Bollywood has gifted movie lovers with some of the most iconic Bollywood characters. These characters often describe the ingrained culture of the country and sometimes question the norms of the society. These iconic Bollywood characters are not mere roles, but the icons that have shaped the way Indian cinema is perceived and celebrated.
Join us on a nostalgic journey as we take a look into the world of iconic Bollywood characters that have left an indelible mark on the silver screen and in our hearts. From heroes to villains, lovers to comedians, these characters have transcended their scripts to become timeless symbols of storytelling, emotion, and entertainment.
List of Top 15 Iconic Bollywood Characters
1. Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) – Sholay
The iconic dialogue “Kitne aadmi the?” by Gabbar Singh in the movie Sholay remains etched in the history of Bollywood. The role portrayed by Amjad Khan as a ruthless dacoit will remain the most iconic Bollywood character.
2. Raj (Shahrukh Khan) – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Shahrukh Khan gave life to the role of Raj Malhotra in the Aditya Chopra directorial established him as a romantic hero in Bollywood. The DDLJ movie redefined the concept of Love forever with SRK’s charm and devotion.
3. Mogambo (Amrish Puri) – Mr. India
Mogamba is an eccentric supervillain in Indian cinema. The iconic Bollywood role portrayed by Amrish Puri set the bar high for villains in cinema. The catchphrase “Mogambo Khush Hua” became a common dialogue among the moviegoers.
4. Anjali (Kajol) – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Kajol became a household name for her portrayal of Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. She brought an endearing and relatable character to life and cemented her role in Bollywood for years to come.
5. Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan) – Dabangg
Salman Khans’s portrayal of Chulbul Pandey redefined the action-comedy genre in Bollywood. Chulbul Pandey, a fearless cop with a unique swagger and witty one-liners captivated the audience and became an iconic Bollywood role.
6. Rancho (Aamir Khan) – 3 Idiots
3 Idiots movie gave some of the most iconic Bollywood characters.. Rancho, played by Aamir Khan inspired a generation of youth in an unconventional approach to education and life philosophy. 3 Idiots will seal multiple spots in top 50 memorable Bollywood characters.
7. Munnabhai (Sanjay Dutt) – Munna Bhai MBBS
The lovable gangster Munna Bhai played by Sanjay Dutt with a mix of comedy and heart captivated the audience. The Rajkumar Hirani directorial movie portrayed a gangster turned do-gooder, which became one of the iconic characters in Bollywood.
8. Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Paresh Rawal) – Hera Pheri
Hera Pheri movie has a great fanbase. Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, played by Paresh Rawal has a cult following around the world. The impeccable comic timing of the iconic character with quirky mannerisms and catchphrases left the audience in splits.
9. Chatur Ramalingam (Omi Vaidya) – 3 Idiots
3 Idiots not only gave inspiration for a generation but also some of the iconic roles in Bollywood. Omi Vaidya’s portrayal of the role of Chatur Ramalingam and his memorable speech added comic brilliance to the movie’s satirical take on the education system.
10. Geet Dhillon (Kareena Kapoor) – Jab We Met
Kareena Kapoor brought life to the character Geet Dhillon in the movie Jab We Met. A free-spirited, talkative, and vivacious character gave an iconic character in Bollywood.
11. Sardar Khan (Manoj Bajpayee) – Gangs of Wasseypur
Gangs of Wasseypur gave a new genre in Bollywood and a similar number of iconic characters. One that stands out is Sardar Khan, played by Manoj Bajpayee, who showcased his remarkable acting prowess.
12. Circuit (Arshad Warsi) – Munna Bhai MBBS
Circuit, played by Arshad Warsi as Munna Bhai’s loyal sidekick became one of the most iconic Bollywood characters. The role added humour and emotional depth to the movie that inspired the audience at large.
13. Vasooli Bhai (Mukesh Tiwari) – Golmaal
Vasooli Bhai never failed to give a comic treat to moviegoers in Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal franchise. The iconic Bollywood role portrayed by Mukesh Tiwari contributed significantly to the franchise’s comic mayhem.
14. Crime-Master GoGo (Shakti Kapoor) – Andaz Apna Apna
Crime-Master GoGo played by Shakti Kapoor remains a role model for aspirants who want to take up comedy. The iconic Bollywood role in Andaz Apna Apna is synonymous with comic absurdity and enriched comedy.
15. Majnu Bhai (Anil Kapoor) – Welcome
A friendly and lovable gangster Majnu Bhai role played by Anil Kapoor infused the movie Welcome with laughter and eccentricity. The star-studded movie became the meme template for its witty dialogues and iconic Bollywood roles.
Conclusion
The iconic characters in Bollywood remind us of the power of cinema to create roles that live beyond the screen. These roles played by talented actors have sparked laughter, tears, inspiration, and reflection of society. These iconic characters continue to resonate with the emotions and stories they evoke.
