 2, 1996, Sridevi married her co-star, Anil Kapoor’s older brother, Boney. They now have two daughters, Jhanvi and Khushi.

In 2012, she made her film debut in “English Vinglish.”

She died on February 24, 2018, after accidentally drowning in a bathtub while staying at the hotel Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, UAE, for the wedding of Bollywood actor Mohit Marwah. She had been 54 years old at the time.

Notable films include English Vinglish, Chandni, and Chalbaaz.

Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit
Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit is one of the most well-known actors and Kathak dancers in Bollywood, known as the Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time. Madhuri Dixit was born in a Marathi Brahmin Koknastha relative to Mr. Shankar and Mrs. Snehlata and has two sisters, Rupa and Bharti, as well as a brother, Ajit. She did well in her academics as well as aspired to be a Microbiologist, which led her to study a subject at Mumbai’s Sathaye College, previously known as Parle College; however, she dropped out after six months to pursue a career in Bollywood.

Though she made her debut in 1984 with ‘Abodh,’ it was with ‘Tezaab,’ a romantic thriller starring Anil Kapoor, that she gained fame and popularity. With this film, she received her first Filmfare Best Actress nomination, and it was also the highest-grossing movie of the year. Her achievement in ‘Ek Do Tin’ made each heartbeat to the song’s beats. During that same time, Madhuri was also spotlighted on Debonair and was the cover girl for the 1986 Filmfare issue. She has since blessed more than 72 films with her magnificent performances.

The Government of India also awarded her the prestigious ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 2008 for her contribution to Indian cinema. Dixit received the Filmfare Special Award in 2011 for her 25-year career in the film industry.

She appeared in the comics Dedh Ishqiya’ (2014), and a sequel to Ishqiya (2010), with Naseeruddin Shah, then Arshad Warsi, and Huma Qureshi in 2012. The film received favorable reviews from critics, who dubbed it “one of the year’s most important releases.” The film also managed to earn her her fourteenth Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress. Her next publication of the year was the debut of director Soumik Sen’s ‘Gulaab Gang,’ in which she co-starred with Juhi Chawla.

Madhuri Dixit is involved in philanthropic endeavors. She has been working with UNICEF since 2014 to endorse children’s rights and prevent child labor and trafficking. In 2015, the Government of India appointed her as the spokesperson for the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, which aims to raise awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services for girls. All these things, that is why she is on the list of the Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time.

Notable films include Saajan, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, and Hum Apke Hain Kaun.

Abdur Rehman Khan

Abdur Rehman Khan
Abdur Rehman Khan

The Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time – Abdur Rehman Khan was born in New Delhi on November 2, 1965, to Meer Taj Mohammed Khan and Lateef Fatima Khan. He has an older sister named Shehnaz Lalarukh. His early years were spent in Bangalore with his grandma. In Delhi, his father owned a small restaurant.

His father passed away in 1981, and his mother in 1991. And, following the death of their parents, his sister became depressed. As a result, Khan and his sister relocated to Mumbai, where Khan began his film career. He is an actor, movie producer, entrepreneur, and television personality from India. On October 25, 1991, he married Gauri Chhibber.

They have three children: Aryan (born in 1997), AbRam (born in 2013), and Suhana (b. 2000). During the years 1988-1990, Khan began his career by making an appearance in several television serials. With the financially viable Deewana, he began acting (1992). His fearsome roles in films including Baazigar (1993), Darr (1993), and Anjaam (1993) helped him gain box office success (1994). During his time in the Bollywood industry, he won 8 Filmfare best actor awards, the most of any actor, and enjoyed significant box-office success. Om Shanti Om (2007), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), and Chak De! India is some of his films (2007).

Notable films include Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Swades, My Name Is Khan.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is an actress, singer, and model who was crowned Miss World in 2000. Although she has appeared in several Bollywood films, she is mainly remembered to American audiences for her role as the first South Asian actress to ultimately led an American series on ABC’s Quantico. She also established The Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education, and in 2016, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Her current husband is Nick Jonas.

Notable films include Fashion, 7 Khoon Maaf, and Mary Kom.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is an Indian actress and model who was born on January 5, 1986, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Prakash Padukone, a former badminton champion, is her father. Her native language is Konkani. Anisha is Deepika’s younger sister.

DP has established herself as one of the most truly gifted actresses of her generation in a relatively short period. Her instinctual acting in big-budget films has managed to earn her critical acclaim.

She has appeared in print as well as tv ad campaigns for Liril, Close-Up toothpaste, and Limca, and has received numerous reputable modeling offers, such as brand ambassadorship for the Jewels of India, a yearly jewelry exhibition. She rose to prominence when Maybelline chose her as their new international cover girl. She was named Model of the Year at the 5th annual Kingfisher Fashion Awards for Indian models and designers.

