Top 5 Supporting Actors That Stole the Show in Bollywood Movies

Lead actors and the storyline play a crucial role to develop any Bollywood movie. We also need other aspects like supporting actors, locations and technical grandeur to balance it out. Sometimes, during filming, few supporting actors stand shoulder to shoulder with the lead actors and these days it has become a norm for major stars to portray supporting characters. Gradually, the lines between a star and a supporting character have faded, as the actors of today’s generation only concentrate on the role and the character he/she has to play.

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Talented actors need one good opportunity to showcase their skill, and these are the movies where supporting actors had the opportunity to shine. There were no less than the protagonist in the following movies and left the audience stunned. There are several Bollywood films that have surprised us with their stories, cast and splendid performances by the supporting actors. So, here is my tribute to those unsung actors who stole the show from right beneath the lead actors and left us bamboozled! 

If you thought 2016 was just like any other year when Bollywood had its share of several hits, more failures, some experimental cinema, and a few blockbusters, you aren’t wrong. But, for an audience like me, something caught the eye which was beyond the content we saw on screen, there was something more that happened at the cinemas. While the Khans ruled, the Kapoors walked with much credit and the female-centric films saw a rise. A handful of the second line of actors left a deeper impression in our minds that is still echoing through their power-packed performances, even as we are ready to close the year. For the past few years, we have noticed a few actors who have sparkled in their performances and audience have loved every moment of their actions which have made them memorable.

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5. Aparshakti Khurana in Dangal

We took home a lot of things from Dangal, be it motivation, emotion, and the powerful storyline, but we also ended up with a considerable amount of laughs because of his effortless comic timing. This is an honorary mention to Aparshakti Khurana for giving the much needed comic relief in Dangal. He is the voice of the film in every way, as he resonated with the audience reaction. Though he appeared in the film in person after a while, by then he had already become an integral part of our thought process. Even if he is not fighting in the akhadas, he gave good support to the onscreen Phogats in achieving their goal (gold). Dangal gave a great opportunity to Aparshakti and he made the most out of it with that sweet mischievous smile.

4. Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Bajrangi Bhaijaan

Inspired by a viral video of an actual journalist, Chand Nawab, the humble reporter from the other side of the border, Pakistan is a show stealer. But, believe me, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was equally funny. He played different roles in different verticals like the intense look in Raman Raghav 2.0 and Badlapur, a gangster look in Gangs of Wasseypur and now a comedic role and a sensitive role in Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Nawaz even outperformed Salman Khan in the second half of the film with his witty dialogues and brilliant screen presence. He took over and carried the film immediately after he appeared on screen!

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3. Siddhant Chaturvedi in Gully Boy

2019 introduced us to the new crush in the industry, Siddhant Chaturvedi aka MC Sher. Based on Indian Rappers, Gully Boy is one of the early blockbusters of the year and gave a gem to the Indian Cinema. He has always been an amazing actor, but he got the much-needed recognition through Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy. He is the friend that everyone needs in real life. That ‘damned’ smile he gave after losing to his friend, Murad, was everything anyone could ask for. He made us feel every single emotion beautifully and Gully Boy would not be as brilliant without his presence. He was no less than Ranveer Singh in terms of screen presence, acting skills.

Maybe the song in the movie was a subtle reminder to all the other actors by him:

“Bhag Bhag Bhag! Aaya Shere Aaya Sher!”

2. Priyanka Chopra in Bajirao Mastani

Priyanka Chopra caught the nerve of her character as Kashi Bai in the film and somehow had an edge of her own over the lead pair. We felt each and every emotion she displayed deeply, and she swayed us all away! She plays Kashibai, Bajirao’s first wife who stands by her husband when required. It is, in fact, one of Priyanka Chopra’s best career choices so far as Kashi Bai was strong, warm, and a refreshing change in the movie. Her love for Bajirao played by Ranveer Singh was felt through her excellent enactment, written and played beautifully that you’re left sympathizing with it more than adoring the romantic angle between Bajirao and Mastani (Deepika Padukone).

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1. Vicky Kaushal in Sanju

Sanju was a super hit movie because of the splendid performance by Paresh Rawal, Ranbir Kapoor, Manisha Koirala, Dia Mirza, and Vicky Kaushal. But, Kamli played by Vicky Kaushal was a special character whom I happily brought home from the theatre. Uri: The Surgical Strike star Vicky has been impressing everyone with his fantastic acting skills right from his debut film, Masaan – an underrated gem. In Sanju, he stole most of the scenes, playing Kamli – Sanjay Dutt’s best friend. His performance brought new life to the original character which was applauded by the audience as well as the critics. His Gujarati accent, appearance, and his dialogue delivery, everything was on point. Their friendship and Kamli’s support was something to die for.

What did you think of the list? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Aditi Parikh

Senior Associate Writer at Just for Movie Freaks

Aditi is yet another artist stuck in the body of an IT professional. Books, dark humor and twisted stories. Her life revolves around it, and some might even say that she's blunt, and even agree that she is the fakest real person they have ever met. She is loving and exploring the unexplored side of cinema and hopes that people will watch through her eyes.

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