We like to remember the 90s as the golden age of television and films. And frankly, it has less to do with the quality of content and more to do with us relishing the days gone by.
Back then, the archetypal villains and the sanskaari characters were poles apart but over the course of the last two decades, they’ve all developed a cult following. The movies we loved had more than just the lead characters and it was actually with those character actors that our movies felt wholesome.
Still remembered for the characters they played, these character actors from the 90s kids are still fondly remembered:
1. Sadashiv Amrapurkar
He was a prominent face in the movies during the 80s and 90s.
His comic roles in films like Coolie No. 1 and Hum Saath Saath Hain made his presence mandatory in the popular commercial films. And with his iconic negative role in Mahesh Bhatt’s Sadak, he left an impression that still gives us shivers.
2. Dalip Tahil
Dalip Tahil is still remembered as Madan Chopra from Baazigar but that was just one of his many performances.
Dalip gained recognition with TV shows like Buniyaad and The Sword of Tipu Sultan and has also played pivotal roles in films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Ishq and Judwaa.
3. Laxmikant Berde
With films like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Berde became a known face in Hindi films. However, his success in Marathi cinema remains unmatched.
He was considered an icon when it came to Marathi comedians and was a veteran theatre actor.
4. Tiku Talsania
With TV shows like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and Ye Duniya Ghazab Ki, he became a known face amongst the masses. His classic comic timing in films like Andaz Apna Apna & Ishq, along with character roles in films like Raja Hindustani and Devdas made him a recurring actor in several acclaimed films.
5. Shahbaz Khan
Shahbaz first came into the limelight after his appearance in The Sword of Tipu Sultan but his subsequent work established him as the guy who was known for playing negative roles.
Ziddi, Arjun Pandit, Kyo Kii… Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta are just some of the films he has been a part of and while the films might not be classics, we have certainly seen a lot of this actor in the 90s.
6. Dinesh Hingoo
At one point of time, his comic timing was almost a necessity for Bollywood films.
Films like Judaai, Hera Pheri, No Entry and Baazigar have some of their best comic scenes thanks to this legendary actor.
7. Reema Lagoo
With Tu Tu Main Main, Reema Lagoo became the popular, friendly saas and this motherly image was further re-inforced with her roles in films like Hum Saath Saath Hain and Hum Aapke Hain Koun. For a change, her role in Vaastav was pretty dynamic at that time.
Reema Lagoo later began to act in popular television shows, like Tu Tu Main Main and did some films, occasionally.
8. Kiran Kumar
He’s still remembered for his villainous role in the Anil Kapoor-Madhuri Dixit starrer, Tezaab but Kiran Kumar has been an essential part of the movies since the 1970s.
Vishwatma, Henna, Khuda Gawah, Kiran was an important part of all these films.
9. Ajit Vachani
He was last seen in the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer, Aankhen, but Ajit Vachani is fondly remembered for his roles in films like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
He was just as great at playing negative characters as he was good at playing the father figure.
10. Himani Shivpuri
Pardes, Hero No. 1, DDLJ, Huma Aapke Hain Koun, Himani has been a part of all the films that the 90s kids grew up watching.
Not just films, Himani Shivpuri is a popular television actress as well. Hasratein, Humrahi and even Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Himani Shivpuri has done it all.
11. Rohini Hattangadi
BAFTA Award-winner, for her role in Gandhi, Rohini has been working in films and theatre since the 1970s.
The 90s kids will remember her for her roles in Chaalbaaz and Agneepath. Her plays in Marathi and even her television work has gained widespread acclaim.
Such great performers!