Paresh Rawal, Shakti Kapoor, Ranjeet: Bollywood's iconic villains who became comedy kings

Time of India

3 days ago

Bollywood actors often find themselves typecast, but some have defied expectations by transitioning from villainous roles to comedic ones. Stars like Paresh Rawal, Shakti Kapoor, and Kader Khan redefined their careers with impeccable timing and charm. These actors proved their versatility, delighting audiences with their ability to evoke both fear and laughter, leaving an unforgettable mark on Hindi cinema.
Bollywood is known for putting actors into neat little boxes—whether it's the romantic hero, the action star, the funny sidekick, or the villain. But every once in a while, some actors smash those boundaries and surprise us all.
A few of the most dreaded villains on Hindi screens have pulled off an incredible switch to comedy—and nailed it with style.
Take
Shakti Kapoor
's unforgettable Nandu or
Paresh Rawal
's hilarious Babu bhaiya. These actors didn't just change their image—they totally redefined their careers. Here's a look at some Bollywood stars who made that leap from scary baddies to laugh-out-loud comedians, doing it with charm, timing, and a whole lot of heart.
Paresh Rawal
Before he became the lovable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in Hera Pheri, Paresh Rawal was the go-to villain in the 80s and 90s. Films like Naam, Kabzaa, and Baazi had him playing the bad guy with a fierce intensity that sent chills down our spines.
But then Andaz Apna Apna came along, giving us a peek at his comic side. And soon after, Hera Pheri turned him into a comedy legend. Baburao isn't just a character—it's a cult icon. From there, Rawal kept the laughs coming in hits like Hungama, Chup Chup Ke, Welcome, and Phir Hera Pheri.
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Today, his name is as much linked to comedy as it once was to villainy.
Shakti Kapoor
In the 80s and 90s, Shakti Kapoor was everywhere as the slimy villain—corrupt officials, sneaky henchmen, you name it. But even then, there was a quirky, mischievous spark in his performances that hinted at his comic chops.
Andaz Apna Apna gave us the legendary Crime Master Gogo, a character still loved today. Then films like Judwaa, Raja Babu, Hungama, and ChaalBaaz showed us just how funny Kapoor could be.
His unique ability to flip between creepy and comical has made him a favorite for generations.
Ranjeet
Ranjeet (real name Gopal Bedi) earned a reputation as Bollywood's quintessential predator villain in the 70s and 80s—films like Sharmeelee, Nagin, and Amar Akbar Anthony cemented that image. It was so strong, his own family even kept their distance early on.
But off-screen, Ranjeet is known for being quite charming and funny.
Later in his career, filmmakers tapped into that side of him. While not a full-time comedian, his roles in Housefull 4 and Welcome had him playfully poking fun at his own tough-guy image—and audiences loved it.
Kader Khan
Kader Khan was a powerhouse—writing scripts, delivering dialogues, and acting with incredible flair. In the 80s, he often played clever villains in movies like Coolie, Himmatwala, and Jeet. But by the 90s, he was one of Bollywood's most beloved comic actors, especially in the films of David Dhawan alongside Govinda.
His timing, wit, and ability to deliver hilarious one-liners alongside actors like Shakti Kapoor and
Johnny Lever
made him unforgettable. Kader Khan proved that even the darkest characters can have a lighthearted side.
Amrish Puri
No list is complete without Amrish Puri, one of Bollywood's most iconic villains. Whether it was the evil Mogambo in Mr India or his powerful roles in Karan Arjun, Tridev, and Nayak, Puri commanded attention like no other.
Yet, he wasn't just the angry bad guy. In movies like Chachi 420, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and Virasat, he showed a gentler, funnier, and warmer side. Amrish Puri was the full package—a villain who could also make you smile.
Arshad Warsi
Arshad Warsi started off with smaller, often villainous roles that didn't get much notice. Then came Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. and Golmaal, and the world suddenly saw his incredible comic talent.
His portrayal of Circuit became iconic, and Warsi quickly became one of Bollywood's most dependable comedy actors.
Though he occasionally takes on darker roles, it's his humor that truly shines and wins hearts.
Riteish Deshmukh
Riteish Deshmukh's career began with comedy hits like Masti, Housefull, and Dhamaal. But in 2014's Ek Villain, he stunned audiences with his chilling role as a ruthless serial killer—a rare move from funny man to fearsome.
Thankfully, he didn't abandon his comedic roots, bouncing back with Housefull 4, Total Dhamaal, and Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya.
Riteish continues to effortlessly balance the line between scary and silly, keeping audiences guessing.
Gulshan Grover
Known as Bollywood's 'Bad Man' for villainous roles in films like Ram Lakhan and Mohra, Gulshan Grover also sprinkled in comic moments. Later in his career, he embraced lighter roles in films such as I Am Kalam and Rocket Singh, showing his versatility.
The Takeaway
Bollywood loves a good comeback story—and these villain-to-comedy transformations are among the best. These actors didn't just switch lanes; they flipped the whole script on what we expect. They proved that true talent can turn even the darkest characters into unforgettable sources of laughter. In the world of Hindi cinema, that kind of magic is priceless.