World Theatre Day: Bollywood actors from theatre background

One of the earliest forms of entertainment, theatres, has always captured a special place in our heart. Mostly reflecting social scenario or conveying serious social messages, theatres have presented us with some beautiful narrations and some marvelous performers.

Initiated by International Theatre Institute in 1961 today we are celebrating World Theatre Day. And on this special occasion we at Tellychakkar.com presents you the name of stage performers who made it big in Bollywood.

Irrfan Khan

No one can be better than this talented NSD passed out graduate to start with. His success story started with Vishal Bhardwaj’s film Maqbool, then on there was no turning back for this versatile actor. Be it the role of a spine chilling villain in Haasil or an Indian agent in Pakistan in D-Day or a lonely middle-aged accountant in The Lunchbox, he has performed every role with élan. Not only Bollywood and Indian audience, but Irrfan has also made a mark on international film scenario with films like, Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi, The Namesake and many others.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

If any contemporary actor can carry on with Irrfan’s legacy then it has to be Nawazuddin. Mostly gone unnoticed in the initial phase of his career this gifted actor finally managed to grab eyeballs for his stealer performance in Kahaani, Gangs of Wasseypur and Gangs of Wasseypur 2.  This National Award winning actor has earned accolades for his brilliant performances by international film critics in Berlin Film Festival and many other international film festivals.

Naseeruddin Shah

Another NSD graduate, one of the finest actors in the country, Shah has three National Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards and an award at the Venice Film Festival in his kitty. Honoured with both Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan, he is mostly noted for his serious roles. Being a theatre lover himself he has directed many stage plays as well.

Paresh Rawal

Winner of a National Award, this actor is known for his acting chops and comic timings. A well known face in the Gujrati theatre circuit he has acted in numerous plays. It will not be wrong if we term him to be one of best gifts that theatre has ever presented us till date.

Pankaj Kapur

Another well known name in the theatre front, who has successfully made it to Bollywood is Pankaj Kapur. From Mandi to Maqbool to Blue Umbrella to Halla Bol, he has performed each of his roles with equal ease and grace.

Manoj Bajpayee

This multifaceted actor is definitely critic’s favourite. From National Awards to Filmfare to Bengal Film Journalists’ Association, he has won every award selected by the critics and jury. From Satya to Road to Aks to Pinjar to Gangs of Wasseypur he has never failed to impress us. Surprisingly he was rejected by NSD, can you believe that readers?

Kay Kay Menon

He might not have a huge fan following but this one actor knows how to act effortlessly. Any film, be it Gulaal or Life In a Metro or Corporate or Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. or Sarkar or Baby, you just name it and he has performed every role with aplomb.

Om Puri

Padma Sri Award winner Om Puri has appeared in mainstream Bollywood and International films. A batch mate of Naseeruddin Shah from NSD, this actor is also an amazing performer on-screen and has delivered some of the finest films in Bollywood.

Shabana Azmi

Daughter of a veteran theatre actress, Shabana herself is a prominent theatre personality. One of the strongest actresses of Bollywood she has five National Awards and four Filmfare Awards in kitty. And we believe that the number of awards is itself the proof of her credentials.

Anupam Kher

This one man can essay every emotion on screen and can make us feel those emotions. This super talented actor has essayed every types of role possible. His recent play with Neena Gupta is surely a special gift to his fans from this talented man.

Boman Irani

This skilled man is not only one talented actor but also a voice artist turned photographer. We could not even think of any single role where this man has disappointed us. Every time we saw this man performing, we are left to ask for more.

Rajpal Yadav

This list would remain incomplete without this little man. His mere appearance on screen will make you laugh. His years of theatre have made him such a graceful comedian for Bollywood.

These actors are just to name a few in Bollywood and we guess in coming years theatre will present us with some more amazing talents.