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Wednesday 3 May 2023

The Best Villains of the 80s and 90s in Bollywood

 

Bollywood is known for its iconic heroes, but it's the villains who often steal the show with their magnetic performances. From the 80s to the 90s, Bollywood produced some of the most memorable villains in Indian cinema. In this article, we'll take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the best villains of that era.


1. Amrish Puri

Amrish Puri is a name that needs no introduction. He was the quintessential Bollywood villain of the 80s and 90s, known for his deep voice, menacing presence, and powerful acting. His most famous role was as Mogambo in the 1987 film "Mr. India," where he played a megalomaniacal terrorist with a signature catchphrase: "Mogambo khush hua." Puri's other notable performances include his roles as Thakur Durjan Singh in "Karan Arjun" and Baldev Singh in "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge." His contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in 1990.



Danny Denzongpa

Danny Denzongpa was another prominent villain of the 80s and 90s, known for his rugged looks, piercing gaze, and versatile acting. He made his Bollywood debut in 1971 with "Zaroorat" and went on to deliver some memorable performances as a villain in films like "Dhund," "Devata," and "Kranti." His most iconic role was as Kancha Cheena in the 1990 film "Agneepath," where he played a ruthless gangster with a bald head and a menacing persona. Denzongpa other notable performances include his roles as Thakur Ranvir Singh in "Ghatak" and Bakhtawar in "Khuda Gawah."

Shakti Kapoor

Shakti Kapoor was a versatile actor who could play both comedic and villainous roles with equal ease. He made his Bollywood debut in 1975 with "Do Jasoos" but gained widespread recognition for his role as the villainous Teja in the 1983 film "Himmatwala." Kapoor went on to deliver some memorable performances as a villain in films like "Qurbani," "Tohfa," and "ChaalBaaz." He also played some comedic roles in films like "Raja Babu" and "Andaz Apna Apna." Kapoor's unique style of dialogue delivery and facial expressions made him a favourite among Bollywood fans.


Prem Chopra

Prem Chopra is a veteran actor who has played a villain in over 300 films. He made his Bollywood debut in 1963 with "Hum Hindustani" but gained recognition for his role as a villain in the 1967 film "Upkar." Chopra's most famous role was as the lecherous villain in the 1973 film "Bobby," where he played the father of the heroine. His other notable performances include his roles as Ranjeet in "Deewar" and Balwant Rai in "Karan Arjun." Chopra's signature style of dialogue delivery and his ability to play both subtle and overtly evil characters made him a favourite among Bollywood filmmakers.


 Gulshan Grover

Gulshan Grover is a versatile actor who has played both villainous and comedic roles in his career. He made his Bollywood debut in 1980 with "Hum Paanch" but gained recognition for his role as a villain in the 1987 film "Sadma." Grover went on to deliver some notable performances as a villain in films like "Ram Lakhan," "Mohra," and "International Khiladi." His most iconic role was as Kesariya Vilayati in the 1995 film "Raja Hindustani," where he played a wealthy businessman who opposes the love story between the hero and heroine. Grover's unique style of dialogue delivery and his ability to bring depth to his characters made him a respected actor in Bollywood.


 Ranjeet

Ranjeet is a veteran actor who is known for his portrayals of villains and negative characters in Bollywood films. He made his Bollywood debut in 1969 with "Sharmeelee" but gained recognition for his role as the villainous Ranjeet in the 1970 film "Mera Naam Joker." Ranjeet went on to deliver some memorable performances as a villain in films like "Lootmaar," "Namak Halaal," and "Laawaris." His ability to bring a sense of sophistication and charm to his negative characters made him stand out among his contemporaries.

Kader Khan

Kader Khan was a multi-talented actor, writer, and director who made his Bollywood debut in 1973 with "Daag." He was known for his ability to play both comedic and villainous roles with equal ease. Khan went on to deliver some iconic performances as a villain in films like "Angaar," "Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri," and "Aankhen." His contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with the Padma Shri in 1991.


Sadashiv Amrapurkar

Sadashiv Amrapurkar was a talented actor who made his Bollywood debut in 1983 with "Ardh Satya." He was known for his ability to play both comedic and villainous roles with equal ease. Amrapurkar went on to deliver some iconic performances as a villain in films like "Sadak," "Ishq," and "Gupt." His most famous role was as Maharani in the 1991 film "Sadak," where he played a eunuch who runs a brothel and becomes the antagonist to the hero. Amrapurkar's ability to bring nuance to his negative characters made him stand out among his contemporaries.


Pran

Pran was one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood history, known for his ability to play both hero and villain with equal ease. He made his Bollywood debut in 1948 with "Ziddi" and went on to deliver some iconic performances as a villain in films like "Madhumati," "Ram Aur Shyam," and "Zanjeer." Pran's most famous role was as Sher Khan in the 1973 film ",Zanjeer" where he played a dacoit with a heart of gold. His contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in 2001.


Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal is a veteran actor who has played both comedic and villainous roles in his career. He made his Bollywood debut in 1984 with "Holi" but gained recognition for his role as the villainous Teja in the 1993 film "Sir." Rawal went on to deliver some memorable performances as a villain in films like "Mohra," "Gupt," and "dilwale." His ability to bring a sense of humour to his villainous characters made him stand out among his contemporaries. Rawal's other notable performances include his roles as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the "Hera Pheri" franchise and Dr. Ghungroo in the 2010 film "Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?"


The 80s and 90s were a golden era for Bollywood villains, with some of the most iconic and memorable performances coming from these decades. These actors not only brought depth and complexity to their characters but also helped elevate the hero's performance. From the menacing Gabbar Singh to the sophisticated Mogambo, these villains have become a part of Indian pop culture and their dialogues are still quoted today. Their contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered and celebrated.




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