Greatest comedians of Hindi movies

Ever wonder what’s more difficult for actors to deliver?

Pain?

Drama?

Romance?

Anger and intensity?

Comedy?

Drama and romance are easy, pain and sorrow are manageable but comedy is the hardest. Anyone who has attempted a joke or attempted to script a comedy sketch or attempt delivering a stand-up comedy act is well-versed with the labour involved in making people laugh.

Today we honour and recall the greatest comedians of Hindi movies - they’re not just box-office pullers. They’re the ones without whom the industry wouldn’t have been what it is today and without whom the audiences wouldn’t have had their laughs and enriching memories.

One of the earliest comedians of Hindi cinema, Johnny Walker christened himself after a very popular scotch brand. Known for his classic drunken-antics, he acted in over 300 films and was a respectable comedian of his times.

Known for: Pyaasa, Madhumati, Mr. & Mrs. ‘55

Known for playing comic roles, Mehmood worked in over 300 films in a career that spanned over four decades. Even though he didn’t play the lead role, he was a huge crowd puller and responsible for box-office successes. Additionally, he also has the most number of award nominations in the ‘best comedian’ category.

Known for: Padosan, Do Phool, Gumnaam

Indian screen hasn’t been graced with anyone more multifaceted or multitalented like Kishore Kumar. His unmatched comic timing and versatility in projecting emotions and expressions was and still is widely admired and benchmarked upon.

Known for: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Half-Ticket, Padosan

Johnny Lever was one of the first stand-up comedians of India and is known for his work spanned over films of the 1980s and 1990s. He has received a lot of admiration and awards for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Known for: Deewana Mastana, Dulhe Raja, Baazigar

Kader Khan

Kader Khan with his subtle and character-driven style of comedy has given ‘supporting role’ a new boost. He is best known for his work alongside actors like Govinda, Shakti Kapoor, Johnny Lever, Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra and directors like David Dhawan, Manmohan Desai.

Known for: Aankhen, Coolie No 1, Dulhe Raja

With appearance in more than 500 films, Anupam Kher is the second most awarded Indian in ‘best comedian’ category and is the only Indian comedian to receive the Padma Bhushan so far.

Known for: Ram Lakhan, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Haseena Maan Jaayegi

Paresh Rawal is a notable comedian of Indian cinema with appearance in over 100 films. He has transitioned from supporting actor to playing negative roles to taking up comedy roles over a three decade spanning career. He received the Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Known for: Andaz Apna Apna, Hera Pheri, Welcome

Apart from being a great theatre actor, professional photographer and voice artist, Boman Irani has captivated audiences with his funny side. With his sharp sense of timing, he has brought in a fresh dimension to the comedy genre and is one of the most contemporary comedians of Hindi cinema.

Known for: Munnabhai MBBS, Khosla Ka Ghosla, 3 Idiots