Mehmood, Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, Jaspal Bhatti: 16 iconic comedians of Hindi film industry

On Mehmood Ali's death anniversary on June 23, we remember iconic comedians of the Hindi film industry, who have tickled our funny bone through their on-screen antics over the years.

Updated On: 2019-07-23 11:46 AM IST

Mehmood, Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, Jaspal Bhatti: 16 iconic comedians of Hindi film industry

Mehmood: He danced, he sang and he acted... but no matter what he did, this great comedian ended up making his audience double up in laughter each time, and on some occasions, soon after he had made his appearance in a scene. In spite of rarely playing the lead role, Mehmood was a superstar alright. His name helped producers sell more tickets and his picture on the poster ensured that scores turned up at the theatres. Whether it was the South Indian music teacher in 'Padosan' the bus conductor in 'Bombay To Goa' or the butler in 'Gumnaam', Mehmood brought his unique style of comedy to the fore. Unarguably one of the greatest comedians of Indian cinema.

Rajpal Yadav: He has entertained all of us with his hilarious characters in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hungama, Chup Chup Ke, Phir Hera Pheri, Waqt, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and many more. Rajpal has been playing negative as well as comic roles since the 1990s and will be next seen in Coolie No. 1 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

Vijay Raaz: He never fails to remind a Bollywood buff of the epic 'Kauwa Biryani' scene from Bollywood movie Run. His other notable characters in Bollywood films are Dhamaal, Welcome, Deewane Hue Paagal, Raghu Romeo, Mumbai Xpress, Bombay To Goa and Monsoon Wedding.

Sanjay Mishra: Be it masala films or critically-acclaimed ones, Sanjay Mishra aces every character he plays on-screen. He starred in the popular sitcom Office Office, and his comic timings in films such as Golmaal series, Dhamaal franchise, Phas Gaye Re Obama, Dilwale, All The Best were impeccable. 

Jaspal Bhatti: Common man's comedian, during the peak of his prowess and popularity, Jaspal Bhatti was simultaneously one of India's most loved and most feared entertainers. Bhatti's popular TV shows were Flop Show, Ulta Pulta and Nonsense Private Limited. He went on to play supporting roles in a few Bollywood films, notably Aa Ab Laut Chalen, Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe and Fanaa.

Johnny Walker: The 'sir jo tera chakraye' man created a niche for himself as a comedian. He entertained all without ever being vulgar. Even the wink of his eye could evoke a smile. They don't make 'em like him anymore!

Jagdeep: The Surma Bhopali of 'Sholay' (1975), even his two-minute appearance in the film made him legendary. His cameo as Salman Khan's father in 'Andaz Apna Apna' is also well remembered.

Kader Khan: From the mid to the late 90s, Khan formed a memorable association with Govinda, sometimes as dad, other times as father-in-law. The duo gave a number of hits like Coolie No. 1 (1995), Hero No. 1 (1997) and Dulhe Raja (1998). Kader Khan made his writing debut in 1972 with the Jaya Bhaduri-Randhir Kapoor-starrer Jawani Diwani and his acting debut the following year with Rajesh Khanna's Daag.

Johny Lever: There was a time in Bollywood when 'if it was a comedy, it had to be Johny Lever'. Between the late 80s and mid-90s, Lever played many memorable roles in films like 'Hatya' (1988), 'Khiladi' (1992), Chamatkar (1992) and 'Baazigar' (1993) among others.

Paresh Rawal: Ever since Rawal portrayed the bumbling character of Babu Bhaiya in the hilarious 'Hera Pheri' (2000), he has become Bollywood's most reliable funny man.

Shakti Kapoor: Like Kader Khan, Shakti also shone in alliance with Govinda, most notably as Nandu in Raja Babu (1994). However, his iconic role remains that of Crime Master Gogo in the laugh-a-minute riot 'Andaz Apna Apna' (1994).

Asrani: Best remembered as the 'Angrezo ke zamane ka jailor' from 'Sholay', Asrani continues to entertain us with his comic acts albeit in brief roles. In recent times, his performance in 'Malamaal Weekly' (2006) and 'Dhamaal' (2007) have been appreciated. He was recently seen in the web series - Permanent Roommates as Mikesh's grandfather.

Kishore Kumar: People will always remember him as a legendary singer, but Kumar made a name for himself as a comic actor as well. 'Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi', 'Half Ticket' and 'Padosan' are movies in which his funny avatars remain memorable.

Utpal Dutt: 'Golmaal' (1979), in which he played the role of Bhavani Shankar, an eccentric boss who is completely for traditional values, remains Dutt's most renowned work in Hindi cinema. But he has also done funny acts in memorable films like 'Guddi' (1971), 'Shaukeen' (1981) and 'Rang Birangi' (1983).

Keshto Mukherjee: The man who did not drink in real life was an absolute laugh riot as the drunkard on-screen. Even his brief appearances in 'Bombay to Goa', 'Padosan' and 'Sholay' enriched the films with laughter.

Rajendra Nath: His comic timing was incredible, and Nath used his skill to great effect in successful films like 'Dil Deke Dekho', 'Teesri Manzil', 'Baharon Ke Sapne' and 'Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai'. He usually was Shammi Kapoor's best friend in most of his movies.

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