Honouring the Unsung: Bollywood legends we don’t talk about enough

The comic relief in countless Shammi Kapoor films, Rajendra Nath's impeccable timing in movies like Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai and An Evening in Paris made him a staple in the 60s and 70s.

The eternal police commissioner of the 70s and 80s, Iftekhar brought a calm authority to roles that often felt like the glue holding a film together.

The eternal dadi/mausi of Bollywood, Leela Mishra appeared in over 200 films, often playing the old-fashioned elder with wit and warmth—never forgotten once seen, but rarely credited.

The quintessential Bollywood villain with a pencil moustache and slicked-back hair, Sudhir was the go-to man for playing smug sidekicks to the main antagonist. Whether in Satte Pe Satta or Deewaar, he added the flavour of sleaze with finesse.

He gave dignity to frailty. From Sholay’s Imam Saab to the kind-hearted father in Namak Haraam, A.K. Hangal was the emotional core of many films.

She could do comedy, vamp roles, or supportive parts—Shubha Khote never let screen time limit her presence. Her pairing with Mehmood is iconic in comic folklore.

Often remembered as the sweet mother or supportive elder, Achala Sachdev had a quiet power. Her role in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge as Simran’s grandmother was brief but emotional.