This World Laughter Day, let's celebrate the amazing comic actors who made us laugh out loud.
"... but to make someone laugh, you have to work very hard. So comedy is tough — the toughest genre." - Akshay Kumar
Not everyone can pull off comedy on the screen. It's a rare ability, and one has to be an excellent actor to tickle the audience's funny bone. And comedy is not just about delivering punchlines; it's more about the precise timing and the art of spontaneity that make a scene hilarious. Fortunately, Bollywood has had numerous brilliant comic actors who won the hearts of one and all with their performances. There was a time (especially from the '60s to the '90s) when Hindi films had a distinct space for comic actors, and although the trend has waned in recent times, we still have a few who master the art of comedy.
It's World Laughter Day today, and what better way to celebrate the day than by honoring Bollywood's finest comic actors?
The list must begin with Mehmood as he took Bollywood's comedy scene to a whole new level. He had impeccable timing that allowed him to deliver his punchlines perfectly, leaving us with a laughter riot. And he was immensely versatile, portraying a wide range of characters throughout his career. His best works include 'Dil Tera Diwana', 'Pyar Kiye Ja', 'Gumnaam', and 'Padosan' among others.
(Credit: Ultra Bollywood)
"Hum angrezon ke zamaane ka jailer hai... "
No one could deliver this line better than Asrani. He has that innate sense of how to deliver a line to create the maximum impact on the audience. And his incredibly expressive face is enough to make us laugh out loud. He is also a master of physical comedy, and his chemistry with his co-stars adds another layer to the narrative. His best works include 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', and 'Chhoti Si Baat' among others.
(Credit: NH Studioz)
Johnny Walker was another legendary comic actor who shone like a star in the golden era of Bollywood. Whether it’s his perfect expressions, his innate timing, or his phenomenal body language, he made a number of films memorable with his performances. And he had a unique style of dialogue delivery that could turn even the most ordinary lines extraordinary. His best works include 'Chhoo Mantar', 'Chori Chori', and 'Railway Platform' among others.
(Credit: Ultra Bollywood)
In today's era, the most loved comic actor from Bollywood is inarguably Johny Lever. He literally dominated the comedy scene during the 90s and early 2000s, and even today, whenever he appears in a film, it leaves us in awe. The infectious energy he brings to the table, coupled with his innate timing and expressive body language, makes us laugh like no other. His best works include 'Dulhe Raja', 'Koi Mil Gaya', 'Phir Hera Pheri', and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' among others.
(Credit: Shemaroo Comedy)
Rajpal Yadav is a genius, and he has a lovable charm that sets him apart. He is effortless when it comes to playing quirky characters, shining brightly in every scene that he appears in. Whether it's delivering witty one-liners, doing physical comedy, or going absolutely subtle on the screen, he is exceptional in every way. His best works include 'Chup Chup Ke', 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', 'Hungama', 'Dhol', and 'De Dana Dan'.
(Credit: T-Series)
It obviously doesn't here. Besides these actors, the list also includes Kader Khan, Paresh Rawal, Satish Kaushik, Saurabh Shukla, Annu Kapoor, Deepak Dobriyal, Govinda, Akshay Kumar, and Pankaj Tripathy among others.
