Mumbai: There are actors who play leads, and there are actors who cement themselves at the core of a film's plot. Whether they're playing an underdog villain or whether they are fueling the narrative with humour or vulnerability, these actors have made sure that their character stays and connects with the audience even deeply, even if they are not the leads. Here's looking at actors who stepped into key characters and left a mark.
*Bobby Deol - Animal*
Bobby Deol delivered one of his most compelling acts as the menacing antagonist, Abrar, in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's blockbuster, Animal. The actor ensured to serve chills down the spine through his steel-cut gaze, high-energy action stints - all without the need of any dialogue. From his unforgettable introductory dance to the gruesome climax shot, Abrar created a mark as a devastating villain.
*Danish Pandor - Dhurandhar & Dhurandhar The Revenge*
Danish Pandor sent waves all across with the latest global hit, Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge. As Uzair Baloch, Pandor left the audience at the edge of their seats by serving multiple chilling moments, from the bloody action sequences, intense dialogue delivery, to the memorable 'football' sequence. The actor brought sheer conviction in his approach towards Uzair Baloch, making it one of the most unforgettable characters of recent times.
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Jul 13, 2026*Rakesh Bedi - Dhurandhar & Dhurandhar The Revenge*
Rakesh Bedi emerged as an unexpected surprise package in Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge. He stepped into the shoes of Jameel Jamali, and played the real mastermind behind the attacks and tactics in the entire franchise. The actor struck a mindblowing balance of humour and intensity, making Jameel Jamali a classic underdog of the Dhurandhar saga.
*Anjana Sukhani - Main Vaapas Aaunga*
Anjana Sukhani starred in Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga, and proved to be a right fit for a character that required a mature approach and fine understanding of Imtiaz Ali's world of tragic romance. As Meher, the actress added weight to the film's emotional world by ditching the template of a stereotypical daughter-in-law, offering a new, modern lens to the portrayal. She shared the screenspace with the veteran Naseeruddin Shah and substantial actors including Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari.
*Kiran Kumar - Welcome To The Jungle*
Veteran actor Kiran Kumar starred in the latest comedy caper, Welcome To The Jungle, and fueled the film's plot with clean humour in a way that reflected his versatility. The situational humour paired with his usage of the Urdu language made him a standout in Ahmed Khan's hit release.
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Jul 12, 2026*Farida Jalal - Welcome To The Jungle*
Farida Jalal stepped into Ahmed Khan's world of Welcome To The Jungle and emerged as one of the highlights of the film. The veteran star pulled-off the role of Badi Bi in a way that proved why she continues to remain a cinematic icon. Without relying on dialogues, Farida Jalal left the audience giggling with her comedy antics and body language.
Whether leads or not, a role is a hit in itself when it connects to the audience - and these actors made sure it did!
