The Hindi film industry of India, Bollywood has produced numerous movies and stars. People love movies, songs, action, romance and actors. On one hand, where Sometimes we end up watching the confused, cringe stories and we curse the entire film industry. But, we can’t deny that it is also the mother of some timeless hits like ‘3 idiots’, ‘Anand’, ‘Mother India’, ‘Sholay’ and many more that are still loved and considered as blockbusters. Along with movies, there are some actors who made their ways to the heart of their audience with their acting skills and dedicated work. Their charisma and stardom still are magical and people can’t stop falling in love with their personality. We have for you the best Bollywood actors of all time.

Let’s have a look at best actors in Bollywood that have set the benchmark in acting.

Best Actors in Bollywood:

1. Amitabh Bachchan

Born to the very popular poet of Hindi literature Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan is the first action superstar of Bollywood. The angry young man of Bollywood was born as Inquilaab Shrivastava in Prayagraj(then Allahabad). However, his name was later changed to AMITABH on the suggestion of Sumitranandan Pant, another well-known poet of Hindi literature. Bollywood without him is like a Sun without sunshine. His astonishing persona, his deep voice and realistic acting skills made him the actual Shahenshah of the Bollywood.

For his excellent acting career, Amitabh Bachchan has been awarded Dadasaheb Phalke Award as a lifetime achievement, Four National Awards as a Best Actor and numerous accolades for his great acting. BigB is honoured with Knight of the Legion of Honour, the highest civilian award of France by the Government of France. Padma Shri Awardee, Angry young man of Bollywood has given many super hit films like ‘Sholay’, ‘Deewaar’, ‘Shahenshah’, ‘Zanjeer’ and many more.

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Also Read: Best Dialogues of Amitabh Bachchan

2. Dilip Kumar

The tragic king and the first khan of the Indian Hindi film Industry, Mohammad Yusuf Khan, popularly known as Dilip Kumar, is the greatest actor of all time. The last living male actor of Bollywood’s Golden era, Dilip Kumar debuted in the film industry with ‘Jwar Bhata’, a 1944 film by Bombay Talkies. He had been active for over 50 years in the Hindi film industry and gave many hits. Kumar has been awarded numerous awards including Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, DadaSaheb Phalke Award. He has given  many hits like ‘Mughal-E-Azam’, ‘Ram Aur Shyam’, ‘Ganga Jamuna’ and many more.

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3. Irrfan Khan

The man who dropped his second name because he wanted to be recognized by his work rather than lineage, the man whose acting skills spoke for him, and the man who had been the part of 2 Oscar-winning movies and many more. This was Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan, hailing from the pink city of Rajasthan. Padma Shri Awardee Actor started his film journey with his first debut film ‘Salaam Bombay!’ in which he had a very small role.

He had lots of struggles as well but his career took a turn (A great wonderful turn) with his role in the British film The Warrior. After that, he did many roles in notable films like ‘Life In A… Metro’, ‘The Namesake’, ‘The Lunchbox’, ‘Piku’, ‘Qarib Qarib Singlle’ (a must watch romantic comedy), etc. He was also part of successful international films like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008), ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (2012), ‘Life of Pi’ (2012), ‘Jurassic World’ (2015), and Inferno (2016).

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4. Nana Patekar

Vishwanath Patekar aka Nana Patekar is one of the most contributing actors of Indian cinema. Having worked in both Hindi and Marathi film industry, Nana is well known for his roles in ‘Agni Sakshi’, ‘Parinda’ which won him National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. His debut film was ‘Gaman’. His mind-blowing acting in ‘Krantiveer’ won him his first National Film Award. The Government of India honoured him with Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian Cinema. He has played many successful roles related to comedy movies, action thrillers. His role in ‘Welcome’, ‘Raajneeti’, ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’. But he is not just one of the best Bollywood actors, he is also a social worker. Known for his simplicity and his contribution to the various causes, Patekar is a philanthropist.

