Bollywood has always loved its hero, but it is the flawed, unpredictable, dangerous people who often steal shows. Driven by obsession, trauma or force, these intricate characters push the boundaries of morality and create some of the most memorable performances in Indian films. Here we look at the actors who have brought anti-heroes to their lives and brilliantly.
Seven Bollywood actors who have mastered anti-hero characters
Shah Rukh Khan
Before he became king of romance, Shah Luk Khan surprised the audience with his obsessive and terrifying portrayal of Rahul in Dah (1993). His unforgettable delivery of “Kkk-kiran” remains iconic. He later took on the role of a stylish and ruthless criminal mastermind in Don 2 (2011), redefine anti-heroes for a new generation.
Randeep Hood
Randeep Hooda played a terrifying anti-hero in Jaat, offering a performance that balances charm and threat. Known for diving deep into the intense characters, Randeep portrays a man who brings depth and grit to the role, still ordering empathy, working in the grey zone.
Ranbir Kapur
In Animals (2023), Ranbir Kapoor’s transformation into violent and emotionally unstable Ranvijay was shocking and powerful. He plays a man caught up in a cycle of love and destruction, making the audience feel equally afraid of him.
Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan portrayed a dark, mysterious antagonist in Devara, opposite Jr Ntr. With his history of playing morally grey characters in films like Omkara and Raal Kaputan, Saif continues to explore the dark horns of human nature with finesse and talent.
Shahid Kapoor
Vishal Bhardwaj’s Shahid Kapoor’s gritty double edge performance (2009) is a film that presents a flawed protagonist who breaks stereotypes and wins sympathy without necessarily seeking your approval. From his dual role (morally ambiguous and living at the edge) in Stunmaring’s Gudu and the Charlie in the wagghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Vicky Kaushal
While Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s serial killer character grabbed the headlines, Vicky Kaushal’s performance as a corrupt drug addiction cop in Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) was equally unsettling. His descent into darkness blurs the line between law and lawlessness, making him a charming anti-hero.
Vicki Kaushal from Raman Raghav 2.0
Ranveer Singh
As Padmaavat (2018)’s unhinged and ferocious Alauddin Khilji, Ranveer Singh performed for Tour De Force. His unchecked portrayal of ambition and insanity was very magnetic, dominated the film and redefine the villain in modern films.
Ranveer Singh from Padmavaat
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Akankshya Mukherjee is passionate about creativity and willing to contribute as a valuable asset to the organization. She is hungry to learn new skills. For her professional journey, she sees the potential growth in communication, content writing and reporting.
