Bollywood’s charm and glamour never fail to leave its fan impressed. In a time when the “nepotism vs. outsiders” controversy isn’t going away, no one can deny that Bollywood is home to many outstanding actors.
But, in this fiercely competitive industry, not everyone achieves the success they deserve. Some have experienced injustice, some have fallen prey to groupism and nepotism, while others have just had the right chance to show their worth.
Here are some talented yet Bollywood’s underrated actors, who continue to receive little attention despite giving unbelievable and fantastic performances.
Bollywood’s Underrated Actors Who Deserve Respect For Their Talent
1. Shahid Kapoor
Whether it be in Ishq Vishk, Fida, 36 China Town, Jab We Met, Kaminey, Haider, Udta Punjab, or the recently launched web series Farzi, Shahid Kapoor has always made sure that he offers something fresh to the big screen. In one of his interviews, Shahid Kapoor admitted that he himself believes that he is an underestimated actor. While talking to PTI, Shahid mentioned, “I agree when others say I am underrated as an actor… When you give super-hit films then only you are considered as a good actor. At least that is how it is there in our industry. I think you need to be successful to be appreciated.”
2. Nimrat Kaur
Despite being a fantastic performer, Nimrat Kaur is still not given enough credit. She won praise from the critics for her role in Ritesh Batra’s Lunchbox, but she hasn’t been given many chances thereafter. In 2012, Anurag Kashyap’s film Peddlers served as her entry into the Bollywood film industry. It was also praised how she performed in the Akshay Kumar’s film Airlift.
3. Shreyas Talpade
One of the most underrated actors in Bollywood is Shreyas. Shreyas Talpade’s had no dialogues in his debut film, but he nonetheless made a name for himself in the industry. After Iqbal, he performed in numerous outstanding films, including Dor, Bombay to Bangkok, Welcome to Sajjanpur, Golmaal Returns, Aage Se Right, Golmaal 3, Housefull 2, and Golmaal Again. Unfortunately, he was type casted in the comic roles.
4. Konkona Sen Sharma
Another Bollywood’s underrated actor is Konkona Sen Sharma. Bollywood’s obsession with fair skin, failed talented Konkona. Despite not fitting the beauty stereotype that Bollywood has created, she is a strong actor who creates magic on screen and nails every job with absolute precision. She has consistently demonstrated that her acting abilities are top-notch, whether playing Aisha in Wake Up Sid or Bharti Mandal in Ajeeb Daastaans or Mr. & Mrs. Iyer.
5. Abhay Deol
Unquestionably, Abhay Deol is one of the most gifted actors who doesn’t get enough credit or opportunity. In the web series Trial by Fire, he once again showed his mettle. Although he has acted in numerous excellent films, the box office success of the picture always overshadows his work. All of his films—Dev D, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Aisha, and Socha Na Tha—made us fall in love with him .
6. Kalki Koechlin
Kalki Koechlin has portrayed every character with utter skill, including complicated ones like Margarita with a Straw, a troubled lady named Chanda in Dev D, and sassy ones like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. She no longer participates in traditional Bollywood films and hasn’t for quite some time now.
7. Emraan Hashmi
Remember the allure of Gangster, Murder, Chocolate, Kalyug, Aksar, The Train, Good Boy, Bad Boy, Jannat, and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai? In the early 2000s, Emraan Hashmi was extremely popular. His fans were known as a cult. Bollywood kissing scenes were made acceptable by Emraan by taking on parts that other mainstream heroes were leery of. He’s a phenomenal actor, but for a while now, he hasn’t had many decent opportunities. Along with Akshay Kumar, he will next be featured in “Selfie.” He is underrated, according to even Salman Khan. Emraan Hashmi is the most underappreciated actor, and now is the time for him to be recognized.
8. Randeep Hooda
Not really an underestimated actor, Randeep Hooda has consistently received plaudits for each of his appearances. He has given outstanding performances in films like Jannat 2 and Kick, as well as Highway and Sarbjit, but Bollywood hasn’t fully appreciated his talent.
9. Tillotama Shome
With her outstanding performances, Tillotama Shome has won over her audience. With her 2019 film Raahgir: The Wayfarers, which she starred in, the actor also took home the Best Actor Award at the UK Asian Film Festival. Unfortunately, Bollywood still doesn’t give her the opportunities that she deserves. A Murder in the Gunj, Sir, Chintu Ka Birthday, Angrezi Medium, and Delhi Crime, among other films, are some of her well-known creations.
10. Jim Sarbh
The audience praised Jim Sarbh’s performance in Padmaavat despite the fact that he had lesser screen time than Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor. Jim Sarbh is another underutilised performer in Bollywood who hasn’t yet received his due.
11. Amit Sadh
Amit Sadh has taken on odd jobs before becoming successful in the profession, including serving as a housekeeper, security guard, and salesman. He hasn’t yet been fully utilised by Bollywood, though.
12. Jimmy Shergill
Jimmy Shergill has delivered flawless performances in every role, from Mohabattein to Tanu Weds Manu. Though he gets to play the lead role in Punjabi movies, Bollywood offers him the typecast roles of “hero ka dost.” Jimmy Shergill previously stated in an interview with the Mumbai Mirror, “There’s nothing wrong in being called an ‘underrated’ actor. I take it as a compliment. As long as they don’t call me someone who is desperate for roles and will do any trivial role for money, it should be okay.”
Which one is your favourite underrated actors? Tell us in the comments below