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Also Read: Best Dialogues in Bollywood 

5. Anupam Kher

A man who is known for his diverse roles but mainly the comedy ones is no one but our favourite Anupam Kher. Born in Kashmiri Pandit family in Shimla, Kher is a National School of Drama, New Delhi graduate. His career path was full of struggle and he even slept for a month in a railway station in Mumbai(then Bombay). He is the former Chairman of FTII ( Film and Television Institute of India). Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan Awardee actor holds the record of winning 5 Filmfare award for best comedian. He has been the part of over 500 films of many languages and has also played a role in international films. Some of his memorable works are ‘Daddy’, ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara’, etc.

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6. Manoj Bajpai

Born in a small village of Bihar and once even thought of ending life after being rejected 3 times from National School of Drama, this man today is one of the best actors of Bollywood. Hailing for a very small rural area of Bihar, Manoj Bajpayee started his film career with very small roles. He made his debut in ‘Droh Kaal’ starring Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah. He played a one-minute role for this movie ‘Pretty Good’. He is awarded Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian Cinema. He is also 2 times National Film Awardee. He has been the part of many notable movies like ‘Raajneeti’, ‘Aarakshan’, etc. He has also worked in Tamil and Telugu films.

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7. Ajay Devgan

Born as a Vishal Devgan in a Panjabi family, Ajay has been the part of over 100 Hindi films. He is one of the best actors in Bollywood who is known for his versatile acting. He started his career with ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ and his role got lots of likings. He was even awarded Filmfare Award for his debut role. Ajay gave many critically acclaimed performances in the films that were highly successful and some were among the highest-grossing movies as well. He was awarded first National Film Award for Best Actor for the movie ‘Zakhm’. The turning point in his career was his role in ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ which was also the last film of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan together (hmmm!!!). Devgan is Padma Shri Awardee and has given the recent hit ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’.

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Also Read: Real Names of Bollywood Actors

8. Ayushmann Khurrana

A Shayar, Singer, Anchor and Actor, this Bollywood multitalented personality was born as Nishant Khurrana in Chandigarh. Being active from a very young age in acting, Ayushmann was also the founding member of active theatres in Chandigarh, Aaghaaz and Manchtantra. He used to participate in many national college fests like Mood Indigo of IIT Bombay, OASIS of BITS Pilani and many more. Ayushmann was the winner of Roadies 2004 and he anchored in many television series like India’s got talent. He was honoured with National Film Award for best actor for his one of the hit ‘Andhadhun’. His back to back successful movies are ‘Badhaai Ho’, ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’, ‘Vicky Donor’, ‘Dream Girl’.

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9. Raj Kapoor

The Clark Gable of Bollywood, Charlie Chaplin of Indian Cinema, Raj Kapoor was born as Shrishti Nath Kapoor to one of the finest Bollywood actors of all time, Prithviraj Kapoor. Raj was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian Cinema. He was also awarded 3 National Film Awards and 11 Filmfare Awards(OMG!!!). He made his first Bollywood debut in move ‘Inquilab’ at the age of 10. He was the youngest director of that time(at the age of 24). The most prominent works of this best Bollywood actor is ‘Awaara’ and ‘Boot Polish’. He also had been involved in love affairs with many top actresses of that time including Nargis (As per the sayings!!).

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10. Aamir Khan

Mr. Perfectionaist of Bollywood and people’s favourite Rancho, Amir Khan was born as Mohammed Aamir Hussain Khan. He is one of the best actors in Bollywood who has been awarded several wards along with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan. His work in films like ‘Lagaan’, ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘3 Idiots’ got global recognition and was internationally successful. For his outstanding acting career, he has a huge fan following both in India and outside. Government of China gave him an honorary title as well. His work post-2008 brought him the global success with back to back blockbusters like ‘Ghajini’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘PK’, ‘Dangal’.

