When it comes to villains, Bollywood has some of the best of them. From cult classics like Lajja Shankar Pandey to popular favourites like Gabbar Singh, to unconventional ones like Sonia Roy, there’s a diverse set of villains that Bollywood has to offer. Let’s have a look at some of the most famous and iconic villains from Bollywood movies who even outshined the heroes in their respective movies.
Also read: 15 Most Famous Villains from Hollywood Movies Who Are Sinister AF
1. Mogambo (Mr. India)
This iconic and memorable role played by veteran actor Amrish Puri is well-remembered for his catchphrase “Mogambo khush hua”. He played the role of a villainous retired Army General who was bent upon destroying the country with missiles. He was a worthy villain for Anil Kapoor’s Mr. India.
Image source: Twitter
2. Gabbar Singh (Sholay)
He is undoubtedly one of the most famous villains from Bollywood. The movie Sholay has enjoyed a cult status over the years and the character of Gabbar Singh has a big role to play in it. He plays the role of a leader of a group of dacoits who terrorize an entire village. With multiple iconic dialogues and sinister scenes, Gabbar is a villain to reckon with.
Image source: Pinterest
3. Shakaal (Shaan)
Shakaal and his crocodiles from the movie Shaan are more popular than the movie itself. Although Kulbhushan Kharbanda has played a lot of negative roles in his career, this one is his most iconic role.
Image source: Twitter
4. Kancha Cheena (Agneepath)
Not the Kancha Cheena from the 1990 film Agneepath but the one from 2012 one. Sanjay Dutt really killed it on screen. He has created a similar terror in the minds of the audience back when he played the role of Khalnayak. But this was something else!
Image source: Twitter
5. Dhankor (Ram-Leela)
After her iconic comedy role as Hansa Parekh in the popular show Khichdi that ran for years, it was difficult to imagine Supriya Pathak in any other role. But she really did justice to the character of Dhankor Baa with her skilled acting.
6. Gokul Pandit (Dushman)
Gokul Pandit was the menacing serial killer and rapist in the 90s movie Dushman. This is one of the most brilliant performances of Ashutosh Rana in which he successfully instilled a feeling of terror in the minds of the audience.
7. Rahul Mehra (Darr)
Decades before the show You was popular, this film about a stalker was the talk of the town. This psychological thriller established the image of Shah Rukh Khan as this dangerous and psychotic villain. His acting in this film is so on point that one cannot believe that this is the same guy who is known for his extremely romantic films.
8. Nimmi (Maqbool)
Lady Macbeth’s Indian version couldn’t have found a better fit than Tabu. Tabu takes the villainous character of Lady Macbeth to a whole other level with her portrayal of Nimmi, the mistress of a don.
Image source: Twitter
9. Ramadhir Singh (Gangs of Wasseypur)
Ramadhir Singh was the apt villain for a movie like Gangs of Wasseypur. Tigmanshu Dhulia did complete justice to the conniving, scheming, unemotional character of Ramadhir Singh who is actually inspired by a real-life villain.
10. Lajja Shankar Pandey (Sangharsh)
I still get nightmares of Lajja Shankar Pandey ululating (Can you believe that the scene was improvised!). He won the Filmfare Best Villian Award for the second time in a row for his iconic performance in this movie.
11. Sonia Roy (Aitraaz)
Femme fatale Sonia Roy is one of the most underrated performances of Priyanka Chopra. She was convincingly villainous in this role as a scheming, seducing, rich woman who is bent upon destroying a man’s life just because he refused to give in to her seduction.
12. Makdee (Makdee)
Back in the early 2000s, the kids were extremely scared of the character of Makdee. Shabana Azmi is a queen and we know it. I can still hear her laughter as the witch Makdee sometimes in my nightmares.
Image source: Twitter
13. Langda Tyagi (Omkara)
Iago is the greatest villain ever created by Shakespeare. And man did Saif Ali Khan do complete justice to it! Had I been in Omi Shukla’s place even I would have been convinced that my wife is an adulteress, Langda Tyaagi’s influence was that scarily powerful.
14. Karan Rastogi (Mardaani)
It was Tahir Raj Bhasin’s first Bollywood movie and he gave a performance that sometimes even seasoned actors fail to deliver. Karan Rastogi, the evil mastermind behind the trafficking of minor girls was so convincing as a villain in this movie that one couldn’t help but despise him completely.
15. Alauddin Khilji (Padmaavat)
The best performance of Ranveer Singh to date. Hands down. The way he laughed, the way he devoured meat, the way he walked, fought, looked, stared, everything was so on point. I don’t think any other actor would have been able to do this role with such dexterity. Khilji is undoubtedly one of the most famous villains from Bollywood.
Also read: 12 Best Bollywood Courtroom Dramas That Will Keep You Hooked
So, these were some of the most iconic villains from Bollywood movies. Which of these villains do you find the most intriguing? Do let us know in the comments section.