1. Johnny Lever
Real Name: John Prakash Rao Janumala
Active Since: 1980s – Present
About:
Johnny Lever is considered the godfather of modern Bollywood comedy. He
started as a stand-up mimicry artist and gained fame through stage shows before
entering films. With unmatched facial expressions, voice modulation, and comic
timing, he redefined what “supporting comedy role” meant in Hindi films.
Famous Roles:
- Baazigar
(as Babulal)
- Dulhe Raja
- Golmaal 3
- Deewana Mastana
Style: Clean humour, exaggerated expressions, fast wit, and
mimicry.
Legacy: One of the first comedians to receive multiple Filmfare Awards
for Best Comedian.
2.
Paresh Rawal
Active Since: 1980s – Present
About:
A theatre-trained actor, Paresh Rawal has excelled in every genre — comedy,
villainy, and drama. His transformation from negative roles to comic brilliance
began in the 1990s.
Famous Roles:
- Hera Pheri
(as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte — iconic)
- Phir Hera Pheri
- Welcome
- Awara Paagal Deewana
Style: Sarcastic humour, situational comedy, and dialogue delivery
that blends absurdity with emotion.
Legacy: Baburao became a pop culture phenomenon; his comic delivery
remains unmatched.
3.
Kader Khan
Active Years: 1970s – 2010s
About:
Kader Khan wasn’t just a comedian — he was also a prolific writer,
screenwriter, and dialogue master. His witty writing shaped Bollywood’s
comic language for decades.
Famous Roles:
- Coolie No. 1
- Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri
- Aankhen
- Haseena Maan Jaayegi
Style: Wordplay-based humour, father-son banters, and middle-class
family comedy.
Legacy: Wrote dialogues for Amitabh Bachchan classics and inspired
generations of comedy writers.
4.
Asrani
Active Years: 1960s – Present
About:
Asrani is one of the earliest comedy legends of Bollywood, known for his iconic
roles in the 70s and 80s. A Film Institute graduate, he brought innocence and
subtle sarcasm to comedy.
Famous Roles:
- Sholay
(as “Angrezon ke zamaane ke jailor”)
- Chupke Chupke
- Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar
- Chhoti Si Baat
Style: Clean, situational humour with exaggerated innocence.
Legacy: A bridge between old-school light comedy and modern cinema’s
situational humour.
5.
Shakti Kapoor
Active Years: 1970s – Present
About:
Originally known as a villain, Shakti Kapoor became a comedy sensation in the
90s with his eccentric characters. He’s best known for his comic-villain roles
that combined mischief with madness.
Famous Roles:
- Andaz Apna Apna
(as Crime Master Gogo)
- Raja Babu
- Tohfa
- Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri
Style: Over-the-top comedy, catchphrases, and comic villain
energy.
Legacy: Crime Master Gogo remains one of the most quoted comedic
characters in Indian cinema.
6.
Satish Kaushik
Active Years: 1980s – 2020s
About:
An NSD and FTII graduate, Satish Kaushik was known both as a film director and
actor. His comic timing, relatable expressions, and warmth made him a favourite
supporting comedian.
Famous Roles:
- Mr. India
(as Calendar)
- Saajan Chale Sasural
- Deewana Mastana
- Bharat
Style: Relatable, “aam aadmi” (common man) humour.
Legacy: Also directed iconic comedies like Tere Naam and Mujhe
Kucch Kehna Hai.
7.
Rajpal Yadav
Active Years: Late 1990s – Present
About:
Rajpal Yadav’s small stature and big expressions made him one of the most loved
comedians of modern Bollywood. He often plays struggling, nervous, or
overconfident common men.
Famous Roles:
- Chup Chup Ke
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa
- Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
- Dhol
Style: Physical comedy, nervous energy, and slapstick reactions.
Legacy: Continues to dominate comic roles even after two decades,
proving that size doesn’t define screen presence.
8.
Deepak Dobriyal
Active Years: 2000s – Present
About:
Deepak Dobriyal is part of the newer generation of comedians known for naturalistic
acting. His character “Pappi” in Tanu Weds Manu brought him
nationwide recognition.
Famous Roles:
- Tanu Weds Manu
(as Pappi Ji)
- Hindi Medium
- Bholaa
- Omkara
Style: Understated humour, natural dialogue delivery, and rural
flavour.
Legacy: Represents a shift from loud to subtle, situational humour in
Bollywood.
9.
Sunil Grover
Active Years: 2000s – Present
About:
Originally a stand-up and TV comedian (famous as “Gutthi” on Comedy Nights
with Kapil), Sunil Grover transitioned successfully into films and web
series.
Famous Roles:
- Bharat
- Pataakha
- Sunflower
(web series)
- Gabbar Is Back
Style: Character-based humour, quirky voices, and improvisation.
Legacy: Brought the art of sketch-based and observational humour into
Bollywood storytelling.
10.
Arshad Warsi
Active Years: 1990s – Present
About:
Arshad Warsi is known for intelligent, effortless comedy. His “Circuit”
character in the Munna Bhai series became a pop culture icon,
symbolizing loyalty and street-smart wit.
Famous Roles:
- Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.
- Golmaal
series
- Dhamaal
series
- Jolly LLB
Style: Witty, sarcastic, and situational — rooted in real-world
humour rather than slapstick.
Legacy: Helped modernize Bollywood comedy, balancing wit with emotional
depth.
Conclusion
From the mimicry-filled laughter of Johnny
Lever to the situational sarcasm of Arshad Warsi, Bollywood’s comedy
landscape has evolved dramatically. Each of these ten actors brought a unique
flavour — from the innocent charm of Asrani to the clever wit of Paresh Rawal.
Together, they shaped the comic heartbeat of Hindi cinema across generations.
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