Nov 18, 2003 11:14 AM
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(Updated Nov 18, 2003 11:14 AM)
Continuing with my series of reviews on worsts and bests of Hindi Movies.
Bollywood must have seen lots of actors entering the film industry day after day and also vanishing night after night. Amidst these entries and exits are some real gems who have carved a niche for themselves and sparkled like diamonds. They are the god’s gift to the cine goers of this nation. They have marvelously made us laugh, cry and above all enjoy to our hearts full by their work onscreen. The magnitude of their performances has completely captivated their fans. And my all time 5 favourite actors are(For me they are not 1, 2 or 3 they all are at no. 1):
Sanjeev Kumar:
Born on 9th July’1938 in a traditionally Gujarati family, this legendary actor started his career with the film “Hum Hindustani” in the year 1960. With his mediocre personality, he was an actor who has made many a roles memorable for his fans. He did have this amazing ability to leave his mark even with a smaller role like the one he did in “Aap ki Kasam” as the Rajesh Khanna-Mumtaz’s friend. I have always admired him for his versatility and the character that he shows in his performance. 2 times Winner of National awards, this actor was an institution in himself. His magical combination with Gulzar gave us some great and memorable films which were quite ahead of those times. “Naya Din Nayi Raat” was the film where we did see him 9 different roles and he performed it in the most memorable way. Though the film was a flop, but his portrayal of these 9 different people was a delight to watch on screen. He remained a bachelor till death. He died in his late 50’s but was involved with his profession till the end. Such was his passion and dedication to this art of acting. Hats off to you…!
I admired him in: Mausam, Aandhi, Trishul, Sholay, Naya Din Nayi Raat, Anamika, Angoor, Shatrunj ke Khiladi, Seeta aur Geeta, Koshish etc.
Amitabh Bachchan:
Big B as he is popularly known. I simple adore this actor as I think he is a powerhouse of talent. He has a different style altogether. His persona combined with his rich voice was just too perfect. Born to the great Hindi Poet, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, this tall young man had to struggle hard to fix his feet in Bollywood. He became successful only after the release of Zanjeer. With him came the new era of Action films. People started to know him as the Angry Young Man. I have grown up seeing most of his films. I remember once my younger sister asking my Mum “ Whom do you like more, Dad or Amitabh” . My Mom vouching for Dad and my sis innocently asking “more than Amitabh…? The kids too patronized Amitabh. He has been an epitome of a perfect man to his fans. When he was fighting for his life against the injury that happened to him during one of the fight sequences of his film “Coolie” I remember the whole nation praying for him. No other actor might have enjoyed this love and respect. He has been an inspiration to the young aspiring actors, He was great in terms of comedy. Comedy came to him easily and naturally. Cant forget the scenes of Amar Akbar Anthony and Hum. He bagged the national award for the best actor for “Agneepath” and was also honoured with Padma Bhushan. I loved him for the dynamism that he showed on screen and his charismatic appeal makes me his fan for life.
Loved to see him in: Zanjeer, Kaalia, Satte Pe Satta, Sholay, Trishul, Barsaat ki Ek Raat, Coolie, Silsila, Kabhi Kabhi, Amar Akbar Anthony, Namak Halal, Shakti, Agneepath, Baghban and many more
Aamir Khan:
I am completely awestruck by this actor of Bollywood. You can call me as one of his greatest fans right from the days of QSQT. Good things come in small packages, this actor was a goody surprise to the film industry. The QSQT craze wave was which hit the nation was because of him. Right from the kids to the oldies all fell in love with Raj of QSQT. After QSQT he made some wrong choices and had to have his share of failures. But then here was an actor who learnt from his mistakes. He was so perfect that some of his co-stars swore never to act with him again. But then its certainly their loss and not his. The wide variety of roles that he has done till today defines him has an actor par excellence. Be it the 9th fail kid of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, or Street Rowdy of Ghulam, or the black marketer of Rangeela or the Police official of Sarfarosh and the young villager of Lagaan or or the naughty youngster of Dil Chahta Hain all these characters have become living people in the minds of his fans. He has poured life into all the characters that he has portrayed onscreen with great depth and involvement. He has not been stereotyped inspite of the cute face that he has. He has always delivered more than the expectations of his fans. An excellent actor, he is, his fans wait for his films with bated breath as he is known to come up with only 1 film a year. His next film “The Rising” is going to be released next October(the best part being Ash is out and Amisha is in). I like him simply because he is different from all the other khans and for the outstanding performance that he delivers on screen. Least concerned whether Devdas could even manage to get an entry to Oscar.
Loved him in: QSQT, Raakh, Earth 47, Rangeela, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hain, Ghulam, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, Sarfarosh, Ishq, and lots more
Ajay Devgan
Vishal Devgan, as his real name goes, He has been real vishaal in doing his roles. With a bang he entered the film industry. Did some amazing fight sequences and showed some mindblowing stunts, his film “Phool aur Kante” was a hit. He too signed up some wrong films and tasted failure. He was an actor with few words but his eyes spoke volumes. His remarkable performance in Zakhm won him the national award. Here was an actor who was serious, passionate and completely aware of what he was doing. So what if he is not a hero of the Chopras or the Johars, he has still managed to bag 2 national awards in such a short span of his career. He was amazing in Company, absolutely excellent till the end. He was brilliant as the lover boy in Pyaar to Hona Hi tha, was successful in bringing the emotion of patriotism as the freedom fighter in the Legend of Bhagat Singh, fabulous in Ishq and very much inspiring in Gangajal. More fantabulous films are on the way…and his fans desperately waiting and for sure he is not going to let his fans down. I have been a fan of his because of the maturity in beautifying the character that he shows on screen.
Admired him in: Phool Aur Kaante, Zakhm, Company, PTHHT, TLOBS, Ishq, Deewangee, Deewane, Diljale, Gangajal…and many more.
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