Before proceeding on with this review, I would want to make few things clear. Here I am judging the actors by their acting capabilities only, not by whether they are’heartthrobs of millions’, whether they have screen charishma, whether they can make viewers cry, laugh, jump. & all other weird criterions by which people tend to glorify their stars.
To me a good actor is one who can portray the role as it demands, leaving aside his own mannerisms & prejudices. A couple of my choices may not be the most popular ones, but I feel strongly for them.
For convenience, I am limiting myself to the discussion of the present generation actors only.
1.Aamir Khan: My all time favourite & one of the greatest Indian actors ever, this guy is the embodiment of versatility & perfection. Be it as a lover boy in QSQT, hooligan in JJWS, a responsible father in AHAT, a troubled uncle in HHRPK, tapori in Rangeela & Ghulaam, police officer in Sarfarosh, & a happy go lucky guy in DCH, this man has delivered flawless performances everywhere. I am sure’The Rising’ &’Rang De Basanti’ won’t be any exception.
2.Ajay Devgan: I disliked this man a lot during his’Phool aur Kaante’ &’Pyaar to Hona hi tha’ days, but he has undergone a radical transformation since. His performances as Bhagat Singh, as a mafia don in Ramu’s Company, as a psycho-lover in Deewangee, as a distressed husband in Bhoot, & as a upright police officer in Gangajaal, clearly testify the fact that this guy has improved a lot. I haven’t seen Zakhm yet. What I like most in him is the expressiveness in his eyes. Though he has done some stupid roles recently, he has no doubt proved his worth.
3.Akshay Khanna: Subtlety is the key in acting. If you agree with this, you are bound to appreciate this guy. I wonder why he is so much underrated. I doubt whether anyone else could have done the role of’Sid’ in DCH as effectively as he has. The strongest point in his acting is that, he can underplay his character beautifully as & when situation demands.
4.Manoj Bajpai: Can anyone forget Bhikhu Matre of Satya? Can anyone undermine his performances in Kaun, Shool, Zubeidaa ? This guy doesn’t need to stammer, shake his heads, or recourse to big banners to make his roles convincing. Acting comes natural to him, the latest example being his performance in Pinjar.
5.Rahul Bose: The list of best actors can’t be complete without this man. He is damn good, perhaps too good for bollywood. Watch out for his performances in Takshak, Mr. & Mrs. Iyer, Jhankaar Beats, White Noise & you will know what I mean. I really think some of the so-called’stars’ &’kings’ need a lesson or two on acting from him.
There are other good actors too, but these five definitely top the list.
Please don’t forget to comment on the review.
Cheers
Abhik