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Also Read: Best Villains in Bollywood

11. Rajesh Khanna

The First Superstar of Indian Cinema, the King of Romance, Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna. He was active in acting and theatre from his school and college days and started his Bollywood career with a mega-hit movie. This debut film ‘Aakhri Khat’ (1996) was the first Indian movie that got an entry for Oscar awards. He made the unbroken record of giving 15 superhit movies one by one. His acting career was the garland of successful movies. He was honoured with Padma Bhushan posthumously. He is doubtlessly one of the best Bollywood Actors who was loved for his magnificent personality and heart touching dialogues. ‘Anand’, ‘Haathi Mera Saathi’, ‘Amar Prem’, ‘Kati Patang’, ‘Aradhana’ and the list goes on.

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12. Paresh Rawal

The versatile actor, comedian, member of parliament and the Padma Shri awardee, Paresh Rawal is one of few Bollywood actors who are known to play many diverse roles. He debuted in Bollywood in 1985 film ‘Arjun’. His role in Naam, a crime thriller movie, earned him lots of applause and this was his acting career’s turning point. Rawal has played comedy roles (most loved are in ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Hulchul’, ‘Welcome’, ‘Bhagam Bhag’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’) and also the role of villans in many movies from the ’90s. He is popular for his Nationalist views.

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13. Akshay Kumar

The Khiladi Kumar of Bollywood, one of the best actors of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia. Known for his versatile character play in comedy, romance, action, Akshay was born in a Punjabi family to an army officer father (Well, his courage and patriotism come from there). Having learned martial arts, Kumar is a black belt in Taekwondo. His first lead role was in ‘Saugandh’ (1991). After that, he gave many hits like ‘Khiladi’, ‘Mohra’ but along with it some of the commercially unsuccessful movies as well.

Till ‘Namastey London’, he faced many ups and downs in his film career. However, ‘Namastey London’ was a huge success and then he gave many successful films like ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Welcome’, ‘Singh is Kinng’ and many more. His movies like ‘Airlift’, ‘Pad Man’, ‘Mission Mangal’, ‘Kesari’ earned him lots of love. Although, he is a naturalized Canadian citizen (another long story) his love and contribution for this Nation is a matter of appreciation. His humanitarian work earned him lots of respect.

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14. Dharmendra

Padma Bhushan Awardee actor, Member of Parliament, one of the most accomplished artists in Indian cinema and Veeru of Sholay, Dharm Singh Deol is one of the best actors in Bollywood. Born in a Punjabi Jat Sikh family of Punjab, Dharmendra came to Mumbai to work as an actor after winning  Filmfare magazine’s new talent award. He entered Hindi films with movie ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ (1960). He worked with many successful actresses of that time like Nutan, Meena Kumari.

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Also Read: Best Bollywood Motivational Movies

15. Nawazuddin Siddiqui

The Lesley Ho Asian Film Talent Awardee, the man hailing from the small town of Uttar Pradesh who won the love of the audience with excellent acting is Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Having done his graduation in Chemistry and worked as Chemist, Siddiqui joined National School of Drama after coming to the Delhi. ‘Sarfarosh’ starring Amir Khan was his first film in which he got a very small role. But his struggle to get work for survival in Mumbai was very much in 2004 when he was out of all the money and couldn’t afford to pay his rents. But after ‘Peepli Live’, his acting got attention. Today he is known for his realistic acting and considered as one of the best Bollywood actors who achieved success on his own without having any Godfather in the film industry. He has been part of many successful films like Manjhi – The Mountain Man, Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2, Badlapur, Thackeray, Raman Raghav 2.0, etc.

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16. Naseeruddin Shah

Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan Awardee actor, who won National Film Awards 3 times for his contribution to Indian cinema, Shah has worked in many films like ‘Hum Paanch’, ‘Masoom’, ‘Karma’, ‘Sarfarosh’, ‘A Wednesday’ and many more. However, these days you can find in making controversial statements (hmmm…).

