Have you ever thought that the Bollywood industry is filled with Punjabi actors? Punjabi actors’ prominence is not necessarily due to their domination but rather a reflection of the cultural diversity and influence within the industry. However, Punjabis, due to their natural inclination towards vibrancy, dance, music, and traditions, have made huge contributions to the Bollywood industry over decades. Thus, in this article, we have listed leading Bollywood actors who were born into Punjabi families.
1. Akshay Kumar:
Akshay Kumar is one of the most prominent and versatile actors in the Bollywood industry. He received massive appreciation for his action roles and was often referred to as the “Khiladi” of Bollywood. His excellence in martial arts adds authenticity to his action sequences in films. He also has impeccable comic timing, and his movies include “Hera Pheri,” “Bhool Bhulaiyaa,” and “Housefull.”
2. Sanjay Dutt:
Sanjay Dutt is often referred to as “Sanju Baba” in the Bollywood industry and is known for his comical performances in “Munnabhai M.B.B.S.” and “Lage Raho Munna Bhai.” He has a distinctive voice and delivers impactful dialogue in each film. He has given several box office hits and established himself as a bankable star. However, his successful comebacks have made him a symbol of resilience in the whole industry.
3. Ajay Devgn:
Ajay Devgn, who is also known as Vishal Veeru Devgan, is a highly acclaimed actor in Bollywood for his intense performances and versatility. In the initial stages of his career, he excelled in action sequences and displayed excellent comic timing in movies like the Golmaal series. Through his production house, Ajay Devgn Films, he has been a great support for the new talents entering the Bollywood industry.
4. Ranbir Kapoor:
Ranbir Kapoor is an Indian actor born into Punjabi genes, and his parents, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, are also actors. He pursued filmmaking and method acting and assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Later, he gave his debut film called Saawariya in 2007. His breakthrough roles in “Rockstar” and “Barfi” showcased his depth as an actor. He won several awards, including Filmfare awards for Best Actor. He has been part of content-driven cinema in Bollywood and has always chosen roles that challenge conventional narratives.
5. Vicky Kaushal:
Vicky Kaushal is an Indian actor who began his career by assisting Anurag Kashyap and then played minor movie roles. He gave his first performance in an independent drama named Masaan in 2015. He is a regular kid interested in studying, playing cricket, and watching movies. Vicky had undergone a significant physical transformation and demonstrated his commitment to his craft. He is known for his dancing skills and is considered one of the promising stars of his generation.
6. Sidharth Malhotra:
Sidharth Malhotra is an Indian actor. He then played his first lead role in Karan’s film, “Student of the Year.” In addition to his acting career, he is the brand ambassador of several leading brands and products. He is known for his romantic hits like “Hasee Toh Phasee”, and “Kapoor and Sons”, and his action movies like “Ek Villian”, “Brothers” and “Marjaavaan”. He earned widespread acclaim through the film “Shreshaah”.
7. Ayushmaan Khurrana:
Ayushmaan Khurana is an Indian actor and singer who is known for his wise choice of films in which he can reveal his acting talent. His films like “Vicky Donar”, “Badhai Ho” and “Andhadhun” performed very well at the box office and earned him his first national award. He brings a profound emotional depth to the characters and is known for deep and complex roles in his movies.
8. Sonu Sood:
Sonu Sood is an Indian actor, film producer, model, and philanthropist who works in the Bollywood and Tollywood industries. He is known for his negative roles in most films and his humanitarian work. He received several awards for his negative roles in movies like “Arundhati” and “And Dabangg.” He was also celebrated for his commercial success in movies like “Yuva,” “Athadu,” “Ashok,” “Jodha Akbar,” and so on. He established his production house, Shakthi Sagar Productions. The United Nations Development Programme also chose him for the “S.D.G. Special Humanitarian Action Award” for his humanitarian work during COVID-19.
9. Sunny Deol:
His massive fan base admires Sunny Deol for his ability to portray rugged and determined characters. He gives his performances with utmost authenticity and carries out his unique style in delivering dialogues that are highly impactful and memorable. He has portrayed strong moral values and a sense of justice throughout his films. He has worked in more than 90 films now and won awards, including national awards and Filmfare awards.
10. Shahid Kapoor:
Shahid Kapoor is an Indian actor initially recognized for his romantic roles. He received three film fare awards and is known for his feature music videos and T.V. commercials. He earned huge appreciation for the movie Jab We Met and other movies such as Udta Punjab, Padmaavat, Kabir Singh, and Farzi.
Conclusion:
Since Bollywood is a commercial industry, and the filmmakers have understood the popularity of Punjabi culture and music, they have incorporated Punjabi elements into movies to attract a wider audience and fans. However, talented actors and actresses, despite their roots, have made a successful career path in the Bollywood industry.
