India’s cinematic history boasts a rich tapestry of intriguing characters. But among them, the villains often leave an indelible mark, defining the essence of the story and giving our heroes a reason to rise. Here, we list ten of the most iconic movie villains the Indian film industry has ever produced.
10
Shakaal – “Shaan” (1980)
- Portrayed by: Kulbhushan Kharbanda
- Shakaal, as portrayed by the talented Kulbhushan Kharbanda in “Shaan”, stands as one of Bollywood’s iconic villains. Shakaal is a sophisticated, intelligent villain who rules his underground empire with an iron fist. His bald appearance and high-tech lair reflect his merciless and cunning nature, making him a memorable antagonist.
9
Kesariya Vilayati (Ram Lakhan, 1989)
- Portrayed by: Gulshan Grover
- Gulshan Grover’s portrayal of Kesariya Vilayati in “Ram Lakhan” is iconic, earning him the title of Bollywood’s “Bad Man.” With his malevolent charm and cunning, Kesariya adds a layer of intrigue to a film rich with antagonists. His distinctive style deepens the drama in “Ram Lakhan”. Grover’s masterful performance ensures that Kesariya remains an unforgettable character, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
8
Dr. Dang (Karma, 1986)
- Portrayed by: Anupam Kher
- Dr. Dang from “Karma” stands out as one of the most formidable in the universe of Bollywood villains. Masterfully portrayed by Anupam Kher, Dr. Dang is not just a typical antagonist; he embodies deep hatred and a chilling desire for revenge against the nation. His venom is juxtaposed with a sharp intellect, making him a foe to be reckoned with. Anupam Kher’s portrayal adds depth to this antagonist, making Dr. Dang a legendary character in the annals of Bollywood cinema.
7
Kattappa (Baahubali series)
- Portrayed by: Sathyaraj
- Kattappa is a central character in the epic “Baahubali” film series. Played with depth by Sathyaraj, Kattappa’s character is a tapestry of honor, duty, and inner turmoil. While he is primarily seen as a loyal warrior and servant of the Mahishmati Kingdom, his pivotal role in betraying the beloved king Baahubali leaves audiences grappling with mixed feelings about him. Sathyaraj’s portrayal brilliantly reveals the human behind the legend, making Kattappa one of the most memorable and talked-about characters in contemporary Indian cinema.
6
Ballu Balram (Khalnayak, 1993)
- Portrayed by: Sanjay Dutt
- Ballu Balram is the anti-hero in the intense drama “Khalnayak”. Portrayed masterfully by Sanjay Dutt, the character remains one of his most iconic roles. Ballu, on the surface, appears as the quintessential ‘bad guy’ with his raw aggression and combat proficiency. However, delving deeper into his persona reveals a layered character marked by inner conflicts, a troubled past, and a depth of emotion that challenges the boundaries of traditional villainy. Ballu Balram in “Khalnayak” stands out as one of the more nuanced and complex characters in Bollywood history.
5
Crime Master Gogo (Andaz Apna Apna, 1994)
- Portrayed by: Shakti Kapoor
- Crime Master Gogo, a self-proclaimed villain, is an unforgettable character from the cult classic Bollywood comedy “Andaz Apna Apna”. Throughout the movie, Gogo has multiple hilarious encounters with the film’s protagonists, Amar (Aamir Khan) and Prem (Salman Khan). Each confrontation is a comic set-piece, where Gogo’s attempts at intimidation juxtapose the protagonists’ bumbling efforts to deal with or escape from him. His lines, mannerisms, and antics are still quoted and remembered by fans, making him an enduring character in the annals of Indian cinema.
4
Langda Tyagi (Omkara, 2006)
- Portrayed by: Saif Ali Khan
- A deeply layered and cunning character, Langda Tyagi represents jealousy and betrayal. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Iago from “Othello”, Tyagi’s sinister plots form the crux of the film’s tragedy. Saif Ali Khan underwent a dramatic transformation for this role, adopting a rugged look with a shaven head, ear piercings, and rural-style attire, quite distinct from the urbane roles he had played in previous films. Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Langda Tyagi remains one of the actor’s most critically acclaimed performances.
3
Ranjeet (Various films of the 70s and 80s)
- Portrayed by: Ranjeet
- One of the most typecast villains in Indian cinema, Ranjeet played the antagonist in countless films, often representing the lascivious and malevolent man preying on innocence. Over the years, he appeared in over 200 films, often portraying the archetypal Bollywood villain. His roles, characterized by his menacing looks and lecherous on-screen behavior, made him one of the most recognized and iconic villains in Bollywood cinema history. While it might be challenging to single out one of the most famous roles, it’s fair to say that his collective work during the 70s and 80s cemented his legacy as one of the industry’s legendary villains.
- Some of his famous movies include “Sholay”, “Amar Akbar Anthony”, “Lawaaris”, “Coolie”, and “Satte Pe Satta”. In most of these films, his character was noted for being a ruthless antagonist.
2
Mogambo (Mr. India, 1987)
- Portrayed by: Amrish Puri
- With his famous line “Mogambo Khush Hua,” this villain, with his grandiose ambitions of taking over India, is both theatrical and fearsome. His distinctive look and magnetic presence made him an unforgettable villain in the Indian film industry.
1
Gabbar Singh (Sholay, 1975)
- Portrayed by: Amjad Khan
- The embodiment of raw cruelty, Gabbar Singh’s menacing laughter and ruthless nature made him the face of villainy in Indian cinema. Set against the backdrop of a small village, Gabbar’s reign of terror and his confrontations with the protagonists are the stuff of legends.
