Year Ender 2023: 9 Actors Who Excelled At Playing A Notorious Character In Onscreen This Year

In a year that witnessed remarkable talent and gripping narratives, Nine Bollywood actors stood out for their exceptional portrayals of notorious characters on both the web series and silver screen. These actors, through their compelling performances, added a new dimension to storytelling in web series and films in 2023.

1. Gulshan Devaiah - Guns and Gulaabs:

Gulshan Devaiah took on the role of Chat Cut Aatmaram in "Guns and Gulaabs," portraying one of the most eccentric and infamous characters of his career and in Hindi cinema. Despite embodying a villainous and brutal persona, he captivated audiences with witty one-liners, humorous dialogues, and a unique on-screen appearance. His performance garnered praise from both audiences and critics, leading to demands for a spinoff centered around his character.

2. Kritika Kamra - Bambai Meri Jaan:

In "Bambai Meri Jaan," Kritika Kamra undertook the challenging role of Habiba, marking a significant departure from her usual on-screen innocence. Portraying a lady gangster loosely inspired by real-life figure Haseena Parkar, the talented actress delivered a flawless performance. Her portrayal of the female gangster was met with widespread acclaim, earning her positive praise from both audiences and critics alike.

3. Vijay Varma - Dahaad:

In "Dahaad," Vijay Varma, known for his ability to embody characters with precision, added another feather to his cap. While delivering memorable performances over the years, his portrayal of a psychotic serial killer in the series earned him recognition as one of the onscreen notorious characters. Varma's impressive depiction showcased his ability to convincingly portray someone preying on targets, swiftly advancing towards his ultimate goals.

4. Emraan Hashmi - Tiger 3:

Renowned as one of Bollywood's romantic heroes, Emraan Hashmi, often dubbed the "serial kisser" in Hindi cinema, showcased his versatility in the hit film "Tiger 3." Taking on the negative role of Aatish Rehman, a Pakistani intelligence character, Hashmi surprised his fans by portraying the antagonist with finesse. His ability to delve into any character offered to him demonstrated that he is not limited to a specific on-screen persona.

5. Jaideep Ahlawat - Jaane Jaan:

Jaideep is acknowledged as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, once again demonstrating his exceptional acting skills. Renowned for consistently setting high standards with each of his roles, Ahlawat's portrayal of a Teacher in the film showcased his ability to embody complex characters flawlessly. Despite the grey shades in his on-screen persona, the character he portrayed was innocently notorious, making audiences desire such a presence in their own lives who could stand firmly with him in their difficult times. His performance garnered equal love and praise from both audiences and critics.

6. Tahir Raj Bhasin - Sultan of Delhi:

Finally breaking the silence, Tahir Raj Bhasin takes the lead in Milan Luthria's gangster drama series, "Sultan of Delhi." Playing the character of Arjun Bhatia, an ambitious and sharp-witted individual, Tahir Raj Bhasin captivates the audience with his compelling performance. His portrayal of Arjun will evoke both love and disdain, showcasing the actor's versatility. Tahir's commanding screen presence becomes a standout element, and his portrayal of the character's ruthless side later in the series solidifies him as a scene-stealer.

7. Anil Kapoor - The Night Manager:

Anil Kapoor's captivating portrayal steals the spotlight in the successful adaptation, The Night Manager. He remains the central figure, portraying a suave antagonist navigating the world of war and destruction with a unique blend of charm and subtle sophistication. Skillfully embodying the character's concealed malice, Kapoor opts for a nuanced approach that hints at the depths of the villain's wicked intentions.

8. Venkatesh Daggubati - Raina Nadu:

Venkatesh Daggubati takes a departure from his usual feel-good and family-oriented roles in Telugu cinema with his portrayal of Naga Naidu in the action thriller family drama web series Rana Naidu. Unlike the wholesome characters he's known for, Venkatesh embraces the wild side, delivering a spirited performance as the father to his real-life nephew Rana Daggubati. In this role, he skillfully embodies a flamboyant, foul-mouthed, and reckless womanizer with a dubious past, fully embracing the unpredictable and expressive nature of the character on screen.

9. Ameya Wagh - Kaala Paani:

Ameya Wagh excels in his role as Ketan Kamat in the survival drama Kaala Pani, portraying a cunning character determined to extricate himself from any challenging situation. Wagh delivers an entertaining and thoroughly villainous performance, with glimpses of Ketan's underlying goodness occasionally surfacing, only to be overshadowed by his commitment to his wicked disposition.