From villains to heroes, Raj Babbar’s iconic roles reflect his true versatility — here’s celebrating his 73rd birthday.
Actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar turns 73 today. Renowned for his memorable performances, he gained wide recognition for his roles in the mythological series ‘Mahabharat’ and later for portraying strong villains in several Bollywood films—roles that continue to be celebrated. As his career evolved, Babbar earned acclaim for his portrayal of fatherly figures in hits like ‘Bunty Aur Babli’ and ‘Bodyguard’. A prominent member of the Indian National Congress, he has made his mark both on-screen and in politics. On his birthday, we take a look back at some of his most iconic roles that showcase his remarkable versatility in Indian cinema.
Directed by David Dhawan, the romantic thriller ‘Yaraana’ features Raj Babbar as JB/Inspector Pradhan, a character who becomes obsessed with Lalita, played by Madhuri Dixit, and abducts her in a bid to marry her. His chilling performance earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain. The film is loosely inspired by the American movie ‘Sleeping with the Enemy’, starring Julia Roberts. ‘Yaraana’ also stars Rishi Kapoor, Shakti Kapoor, and Kader Khan alongside Madhuri Dixit.
Credit: Rotten Tomatoes
Directed by B.R. Chopra, ‘Insaf Ka Tarazu’ is a powerful revenge drama inspired by the 1976 Hollywood film ‘Lipstick’. The film features an ensemble cast including Zeenat Aman, Raj Babbar, Deepak Parashar, Padmini Kolhapure, Iftekhar, Simi Garewal, Shreeram Lagoo, and a cameo by Dharmendra. Raj Babbar delivered a chilling performance as one of the most despised antagonists in Hindi cinema, portraying a man who assaults Bharti, played by Zeenat Aman, and her younger sister. His intense portrayal earned him a Filmfare nomination for Best Actor, marking a significant moment in his early career.
‘Nikaah’ is a romantic drama directed by B.R. Chopra, featuring Raj Babbar, Deepak Parashar, and Salma Agha in her Bollywood debut. Set against the backdrop of the sensitive issue of triple talaq, the story follows Niloufer (Salma Agha), who marries Wasim (Deepak Parashar). However, their relationship crumbles due to Wasim’s possessiveness and temper, ultimately leading to divorce. Raj Babbar plays Haidar, a compassionate poet who brings solace and love into Niloufer’s life. Although Raj Babbar is often remembered for his intense negative roles, this film showcased a completely different side of him. His heartfelt performance resonated strongly with audiences.
Credit: Hindustan
Directed by Guddu Dhanoa, ‘Ziddi’ stars Sunny Deol, Raveena Tandon, Anupam Kher, Raj Babbar, and Ashish Vidyarthi. A must-watch for Bollywood enthusiasts, this action-packed film features Raj Babbar once again showcasing his flair for negative roles. The story follows Deva (played by Deol), whose unbridled rage propels him into the heart of the city's criminal world. Babbar takes on the role of Jindaal, a key figure involved in illegal operations.
Inspired by the 1991 American film ‘Regarding Henry’, ‘Daag: The Fire’ features Raj Babbar as Tejeshwar Singhal, a powerful and influential figure who supports his son-in-law (played by Chandrachur Singh) in framing an innocent man. Directed by Raj Kanwar, this action thriller is a gripping watch. The film stars Sanjay Dutt, Chandrachur Singh, and Mahima Chaudhry in lead roles, with Babbar adding depth to the narrative through his commanding performance.
