In Bollywood, heroes are usually known for their charming romantic roles or thrilling action scenes, but there have been times when these very heroes stepped into the shoes of villains—and audiences loved it! When these superstar actors played negative characters, they left a lasting impression and brought in massive earnings at the box office. Here's a look at five such Bollywood superstars who stunned everyone by becoming villains on screen.
The legendary actor Dilip Kumar was best known for his soft-spoken, emotional, and romantic roles. However, he surprised everyone by playing a negative character in the 1984 film Mashaal. His powerful performance was highly appreciated and marked a rare instance of him exploring the darker side on screen.
Known as the King of Romance, Shah Rukh Khan took a bold step early in his career by portraying a grey-shaded obsessive lover in the film Darr. His character, obsessed with the female lead, sent chills down the audience’s spine. Despite being a negative role, SRK’s performance was so impactful that it helped him rise to superstardom. The film was a major hit at the box office.
Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan has also dabbled in negative roles with great success. In Fanaa, he played the role of a terrorist, delivering a nuanced and intense performance. Later, in Dhoom 3, he took on the role of the antagonist once again, impressing fans with his action-packed and emotionally layered performance. Both films were box office blockbusters.
The Dhoom franchise has seen some iconic villains, and Hrithik Roshan’s portrayal in Dhoom 2 is unforgettable. He played a master thief who uses disguises to pull off high-profile heists. His charm, style, and action sequences made him one of the coolest villains Bollywood had ever seen. The film was a huge commercial success.
In the recent action thriller Tiger 3, Emraan Hashmi took on the role of the main antagonist opposite Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. His intense performance was praised by both critics and audiences. This wasn’t his first time playing an anti-hero—he had previously portrayed complex grey characters in films like Murder and Gangster, making him a natural fit for villainous roles.
