Iconic Roles That Left A Permanent Mark On Indian Cinema

1/8

Rekha In Umrao Jaan

In Umrao Jaan, Rekha delivered a performance steeped in grace and quiet devastation. Her portrayal of the courtesan-poet remains one of Indian cinema’s most haunting and definitive acts of artistry.

2/8

Vicky Kaushal In Chhaava

Kaushal transforms into Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with intensity and physical conviction. The role cements his command over historical drama, blending valour with emotional depth.

3/8

Ranveer Singh In Padmaavat

He delivered a chilling, unrestrained turn as Alauddin Khilji. The performance was magnetic and menacing, redefining the modern Bollywood antagonist.

4/8

Priyanka Chopra In Bajirao Mastani

Priyanka Chopra portrayed Kashibai with restrained strength and aching vulnerability. Her performance added emotional gravitas to the epic, leaving a lasting imprint on the film’s legacy.

5/8

Prabhas In Baahubali

In Baahubali: The Beginning and its sequel, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Prabhas embodied mythic heroism with commanding physicality and quiet nobility. The role transformed him into a pan-Indian superstar and redefined the scale of Indian epic cinema.

6/8

Shah Rukh Khan In Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

In DDLJ, Shah Rukh Khan redefined the romantic hero as Raj — charming, vulnerable and deeply rooted in family values. The performance became a cultural benchmark, shaping Bollywood romance for generations.

7/8

Deepika Padukone In Om Shanti Om

Marking a dream debut, she embodied old-school Bollywood glamour with poise far beyond a newcomer. In Om Shanti Om, Deepika Padukone turned Shantipriya into an eternal icon of beauty, tragedy and star power.

8/8

Amjad Khan In Sholay

With a gravelly laugh and chilling stillness, he redefined the Hindi film villain forever. In Sholay, Amjad Khan turned Gabbar Singh into a cultural phenomenon — menacing, memorable and endlessly quoted.