Soon after, she was selected as one of the models for the 2006 Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar, solidifying her public image as a supermodel. She was also named Female Model of the Year (Commercial Assignments) as well as Fresh Face of the Year at the Idea Zee F Awards in 2006.

Notable films include Om Shanti Om, Ram-Leela, and Tamasha.

Abdul Rashid Salman Khan

Abdul Rashid Salman Khan
Abdul Rashid Salman Khan

Salim, Abdul Rashid Salman Khan was born in Mumbai on December 27, 1965, to famed scriptwriter Salim Khan, who wrote many super-hits such as Deewaar (1975), Sholay (1975), and Don (1975). (1978). Khan began his acting career with a sponsoring role in the film Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988). The following year, he starred in the box office love hit Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). He went on to become an Indian cinema’s heartthrob.

Following other box office hits, he excelled in Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Saajan (1991), Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! (1994), Khamoshi: The Musical (1996),  Karan Arjun (1995), and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1997). (1998). His changes can be vulnerable, sensitive, funny, aggressive, and charming, depending on the situation.

In 1998, he had been arrested by local police near the Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) filming location for trying to kill protected wild animals as well spent about a week in jail. The actor is on trial in three separate cases for killing blackbucks and Chinkaras, as well as illegally possessing firearms. Khan made headlines in September 2002 when he crashed his Land Cruiser close to the American Express bakery throughout Bandra, killing one man as well as injuring others.

He attempted to manage his rough life with his career despite his reputation for roguish behavior. In Tere Naam (2003), he gave a highly emotional performance as an obsessed lover, which resulted in positive reviews and a successful box office run. He not only managed to resurrect his career, but also the trust of his producers and distributors.

His performance as an AIDS patient in the film Phir Milenge (2004) garnered international attention. The World Health Organization praised it for trying to present the troubles of AIDS patients in today’s world.

He established the Being Human – Salman Khan Foundation in 2007. This charitable organization assists the less fortunate in areas of education and health care.

Notable films include Tere Naam, Ek Tha Tiger, and Maine Pyar Kiya.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan

By all of Amitabh Bachchan’s contributions to the Indian film industry, he is worth being on the list of the Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time.  Amitabh Bachchan had been born on October 11, 1942, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India to poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and actress Teji Bachchan.

He does have a brother named Ajitabh as well. He finished his education in Uttar Pradesh but also moved to Bombay to look for work as a film star, but he was unsuccessful because film producers preferred someone with fairer skin, and he was still not fair enough. They did, however, use one of both these investments, his baritone voice, for narration as well as background commentary.

He was set in Saat Hindustani after a successful audition. He got his break in Bollywood thanks to a letter of introduction from then-Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, who knew his son, Rajiv Gandhi. This is how Bachchan broke into Bollywood, beginning with Zanjeer, in which he co-starred with his wife Jaya Bhaduri, and there’s been no looking back since.

Amitabh Bachchan has become a part of Bollywood for over 50 years and is known as Sadi ka Mahanayak, or the biggest actor of the century. Bachchan, Amitabh The name alone carries so much weight!

Notable films include Black, Zanjeer, and Dons.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan was born in Mumbai on March 14, 1965. He is one of India’s most successful Bollywood actors, also recognized as “Mr. Perfectionist of Bollywood.” With current success both in the Indian and Chinese movie markets, he has established himself as one of the world’s biggest names.

Aamir has received praise from all over the world for his rapid transitions in his body structure to better embody the complex characters in his vibrant films. His most visible transformations can be seen in films like 3 idiots (2009), Lagaan (2001), Taare Zameen Par (2007), Fanaa (2006), Ghajini (2008), PK (2014), Talaash (2012), Dhoom 3 (2013), Dangal (2016), and Secret Superstar (2016). (2017).

His recent successes in films such as Dangal, PK, Talaash, and the TV series Satyamev Jayate have piqued the interest of more serious moviegoers. He is perhaps best known for his fantastic comedic roles, as evidenced by his famous performances in cult comics like  Passion, Andaz Apna Apna, and Dil Chahta Hai, to name a few. Aamir is also a skilled commercial actor.

Lagaan was released nationwide in China in 2001, kicking off a succession of Aamir Khan movies that would strongly plant Indian filmmaking in the minds of Chinese audience members. Later in the 2000s, 3 Idiots became a cult hit in China, followed by Like Stars on Earth and Ghajini, which both went on to garner massive audiences. With the rapid release of PK (2014), Dhoom 3 (2013), Dangal (2016), and Secret Superstar (2010), Aamir Khan’s streak of Chinese hit movies continued throughout the 2010s (2017).

Notable films include PK, Rang De Basanti, and 3 Idiots.

In conclusion about the Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time

This brings us to the end of our list of some of the Greatest Indian Actors Of All Time.  I hope you enjoy it. Let us know more about your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

 

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