10. Naseeruddin Shah
Naseeruddin Shah, a pivotal figure in Indian cinema, played a crucial role in bringing Om Puri to FTII, fostering a lifelong friendship between them. Alongside Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah established a prominent presence in both parallel and commercial cinema landscapes. Graduating from NSD, he garnered acclaim through iconic works like ‘Aakrosh,’ ‘Mirch Masala,’ ‘Nishant,’ ‘Masoom,’ ‘Mandi,’ ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron,’ and ‘Ijazat.’ Not confined to art-house films, he seamlessly transitioned into mainstream cinema, showcasing his versatility. Renowned for his stage performances, he also captivates audiences with mono act plays inspired by the writings of Ismat Chughtai. Like his friend Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah has evolved into portraying compelling, character-driven roles, solidifying his status as one of India’s finest actors.
9. Mammootty
Mammootty, celebrated as the superstar of Malayalam cinema, embarked on his career in the seventies. Through his portrayal of morally upright characters, he endeared himself to audiences, earning a special place in their hearts. His role as a persecuted journalist in ‘New Delhi’ propelled him to fame. Collaborating with the esteemed director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, he delivered stellar performances in films such as ‘Anantaram,’ ‘Vidheyan,’ and ‘Mathilukal,’ the latter fetching him the first of his three national awards. Alongside his cinematic achievements, Mammootty is recognized for his philanthropic endeavors, solidifying his position as a revered figure in Malayalam cinema.
8. Uttam Kumar
In the post-independence era, with society mired in despair due to poverty, unemployment, and political disillusionment, Uttam Kumar emerged as a beacon of hope. His charisma was such that he could commit a crime and escape unscathed. Uttam Kumar epitomized a blend of sophistication and allure, captivating both men and women alike. His unparalleled popularity earned him the revered title of “Mahanayak” (Great Hero) among the masses.
7. Mohanlal
Mohanlal stands as the epitome of the Malayali actor, cherished by every fan of Malayalam cinema. Unlike Mammootty’s larger-than-life hero persona, Mohanlal captivated audiences with his relatable charm. Whether portraying Sethumadhavan in ‘Kireedam,’ the jovial tourist guide Joji in ‘Kilukkam,’ or the cunning Georgekutty in ‘Drishyam,’ each role showcased his dedication to transcending boundaries. Regarded as one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema, he has earned five national awards for his outstanding performances.
6. Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Akkineni Nageswara Rao, a towering figure in the Telugu film industry for over seven decades, needs no introduction. Starting his career at the age of 17, he portrayed diverse roles, including that of a woman, breaking barriers in an era when women weren’t allowed on stage. Initially known for mythological and fantasy roles, he transitioned to social dramas and romantic characters. His portrayal of the broken-hearted Devdas in ‘Devadasu’ earned widespread acclaim. The success of ‘Premabhisekham,’ running continuously in cinemas for over a year, marked a milestone in Telugu cinema. With a legacy of over 250 films, he was honored with the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for his invaluable contributions to Indian cinema. His passing in 2014, due to colon cancer, left a void in the industry. At the time, he was collaborating with his son Akkineni Nagarjuna and grandson Naga Chaitanya on the film ‘Manam,’ which served as a poignant tribute to his legacy.
5. Rajkumar
Rajkumar is hailed as one of the greatest actors in Kannada and Indian cinema, captivating audiences with his unique style and acting prowess. He embodied the values and ethics cherished by the common man, portraying characters that championed compassion and selflessness. Over his illustrious five-decade career, he portrayed a diverse range of roles, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Renowned for his versatility, he even ventured into a James Bond-like role in ‘Jedara Bale,’ a feat unmatched by any Indian actor at the time. Beyond acting, Rajkumar was also a trained classical singer, earning accolades including the National Award for Best Male Playback Singer. His abduction by the notorious bandit Veerappan in 2000 sparked widespread public outcry and support. Released unharmed after 108 days, he continued to be revered as a cultural icon. Honored with the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award, Rajkumar’s legacy continues to inspire generations even after his passing in 2006.
4. Shivaji Ganesan
Shivaji Ganesan, dubbed the ‘Marlon Brando’ of Indian cinema by the Los Angeles Times, stands as a luminary of Tamil cinema. Renowned for his multifaceted talents, he excelled not only as an actor but also as a trained dancer proficient in Bharatnatyam, Kathak, and Manipuri styles. Originally named Villupuram Chinnaiah, he earned the moniker Shivaji for his legendary portrayal of the Maratha warrior on stage. His groundbreaking espionage thriller ‘Andha Naal’ marked a departure from traditional Indian cinema by omitting songs, a rarity at the time. Ganesan’s versatility shone through in his portrayal of diverse roles, encompassing mythological figures, villains, romantic leads, and character roles with equal finesse. Recognized for his significant contributions to cinema, he was honored with the Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, making him the first Indian actor to receive such recognition.
3. Kamal Hassan
Kamal Hassan, often described as volatile and controversy-ridden, remains one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. At sixty-two, he continues to exude an insatiable hunger for reinvention in his craft. Starting his journey as a child actor, he rose to prominence starring in numerous lead roles. Under the mentorship of director K Balachander, he showcased his talent in acclaimed films like ‘Apoorva Raagangal’ and ‘Manmadha Leelai.’ His portrayal of a compassionate school teacher in ‘Moondram Pirai,’ caring for a girl with intellectual disabilities, earned him widespread acclaim. His versatility knows no bounds, evident in his ability to seamlessly transition between roles, from a gangster in Maniratnam’s ‘Nayagan’ to a prodigal son in ‘Thevar Magan,’ to a silent character in ‘Pushpak.’ Recent works like ‘Hey Ram,’ ‘Abhay,’ ‘Dasavataram,’ and ‘Vishwaroopam’ stand testament to his brilliance both as an actor and a filmmaker. Kamal Hassan continues to captivate audiences with his unparalleled range and ingenuity.
2. Dilip Kumar
Dilip Kumar, arguably the finest actor of his generation, shines as a beacon of the yesteryears. Revered as the tragedy king for his profound performances, he is acclaimed as a modern-day pioneer of method acting. Across a career spanning five decades, he showcased remarkable versatility through a multitude of roles. His portrayal of Prince Salim in K Asif’s masterpiece ‘Mughal-e-azam’ captivated audiences, while his depiction of the tormented alcoholic in ‘Devdas’ solidified his authority. So intense was his performance that lovers in despair were often likened to Devdas for generations to come. Transitioning to supporting roles later in his career, he shared the screen with the younger stars in films like ‘Mashaal,’ ‘Shakti,’ ‘Kranti,’ ‘Vidhata,’ ‘Karma,’ and ‘Saudagar,’ showcasing his enduring talent. His receipt of the ‘Nishane-e-Imtiaz,’ Pakistan’s highest civilian award, distinguishes him as the sole Indian recipient to date. Dilip Kumar remains an immortal figure in the annals of Indian cinema.
1. Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan, widely regarded as the greatest and most influential actor in Indian cinema, has earned the title of actor of the millennium. Despite facing rejection from All India Radio due to his voice, he persevered and rose from humble beginnings to become a leading actor. Once fortune smiled upon him, there was no turning back. His acting prowess, commanding baritone, and formidable screen presence endeared him to the masses. Such was his charisma that when he suffered a life-threatening injury on the sets of ‘Coolie,’ hundreds of fans and well-wishers flocked to the hospital to pray for his recovery. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has portrayed a myriad of characters and also found success as a television presenter. Amitabh Bachchan remains an enduring symbol of excellence in Indian cinema.