The art of making the audience laugh is tough but Bollywood has produced some evergreen comedians over the years. Bollywood has always been the haven for talented comedians who have made a mark in the entertainment industry. These comedic actors not only bring laughter to the screen but also add a unique charm to the stories. Many comedians have become household names with their impeccable timing and unforgettable performances. A blend of veteran and new make up the list of the most popular comedians in Bollywood for the year 2024.
1. Paresh Rawal
Paresh Rawal is a versatile actress who has played all kinds of roles including comedy. He debuted in the year 1985 with the film Arjun. He played character roles in over 100 films before appearing in a comic role in the 2000 movie Hera Pheri. His performance as Baburao in the movie received widespread acclaim and won him the Filmfare Best Comedian Award.
Paresh Rawal has starred in many other comedy dramas such as Hungama, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Golmal, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag, Phir Hera Pheri and others.
2. Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher enjoys the reputation of being one of the finest actors in Indian cinema with a wide variety of roles including comedy in his long career. He debuted in 1984 with the movie Saarnsh which received widespread acclaim and won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. His first comic role in the 1989 film Ram Lakhan won him the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic role. Since then, Kher has played comic roles in many films, including Khosla Ka Ghosla, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi, Chaalbaz and Sajan Chale Sasural.
3. Rajpal Yadav
Rajpal Yadav is synonymous with comedy due to his impressive performance as a comedian in many movies. He has starred in a host of movies, including Mast, Chandni Bar, Maseeha, Lal Salam, Hungama, Company, Road, Shaadi Number 1 and Dhol. Yadav played the lead role in the 2005 movie Main Meri Patni Aur Woh. Rajpal made his place in the heart of his fans and some short height actors similar can be view here Shortest Height Actors in Bollywood.
4. Johnny Lever
Johnny Lever has a legendary status in the field of comedy in Indian cinema. His breakthrough performance as a comedian and supporting actor was in the 1993 romantic thriller Baazigar starring Shahrukh Khan. His other movies include Masti, Game, Anjaam, Saajan Ka Ghar, Kanoon, Ekka Raja Rani, Laawaris, Yes Boss, Raja Hindustani and Hungama 2. Johnny Lever won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role twice, for his roles in the movies Deewana Mastana and Dulhe Raja.
5. Boman Irani
Boman Irani debuted in Bollywood with the movie Josh in the year 2000. However, his breakthrough movie was the superhit Munnabhai MBBS in which he played the role of a comic dean of a medical college. His performance earned him a nomination for a Filmfare Award in the best comic role category. Irani has featured in many other movies such as Main Hoon Na, 3 Idiots, Waqt, Happy New Year, PK and Dilwale.
6. Sanjay Mishra
Sanjay Mishra is a graduate of the National School of Drama. He debuted in the year 1995 with the movie Oh Darling! Ye Hai India! but later moved to television and played the popular role of Shukla in the sitcom series Office Office. Mishra reverted to movies with comic roles in Bunty Aur Bubli and Apna Sapna Money Money. Other movies starring Sanjay Mishra include Bhool Bhulaiya 2, Welcome, Dhamaal and Golmaal.
7. Varun Sharma
Varun Sharma debuted with the Bollywood movie Fukrey in 2013. His comic performance as the character Choocha was well received by the audience. Sharma subsequently appeared in the comedy movie Dolly Ki Doli and the commercially successful romantic comedy Kis Kisko Pyar Karun opposite comedian Kapil Sharma.
Varun Sharma has starred in many other movies such as Fukrey Returns, Dilwale, Shafakhana, Arjun Patiala and Chhichhore. He won the Star Guild Award and Zee Cine Award for Best Performance in a Comic role for the movie Fukrey.
8. Arshad Warsi
Arshad Warsi debuted in Bollywood with the movie Tere Mere Sapne in the year 1996. He shot to prominence for his portrayal of the iconic comic character Circuit in Munnabhai MBBS and its sequel Lage Raho Munnabhai. His other commercially successful comedy films include Golmaal, Dhamaal, Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, Golmaal Returns and Jolly LLB. Arshad Warsi won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for playing the role of circuit in Lage Raho Munnabhai.
9. Varun Dhawan
Varun Dhawan is a versatile actor and is widely known for his comedy skills as well. He debuted with the 2012 teen drama Student of the Year. Subsequently, he played the lead roles in multiple romantic comedy movies such as Main Tera Hero, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania. Dhawan has also starred in action comedies such as Dishoom, Dilwale and Judwa 2.
10. Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar is not only known for his action films but his comedy skills as well. He debuted in 1991 with Saugandh but his first commercial success was Khiladi released in the same year. Kumar established himself as an action hero and also played romantic roles prior to venturing into comedy. His widely acclaimed comic performances in films such as Hera Pheri, Phir Hera Pheri, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Bhool Bhulaiya and Garam Masala established his reputation as a comedian as well and he is one of the best Punjbi actors who worked in Bollywood.
11. Sunil Grover
Sunil Grover is famous for his funny characters on Indian TV, but he’s also talented in movies and web series. In Bollywood films like “Phatakha” and “Bharat,” he adds humor even if his roles aren’t purely comedic. He surprised everyone with a serious role in the web series “Tandav.” However, he truly stands out in the ZEE5 original “Sunflower.” This black comedy murder mystery series stars Grover as Sonu, a simple guy who gets caught up in a funny and suspenseful investigation. “Sunflower” perfectly shows off Grover’s comedic talent and is a must-watch for his fans.
12. Vijay Raaz
Known for his impeccable comic timing and unique voice, Vijay Raaz has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood. His role in “Run” as the hilarious ‘Ganesh’ is unforgettable, and his ability to make audiences laugh with his subtle humor is unparalleled. Whether playing a comical character or adding a humorous touch to serious roles, Vijay Raaz always leaves a lasting impression.
13. Vinay Pathak
Vinay Pathak is a versatile actor known for his natural acting and comedic prowess. He gained fame with his role in “Bheja Fry,” where his character’s innocence and quirky nature became an instant hit. Pathak’s ability to blend humor with genuine emotion makes him a standout in the comedy genre, and his performances are always a treat to watch.
14. Asrani
A veteran in the industry, Asrani has been making audiences laugh for decades. His iconic role as the jailer in “Sholay” remains one of the most memorable comic performances in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over several decades, Asrani’s ability to adapt to various comic roles has made him a beloved figure in Bollywood.
15. Tiku Talsania
Tiku Talsania is another seasoned actor who has brought humor to the silver screen with his lively performances. Known for his roles in films like “Andaz Apna Apna” and “Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin,” Talsania’s comedic timing and expressive face have made him a favorite in many comedy films. His contribution to Bollywood comedy is significant and continues to be appreciated by fans.
Conclusion
These comedians have not only brought joy and laughter to audiences but have also played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Bollywood comedy. Their unique styles and contributions continue to entertain and inspire, proving that humor is indeed the heart of Bollywood. What do you think who is better comedian either South Indian or Bollywood you have seen the Bollywood comedian here and click here for South Indian Comedians.