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17. Rajkummar Rao

National Film Awardee, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana actor was born as Rajkummar Yadav in Gurugram(then Gurgaon). He is one of the best Bollywood actors who made into the film industry without any internal support. Rao’s acting skills and his established career is a slap on the face of nepotism in the Bollywood as with his hard work, he earned where he is now. His debut film was ‘Love Sex Aur Dhokha’ and after that, he did many films like ‘Ragini MMS’, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2’, ‘Talaash: The Answer Lies Within’. His 2012 film Shahid based on the life of a lawyer & social activist Shahid Azmi won him National Film Awards.

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18. Shammi Kapoor

Born as Shamsher Raj Kapoor to the well-known actor father Prithviraj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor was one of the best Bollywood actors. He was the younger sibling of Raj Kapoor. Apart from his Kapoor identity, Shammi was one of the leading actors whose contribution to Indian cinema is still remembered. Being the only dancing hero in the Bollywood in the 50’s -60’s, he was entitled as Elvis Presley of India. His superhit film ‘Brahmachari’ (1968) won him lots of praises and awards.

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19. Johnny Lever

John Prakash Rao Janumala aka Johnny Lever is the well-known actor who is popular for his comedy roles in movies. Born in a Telugu Christian family from Andhra Pradesh to a Hindustan Lever Limited employee father, he got this name Johnny Lever from the workers after he mimicked some senior officers in the function of Hindustan Lever Limited. He started to do stand-up comedy and established himself as a comedian. After being noticed by Sunil Dutt Ji, he got many offers. His role in ‘Baazigar’ got him lots of praise and awards. He has worked in over 300 movies and is widely loved for his funny roles.

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Also Read: Best Bollywood Comedy Movies

20. Hrithik Roshan

The Greek God of Bollywood, the son of film director Rakesh Roshan, ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’ actor, Hrithik Roshon is one of the most talented Bollywood actors. Hrithik debuted in Bollywood as a child artist from the age of six for small roles. His first appearance was in movie ‘Aasha’. He made his acting debut as a lead actor in ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’ opposite to Ameesha Patel and this was a Bollywood hit. For this film, he won many awards including Filmfare Best Debut and Best Actor awards. After this success, he gave moderately successful and some failed films till  ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’ (2003). This film was also a huge success and after that, he did many films like ‘Lakshaya’, ‘Krrish’, ‘Dhoom 2’ and many more. He made a cameo appearance in many movies like ‘Om Shanti Om’.

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21. Dev Anand

In the magnificent career of over 60 years, Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand worked as actor, producer, writer and director for Bollywood. For his immense contribution to film and arts, Government of India awarded him with Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri. He was also honoured with the most prestigious Dadasahab Phalke Award as a lifetime achievement for his excellent acting career. He was even considered as India’s Gregory Peck, however, personally, he wasn’t too much happy about this tagline. He worked in 114 Hindi films out which some were blockbusters. His acting in film ‘Guide’ is loved the most and won him lots of awards and appraisal.

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22. Anil Kapoor

In the ’60s but still sweet 16, ‘Mr. India’ is known for his work in over 100 films and his television drama as well. Debuted in a film ‘Hamare Tumhare’ with a small role, Kapoor was born to producer father Surinder Kapoor in Mumbai. He has won National Film Awards twice for his wonderful acting talent. He has worked in Telugu and Kannada films as well. His best-known roles are in  ‘No Entry’, ‘Nayak: The Real Hero’, ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, ‘Tezaab’, ‘Mr. India’, ‘Welcome’ and many more. His role in Oscar winner movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ won him lots of praise.

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23. Govinda

Born as Govind Ahuja to actor father Arun Kumar Ahuja aka Aroon, Govinda is one of the best Bollywood actors. Known for his different roles in action thrillers, comedy, romance, he is the versatile actor and considered as a mass entertainer. He was also the Member of Parliament as the representative of Indian National Congress.  ‘Ilzaam’ (1986) was his debut film which was successful. After that, his comic roles in  ‘Raja Babu’, ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Banarasi Babu’, ‘Deewana Mastana’, ‘Hero No. 1’, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ and ‘Haseena Maan Jaayegi’ were quite successful. Films like ‘Bhagam Bhag’, ‘Partner’ were also box office success.

