Isn't it true to a large extent that comedians are the most talented, yet most underrated bunch of actors in Bollywood? After all, the petite heroine, the bulky hero, or the super serious method actor takes away the limelight more often. In fact, we can count some really talented and experienced comedians in Bollywood on our fingertips- Mehmood, Johnny Walker, Asrani, Johnny Lever, Kader Khan, Jagdeep, and Deven Verma.
But when it comes to recent times, the concept of comedians has almost been wiped off from the movies. Because anyways the scripts these days offer enough scope of comedy for the lead actors only! But still, check out these 9 actors who have still kept the concept of comedians alive in Bollywood!
1. Arshad Warsi
Be it Dhamaal, Kabul Express, Golmaal series, or Jolly LLb, Arshad Warsi is one of those few actors who can totally nail comedy. In fact, even in serious movie likeIshqiya and Dedh Ishqiya, Warsi has made sure to bring in the element of comedy. From his dialogue delivery, to his body language, to of course acting nuances, Arshad Warsi is definitely the 21st century comedian of Bollywood.
2. Deepak Dobriyal
Those who have seen Omkara would know what a great, although small, role Deepak Dobriyal had in it. But it's only his character of Pappi ji in Tanu Weds Manuwhich got him a ton of acclaim as a comic actor. In fact, he reprised his role in Tanu Weds Manu Returns and again totally nailed it. In fact, he has done a lot of versatile roles as well, say that of a murderer in It's Not A Love Story, yet I think it's undoubtedly comedy at which he's the best!
3. Vinay Pathak
Remember Vinay Pathak from Bheja Fry or Bheja Fry 2? The quintessentially irritating guy who had a pretty bugging character, yet managed to make you laugh? Or the super Punjabi and super loud friend of SRK in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi? Well, that's Vinay Pathak for you. No doubt, he is super talented and can pull of any kind of role. But again, he typically stands out in all the comic roles he does.
4. Sanjay Mishra
And what do we say about this one! The man is a brilliant actor, more so at comedy but he never got his due until recently. With movies like Masaan and Phas Gaye Re Obama, he has definitely proved his acting mettle. But since many years, the chap has been doing amazing comic roles every now and then. Be prepared to see him surprise you in Rohit Shetty and Shahrukh Khan's upcoming flick Dilwaale!
5. Riteish Deshmukh
He's surely one actor who started out as a mainstream hero, and he still is, but almost every role he does has a strong sense of comedy in it. Be it in the Housefull series, Kya Kool Hain Hum series, Masti series, or films like Dhamaal, Heyy Babyy, his characters undoubtedly are often are comic. So I guess, it's safe to say he's another actor in Bollywood who is keeping the tag of a comedian alive.
6. Boman Irani
Boman Irani's career in Bollywood started really late, but nevertheless, I am glad at least he happened to Bollywood! He broke into the scene with Munnabhai MBBS as doctor Asthana, and won many hearts with that character. With movies likeBluffmaster, Khosla Ka Ghosla, and 3 Idiots, he has established himself as one the best comic actors we have.
7. Varun Sharma
Remember Varun 'Chucha' Sharma from the film Fukrey? Yeah, the same chap who did a damn fine comic job in the movie. Well, looks like he's here to stay! He did a small comic role in Sonam Kapoor's Dolly Ki Doli and yet did a great job. And even in Kapil Sharma's debut flick, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, he played a comic role. Let's just say there's something about his entire persona which makes you want to laugh relentlessly.
8. Vijay Raaz
He has been missing in action from quite a while, but let's just admit, whenever he does comedy on screen, it's amazing. In fact, he's probably one actor who has the capability to be super subtle and yet make you laugh. His role in Imran Khan's Delhi Belly definitely proves so.
9. Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub
Remember Dhanush's best friend from the movie Raanjhana? Yes, this is him. While he has done only handful of roles in Bollywood movies, he's been equally good in all of them. But I can't help but notice from his roles in both Raanjhana and Tanu Weds Manu Returns that the actor is great at comedy and can definitely flourish in the genre.