Every now and then we come across some great movies, which achieve that level of cinematic greatness because of the collective contribution of the entire ensemble cast.
Belonging to an audience that is guilty of paying attention to just the ‘hero’ and the ‘heroine’, we often end up paying less attention to those supporting roles and faces who hold the film together with their talent and performances.
Many a times these supporting roles aren’t played by big stars or actors, the names of which you’re familiar with – yet those faces give a sense of familiarity as you get assured that you’re bound to witness something power-packed from them.
Today we will be looking at such fine pillars of Hindi cinema, who have many times left a giant impact on viewers with their small roles and performances.
Even it if it is for a couple of minutes, as someone’s mother, father, brother or friend – these actors prove that their talent does not even need a name, and it speaks for itself.
In no particular order:
1) Seema Pahwa
Seema Pahwa is an industry veteran, who was first gained popularity in the iconic Doordarshan series ‘Hum Log’ back in 1984, and has been a consitent presence in the world of theatre. She has recently been seen in notable films like Bareily Ki Barfi, Aankhon Dekhi, Gangubai and Dum Laga Ke Haisha – and her performances, no matter how long or short the screen time, always manage to strike a chord with the audienices. She also made her directorial debut in 2021 with the film Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi, which I will recommend as an underrated gem released in recent times.
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2) Sheeba Chadha
Sheeba Chadha has a fierce screen presence that makes all her characters evoke a keen sense of relatability. She has consistently shown her screen prowess in films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Badhai Ho, Talaash, Pagglait, among others. She was also notably seen in the popular cult web series – Mirzapur.
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3) Rajesh Sharma
He is one of those faces you often see in small, supporting roles in big and small movies, who may not get a starring feature on the film’s poster, but who manage to make a mark with their limited screen time with the audiences. Rajesh is also a talent that sprouted and refined in theatre, like most of the talented fine crop we have in our cinema today, and he has been notably seen in films like – The Dirty Picture, Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Special 26, B.A. Pass, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, among others.
4) Rajendra Gupta
An familiar face of television, seen in such iconic serials of the 90’s like – Chandrakanta and Saaya. Rajendra Gupta is a veteran in the field, whose work in both small and big screens is worth all the applause. With a theatre background, Rajesndra is yet another acting force, whose face is known to cinephile, even if they may not remember the name. He perfectly fits the definition of the crop that constitute the silent supporting pillars of the industry.
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5) Sayani Gupta
At a young age, Sayani Gupta has made a mark for herself with her supporting roles in films like Article 15, Pagglait and Jolly LLB 2. Her remarkable performance in the film ‘Margarita With A Straw’, in which she played a visually impaired student Khanum, who falls in love with the sexually curious Laila, beautifully played by Kalki Koechlin – is the stuff of epic romances. A standout young talent, with endless possibilities for her, down the lane.
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6) Manu Rishi
His most notable roles are in comedy drama films like Phas Gaye Re Obama and Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, and he consistently manages to elevate his supporting performances sharing the spotlight with the leads. Manu Rishi has a natural effervescent charm, that makes him a delight to watch – perhaps the reason why, a film like ‘Oye Lucky..’ simply wouldn’t be the same without his presence.
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7) Manjot Singh
His first notable role was in the film Oye Lucky Lucky Oye and he has since been seen in number of other comedy films, wherein he has managed to leave a mark with his supporting roles. Be it Fukrey or Dream Girl, Manjot Singh is a young budding talent, who should definitely get more opportunities to expand his wings further.
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8) Manoj Pahwa
From television to films, Manoj Pahwa – just like his wife on this list Seema Pahwa comes from a theatrical background, and his presence and impeccable comic timing makes him a charm to watch on-screen. His roles in films like Mulk, Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi and Article 15 has made his presence felt. But it his iconic role in the television series ‘Office Office’ that is remembered the most.
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9) Shefali Shah
An acting powerhouse, who has gone on to create a space for herself in OTT platforms, after years of neglect from mainstream Bollywood. Shefali’s acting prowess in Delhi Crime and in films like Darlings, Jalsa, Dil Dhadakne Do etc have allowed her to show her acting metal time and again.
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10) Deepak Dobriyal
Be it a comic relief as the hero’s ‘best friend’ or a cunning mind who plays a catalyst in turning the story around, Deepak Dobriyal has played all roles with equal finesse. He won several accolades for his breakthrough performance in Omkara, and hasn’t looked back since. Be it Tanu Weds Manu Returns or Angrezi Medium, Deepika’s talent always help elevate even those who share screen-space with him.
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Here are some more names that deserve a mention in the list:
Atul Kulkarni
Brijendra Kala
Yashpal Sharma
Neeraj Kabi
Manoj Joshi
Indian cinema truly stands on the talents of people like these and not just the – Khans and Kapoors.