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Also Read: Mother’s Day Bollywood Songs

24. Pran

The well-known Villan of Bollywood who is known for his frightening and terrible roles, Pran Krishan Sikand was born in a well to do Punjabi family of Delhi. Being gifted with smartness and intelligence, he was an academically very bright student. However, rather than becoming an Engineer or Doctor, he joined an institute to become a professional photographer. He debuted on-screen with a Punjabi film ‘Yamla Jat’ (1940). His first Hindi film was ‘Khandan’. After partition, he shifted to Mumbai from Lahore. His first movie after a long break was ‘Ziddi’ (1948) starring Dev Anand. Having worked in over 300 movies, his was a six decades-long prolific acting career. He was awarded Padma Bhushan and Dadasahab Phalke award for his contribution to Indian cinema.

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25. Kader Khan

Once the Professor of Civil Engineering before entering Bollywood, He worked in more than 300 films and is considered as one of the best actors in Bollywood. He was loved by the audience for his comic roles that can give pain in the stomach with laughter. Khan debuted in Bollywood with 1973 movie ‘Daag’. He was also a writer who wrote dialogues for more than 250 movies.

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26. Om Puri

Coming from a very humble background, he did many odd jobs for supporting his family but his hard work and passion for acting made him one of the best actors in Bollywood. Born as Om Prakash Puri, he was made honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his excellent contribution in the field of arts and film. Padma Shri Awardee is well known for his role in movies like ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ (1983) and ‘Chachi 420’ (1997)  ‘Aakrosh’ (1980), ‘Arohan’ (1982) and many more. He worked in Marathi and Kannada language films as well.

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Also Read: Best Dialogues of Sholay

27. Ranveer Singh

Hailing from a Sindhi family of Mumbai, Ranveer Singh Bhavnani is now the name who is known for his cool attitude and great acting skills. He is one of the best Bollywood actors who is known for his roles in different genres like comedy, action thriller, romance etc. His debut film is  ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ (2010) opposite to the Anushka Sharma. He gave many hits like ‘Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela’ (2013), ‘Bajirao Mastani’ (2015) and ‘Padmaavat’ (2018), Simmba (2018), ‘Gully Boy’ (2019).

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28. Sanjeev Kumar

Born as Harihar Jethalal Jariwala, Thakur of ‘Sholay’, one of the best Bollywood actors, Sanjeev Kumar was one of the versatile actors in the Bollywood. He did many roles be of protagonist or antagonist or comedy roles or even the aged ones. Sanjeev is two times National Film Awardee for Best Actor. His first film as a lead actor was ‘Nishaan’ (1983), however, his debut film was ‘Hum Hindustani’ (1960). Coming from a very humble background, he started as a stage actor. He played roles of elders but he left world even before completing 50.

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29. Shahrukh Khan

King Khan of Bollywood, the heartthrob of millions of people around the world, Shah Rukh Khan is one of the best Bollywood actors. He has won millions of hearts with his acting. Padma Shri Awardee, Badshah of Bollywood, King Khan has won several accolades for his great cinema journey including Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the Legion of Honour by the Government of France for his significant contribution to arts. He started his acting career from television series ‘Fauji’. His debut film ‘Deewana’ was a huge success and got him the Filmfare Best Male Debut Award. SRK has been the part of many hits like ‘Darr’, ‘Baazigar’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Swades’ and many more.

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Also Read: Best Dialogues of Shahrukh Khan

30. Amrish Puri

He resides in the heart of his fans with his tag line “Mogambo Khush Hua!!!”. This outstanding actor was popular as ‘Mola Ram’ in western India and his talent had won him Filmfare Award three times as Best Supporting Actor! However, he was well-known for his villainous roles. He was the part of over 500 Hindi films. Puri was awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1979 for his work as a stage actor. He was also the part of Hollywood movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’.

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So, these are the best Bollywood actors who are loved not only by the Indian audience but by people worldwide.

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