Acting was once considered a business where good looks and young age were mandatory. Thankfully, we have seen the art getting respected and loved in recent times, not just the looks or age. Whether it’s Neena Gupta in Badhai Do & Panchayat, Geetanjali Kulkarni in Gullak, or Saurabh Shukla in Jolly LLB – it is heartening to see the audience respecting and cheering for the senior actors.
We bring you a list of the Top 10 senior actors who have won our hearts and got a smile on our faces with their acting. They are proof that Bollywood needs actors, not superstars.
1. Neena Gupta
Be it web series like Panchayat, Made in Heaven, Masaba Masaba, or Bollywood movies like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan or Sardar Ka Grandson, Neena has always entertained us like a pro. And who can forget her memorable role as a middle-aged mother in Badhaai Ho? Neena Gupta is living proof of how acting trumps age any day. (ALSO READ: Neena Gupta’s Inspiring Life Is All About Making Bold Life Choices & Being Fearless)
2. Geetanjali Kulkarni
While watching Shanti Mishra, you couldn’t stop yourself from missing your mother. Like many of our moms, she is funny, angry, and wants the best for her children. Geetanjali Kulkarni also proved her mettle in Aarya as a Narcotics dirty cop – Sushila Shekhar.
3. Supriya Pathak
Who would not remember the fun antics of Hansa in Khichdi. Supriya Pathak made Hansa so popular that the audience remembers her with her screen name more than her real one. She was seen in powerful performances in The Big Bull, Toofan, Tabbar, Cartel, Mimi, Rashmi Rocket, and many more. More recently, she is being applauded for her role in Home Shanti.
4. Manoj Pahwa
Bhatiaji from Office-Office, Manoj Pahwa is remembered for numerous performances in movies and tv shows alike. He proved his skills in movies like Article-15, Dil Dhadakne Do, Mimi and Mulk among others. Currently, he is also being praised for his role in Home Shanti along with Supriya Pathak.
Also Read: 14 Coolest On-Screen Moms Who Showed Mothers Are Humans Too
5. Seema Pahwa
While she is being celebrated for her role in Gangubai Kathiawadi, Seema Pahwa needs no introduction. With her brilliant acting in movies like Bareilly Ki Barfi, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, and Badhaai Do – Seema has been winning hearts for years. Who says you need to be young and extremely good-looking to make a mark in Bollywood?
6. Brijendra Kala
He can be called the hidden gem of Bollywood. With uncountable small roles that were always memorable, Brijendra Kala has made his mark in the industry. More recently, he has also made his mark in the web series space with performances in Brijendra Kala among others. And of course, everyone would remember the extremely religious taxi driver in ‘Jab We Met’ who is forced to chase a train.
7. Saurabh Shukla
Who can forget the amazing Judge Sahab in Jolly LLB! Saurabh Shukla has been an entertainment powerhouse for decades in the Indian film and tv industry. He kept us hooked with his performances in movies like Tanu Weds Manu, Paan Singh Tomar and Guru. Most recently he impressed us with his role as a politician in Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein.
8. Neeraj Kabi
While Neeraj gained popularity after his role of DCP Parulkar in Sacred Games, he is no outsider to the industry. Neeraj Kabi is a well-known theatre actor, director and coach; and has also been seen in movies like Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, Hichki, and Talvar.
9. Sheeba Chaddha
Whether is it about performing the role of a high-profile socialite in Sharmaji Namkeen, or a suppressed wife in Bandish Bandits, Sheeba Chaddha has aced every role. She has this great ability to convey emotions by just her expressions – that many so-called superstars can learn in the industry.
10. Sunita Rajwar
‘Bittu-ki-mummy’ might be annoying but she really brings joy to our faces whenever we see her in Gullak. Sunita Rajwar has done numerous roles in movies including Stree, Bala and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. No matter what the role is, Sunita has a great presence and always keeps us hooked. Did you know she is a graduate from the National School of Drama?
Did we miss someone from the list? Do let us know in the comments below.
