'Pakeezah' beautifully brings out the pain of a lonely lover. She played a courtesan who is unable to find love because of her profession.
'Rishtey mei toh hum tumhaare baap lagte hain, naam hai Shahenshah.' Police officer Vijay dons the garb of Shahenshah in the night to bust the gambling dens. Don't tell me you haven't tried this dialogue on others.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee's heartwarming story 'Anand' was not just a hit at the box office but was also appreciated for Rajesh Khanna's performance. Anand is one of the most memorable characters of the Hindi film history for his positive attitude.
Bollywood has not just given audiences some of the most memorable films but it has also given some of the most memorable characters. Who can forget Mogambo from 'Mr India'. Amrish Puri immortalised the character with his powerful acting and the popular dialogue 'Mogambo khush hua'.
Raj Kapoor has given Bollywood some of its most memorable films, but 'Mera Naam Joker' remains closest to the hearts of his fans. His character Raju, who plays a joker in the circus, was like a mirror to the society.
Radha from 'Mother India' is the epitome of woman power. A woman single-handedly takes care of her children and later kills her own son to save a girl. This makes her an unforgettable character.
With a perfect blend of beauty and rebellion, Anarkali remains one of the most memorable characters from 'Mughal-E-Azam'. A court dancer who refuses to bow down before a king and stands up for her love makes it an unforgettable character.
'Yu ki aapne pucha hai toh bata dete hai hamara naam Basanti hai'. The fiery and talkative 'taangevali' from 'Sholay' is another popular character from the film. Despite innumerable cult characters from the film, she still continues to be equally popular.
Nadia's character in 1935 film 'Hunterwali' turned out to be the most popular character of that time. Fighting bad men in the film, she was also known as 'Hunterwali' and 'Fearless Nadia'.
'Poora sheher mujhe Lion ke naam se jaanta hai'. Ajit Khan gave the character a new dimension. In the land of goons, Lion looked more suave and stylish than the heroes.
The transformation of 'Raju' (Guide) from being a guide to a 'Swamiji' was not only interesting but disturbing as well. How the selfish and greedy Raju guide turns into a selfless man makes him an iconic character.
Taking inspiration from James Bond film 'Dr No', Shakaal (Shaan) remains another popular character. Cunning and ruthless, he doesn't blink an eye before killing his enemies. He still scares children in their dreams.
Short dresses, plunging neck lines, cigarette in one hand and a glass in another, 'Mona Darling' from 'Zanjeer' was the perfect vamp. Can you really forget the dialogue 'Mona Darling sona kaha hai'?
'Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra'. Prem Chopra went onto play innumerable villainous roles in his film career but his role in 'Bobby' became his on-screen introduction.
In 'Zanjeer', Sher Khan, a local goon turns good after his friendship with a police officer. He can't be associated with anything other than honesty and integrity.
'Agneepath' gave Bollywood its own James bond. Though the character Vijay Deenanath Chauhan had no resemblance to James Bond but it was his introduction in the film that ringed the bells. Vijay, Vijay Deenanath Chauhan. The determination of a man fighting the local mafia was appreciated then and later it became a cult role.
'Munnabhai' series gave us two actors who will always find it difficult to come out of the shadows of their iconic acts as Munna and Circuit. Their chemistry, biology, geography, everything was just perfect.
'Chulbul Pandey' (Dabangg) joins the list of the iconic characters with his notorious actions. The role of a corrupt yet benevolent cop has given Salman Khan a nickname, 'Dabangg'.
Devdas makes it to the list for being the most misunderstood lover. A self destructing lover, the character has always made an easy connect with the audiences and still remains one of the most popular characters.
Guru Dutt's portrayal of a sensitive poet Vijay in 'Pyaasa' continues to mesmerise the cinema lovers. The pain of his character is still the pain of millions.
Manoj Kumar's character Bharat has always remained close to the hearts of the people for its simplicity and sheer closeness to the Indian roots.
Salim, a prince who dares to fall in love with a court dancer and fights for his love with his father, remains an unforgettable character. He beautifully brings out the nuances of love and the angst associated with it.
1968 film 'Padosan' is still remembered as one of the finest comedies of all time. And, Kishore Kumar's act as Vidyapati remains memorable. A theatre artist Vidyapati helps his friend Bhole to woo a girl. From witty one liners to songs, Vidyapati adds his own charm to everything in the film.
A helpless Thakur whose family is killed by a local dacoit decides to take revenge by hiring a few men in 'Sholay'. A man of few words, Thakur's grit was unparallel.
From being a playful lover to a best friend, Veeru remains the most colourful character from 'Sholay'. He adds humour when he is eyeing Basanti and on the other hand, has his friend Veeru's back during the fight sequences.
Mac Mohan's character Sambha is 'Sholay' received him much admiration. The popular dialogue 'Arre O Sambha, kitne aadmi the' made the sidekick an iconic character. Ironically, Samba never got a chance to dominate the scene in front of Gabbar Singh.
The wild laughter, the constant swinging of the belt and sounds of bullet makes Gabbar Singh (Sholay)one of the most dangerous and popular characters of all time. The dacoit was not just ruthless with others but also with his team members. Remember the popular dialogue 'Kitne aadmi the' and 'Tera kya hoga Kaalia'.
The ruthless Dr. Dang from 'Karma' kills the family of a police officer who slaps him. Who can forget the popular dialogue 'Iss thapad ki goonj tumhe sunai degi Rana'!
