We’ve had Robert De Niro wowed us over the years with movies like Godfather II, Raging Bull, Goodfellas and even in the likes of Silver Linings Playbook and The Intern not too long ago.
A glorious career spanning 50-plus years and a staggering near-100 movies is a fitting tribute to the veteran actor who turns 74 today.
But would the Dirty Grandpa actor have been equally successful had he acted in Bollywood? We doubt.
It’s because we think that he would have come nowhere close to these gentlemen who can easily steal his thunder.
Om Puri
The late actor’s career was an eclectic mix of indie as well as commercial cinema. Films like Aakrosh and Arohan have left imprints of Puri’s phenomenal skills as an actor while light-hearted roles in the likes of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro were a testimony to his large range of expressions.
Naseeruddin Shah
Indian theatre’s response to the West, the Khuda Ke Liye actor is a three-time National Award winner not without reason. He has been a stalwart in the development of the country’s parallel cinema. His acting resume includes pathbreaking roles in Sparsh and Masoom while he has also shared screen space with Om Puri in several acclaimed films.
Anupam Kher
Though we don’t swear by his political views, we have to give it to the Golden Globe nominee for his outstanding performances in and outside Bollywood. Films like Saaransh and Vijay have brought him widespread critical acclaim as the versatile actor has also starred in various hit comedies as well.
Nawazuddin Siddique
If there is anyone in Bollywood’s Gen X who comes close to achieving what the previous members on this list have done in their glorious careers, it’s this guy. Having broken onto the scene with Anurag Kashyap’s Black Friday in 2007, the Gangs of Wasseypur has established himself as one of the best actors in the industry during the next decade with films like The Lunchbox and Haraamkhor.
Shahid Kapoor
Some might question his presence on this illustrious list but the Rangoon actor has done enough in his career so far in order to give De Niro’s Bollywood equivalent a run for his money. In Vishal Bhardwaj’s wings, Shahid Kapoor has belted out performances for generations, namely Kaminey and Haider. Not to forget, Udta Punjab further cemented his reputation among Bollywood’s elite.
