Hindi Cinema or Bollywood, as it’s popularly known as, majorly yields business based on the brand of an actor’s fame. And truly in show business, mostly it is stardom that gets priority over performance.

Then, there is this whole swarm of actors who act in roles supporting the protagonists, giving the flick a different streak of standing and yet they walk away unnoticed and are barely talked about. The stars bag in heavy sums of money, while these actors have to make peace with their statuses of ‘has-beens’ and deal with being forgotten in the industry. Here, we list out the most underrated actors who never cease to wow us with their acts, yet never get lauded enough.

Kay Kay Menon

Kay Kay Menon

Kay Kay Menon

One of the most talented actors in Hindi cinema, Kay Kay Menon sure knows how to elevate any kind of role with ease. Breathing life into his roles with his versatility, he has made himself stand out with remarkable performances in flicks like Haider, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Shaurya, Gulaal and Black Friday. The only question that arises here is, doesn’t he deserve far more praise?

Swara Bhaskar

Swara Bhaskar

Swara Bhaskar

Her bold voice and authentic character portrayal is what attracted the makers of Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Raanjhanaa, and the actress took our hearts away. As a matter of fact, it was for her brilliant performance in the film Nil Battey Sannata that she garnered critical acclaim. Still, she continues to be more or less unnoticed by the general audience.

Jimmy Sheirgill

Jimmy Sheirgill

Jimmy Sheirgill

Perennially spelling magic with his performance in films like Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster, A Wednesday and Special 26, Bollywood, seems to be least considerate of his brilliant performances. And so in spite of being one of the best in acting, he has not yet received the recognition that he deserves as compared to the other trailblazing actors in Hindi cinema.

Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao

Though his break in Dibaker Banerji’s Love, Sex Aur Dhokha wasn’t much noticed, one scene in Talaash, with Aamir Khan, is all that it took him to prove his mettle as an actor. Another stellar performance in Kai Po Che followed, which couldn’t keep him from stealing the show. The actor has carved a niche for himself with brilliant roles in films like Queen and Aligarh, but he is yet to get his due in the industry.

Deepak Dobriyal

Deepak Dobriyal

Deepak Dobriyal

Remember how Deepak Dobriyal came out to be the one of the best amongst many things in the movie Omkara? Well, he has always surprised the audience with his effortless emoting in front of the camera in both comic and serious roles. So, even if he goes all unnoticed, his performance in flicks like Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Dabangg 2 doesn’t.

R Madhavan

R Madhavan

R Madhavan

Being as versatile as he possibly can, Madhavan has come out to be quite a talented actor. So just in case you think he’s the perfect romantic actor, which he has been branded as, just take a look at the scene before the intermission in Guru. The prowess with which he played the role of an ambitious young man shows that he has the streak to make his presence felt even in an ensemble cast.

Richa Chadha

Richa Chadha

Richa Chadha

There’s something about her infallible, raw kind of energy, which demands attention. From Nagma in Gangs of Wasseypur, to Dolly in Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye to a small town girl in Masaan, Richa has impressed the audience in all her roles, irrespective of her screen time. But slowly yet steadily, this powerhouse of talent is gaining a well deserved foothold in the industry.

So, the next time you treat your eyes to a movie, watch out for these real players and give the stardom of the Khans and Kapoors a rest.

-Smita Sahu

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