For me, a good actor performs different roles. And does them well, irrespective of tones of the character. I have tries to choose ACTORS on this basis rather than their STAR value....
Kamal Hasan
This versatile actor from south, has always received a raw deal at the hands of bollywood producers. In spite of being an excellent dancer (this being one of the prime needs in bollywood), a good start (Ek Duje Ke Liye), excellent facial expressions (a la Nayakan); Kamal could not make it big in bollywood. However, roles in Hindustani, Chachi 420, Pushpak, Nayakan, Ek Duje Ke Liye were enough for me to put his name at the top op the list. As a producer / actor who never shies away from experimentation, Hats off to Kamal !
Amitabh Bachchan
Undoubtedly, one rare person who, in spite being a good actor became a star. Although, many of the films he acted in (and were succesful at box office) wer routine run-of-the mill, his intensity in (even pedestrian) roles cannot be forgotten.
It appears that his wide range of roles did not cover too many comic roles, but that may be directors’ oversight than big B’s shortcoming. A ’’Don’’ scene in front of mirror, role in ’’Chupke Chupke’’ should have encouraged other directors, but........ our bad luck!
Anupam Kher
If versatality is a hallmark of a good actor, who can you find more fitting than Anupam? Be it shopkeeper in ’’Ram Lakhan’’ or old man in ’’Saaransh’’......Anupam has given his best. Many movies worth forgetting, have become memorable only for Anupam’s roles. Comedy, outrageous, villain, serious, younger than age, older than age........you state it and he has done it.
Paresh Raval
An excellent replacement for Anupam Kher, if at all one needs to replace that evergreen actor. Watch Paresh play ’’Sardar’’ and immediately watch him as Baburao in ’’Hera Feri’’! If one actor has dominated this hillarious movie called ’’Hera Feri’’, it was Paresh Raval (not Akshay, not Sunil, Not even Tabbu could match him.), Another excellent role one cannot forget was Chachi 420. Kamal Hasan could not overshadow him. (Need I say more?) Again, has played roles as villain, politician (sub category of the earlier one), comedy, real time hero........ evreything!
Ameer Khan
Some people may wrgue on this choice. But do not get carried away by small number of films, you can see him in. This perfectionist has given some woderful performances. Though short in height, Ameer has never been short in stature ! ’’Sarfarosh’’, ’’Lagaan’’, ’’Hum Hai Rahi Pyar ke’’, ’’Dil Chahta Hai’’.... every performance is worth watching. I cannot forget the difference I noticed between two khans when I watched ’’Andaz Apna Apna’’. By demands of the story, incidences two khans performed were similar. But performances......... Vastly different!
To realise the ability to acting, just watch Coke advertisements. It can give fair idea of Ameers’ repertoire!
Finally my apologies to Shreeram Lagoo, Mohan Joshi, Balraj Sahani, Naseeruddin Shah, Gulshan Grover........etc. for their exclusion (to restrict the list to 5).