11 Times When Bollywood Directors Surprised Us With Their Acting Prowess.

By Sambit Gupta | 1.0k | 02 Feb 2017

It doesn't really sound very good when we hear that directors, despite being non-actors, try to portray their acting skills on the big screen. It is not only a challenge for them, but also a risk as it may affect their career. Though, some of the big directors have really surprised us with their acting skills. As a result, we are left wanting for more. So without much fuss, let me tell you the names of those big multi-talented celebs who amazed us by their performances.

1. Anurag Kashyap

Though being an acclaimed director, he has done some cameos in movies like Soundtrack, Shagird and I Am. He showcased his acting skills in the movie अकीरा, where he played the lead antagonist. This man is equally excellent in everything, be it his direction or his acting.

Anurag Kashyap In अकीरा

2. Tigmanshu Dhulia

This Indian filmmaker was seen onscreen in few movies. His acting skills were well showcased in Gangs of Wasseypur, Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2, Manjhi The Mountain Man, Bullett Raja, and Hero. He got recognition mainly due to his role as Ramadheer Singh in the Gangs of Wasseypur series.

Tigmanshu Dhulia In Gangs of Wasseypur

3. Karan Johar

Not while playing himself in films such as Luck By Chance, Fashion and Shaandaar, but Karan Johar made his acting debut as the nerdy friend of Shah Rukh Khan in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Later on in 2015, he played a full fledged role as the lead antagonist in बॉम्बे वेलवेट alongside Ranbir Kapoor.

Karan Johar In बॉम्बे वेलवेट

4. Amole Gupte

The Taare Zameen Par director is definitely an excellent actor. His negative character in Stanley Ka Dabba and Singham Returns and his standout performance in Phas Gaye Re Obama have always taken his acting skills at par.

Amole Gupte In Singham Returns

5. Nishikant Kamat

This famous director who directed successful ventures such as Force, Mumbai Meri Jaan, Drishyam, मदारी and Rocky Handsome, also acted in movies like Hava Aney Dey, 404: Error Not Found and his very own directorial Rocky Handsome. However, the latter brought him into the limelight and fetched recognition and accolades.

Nishikant Kamat In Rocky Handsome

6. Farhan Akhtar

Okay, so how many of you don't know who he is? I'm sure there's no one out there. Who doesn't know this actor cum director cum music composer cum writer cum singer? Yes, those are the multiple qualities which he possesses. He debuted as an actor in Rock On!!. Later on, he acted in multiple flicks namely, रॉक ऑन २, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Karthik Calling Karthik, Shaadi Ke Side Effects, Dil Dhadakne Do and Luck By Chance.

Farhan Akhtar In Wazir

7. Farah Khan

In 2012, she made her acting debut in a leading role in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, directed by Bela Bhansali Sehgal which went well both with the audience as well as the critics. The choreographer-cum-director was also seen in cameos in Student of the Year and Tutak Tutak Tutiya.

Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi Movie Poster

8. Mahesh Manjrekar

This gem of a director who delivered hits in the form of Vaastav: The Reality, Astitva, Viruddh... Family Comes First, Dear Dad, Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!, etc. first gained acclaim as an actor for his performance in the 2002 film Kaante and as the gangster Javed in the film Slumdog Millionaire. He also acted in films such as Bajirao Mastani, Jai Ho, Wanted, Dabangg, Ready, Bodyguard, Shootout at Wadala, OMG: Oh My God!, Himmatwala, Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara!, Singham Returns, etc.

Mahesh Manjrekar In Wanted

9. Anurag Basu

The Barfi! filmmaker portrayed a Bengali doctor in I Am, directed by Onir.

Anurag Kashyap In I Am

10. Rajat Kapoor

Rajat Kapoor’s acting has always been accoladed. The talented director of Ankhon Dekhi starred in numerous films such as Kapoor and Sons, Bheja Fry, Mixed Doubles, Phas Gaye Re Obama, Drishyam, Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi?, Monsoon Wedding, Dil Chahta Hai, and many more.

Kapoor and Sons Movie Still

11. Imtiaz Ali

The director of Rockstar never fails to impress us. Do you know that he was also among the ensemble star cast of Black Friday? He played the role of Yakub Memon in this Anurag Kashyap directorial. We are definitely looking forward for more from this ace filmmaker.

Black Friday Movie Still