Akshay Kumar stands out as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors, effortlessly navigating a wide range of genres from action-packed thrillers and slapstick comedies to intense dramas and socially relevant films. The actor has the ability to seamlessly switch between diverse roles—be it the street-smart hustler Raju in Hera Pheri to the fearless and patriotic secret agent in Baby.
On the special occasion of the actor’s birthday, let us revive the iconic roles played by Akshay Kumar that define his mastery in comedy, drama, and action like no other.
Akshay Kumar’s Top 5 Powerhouse Performances
Here are the five stellar roles aced by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar.
1. Raju – Hera Pheri Series
Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Raju in the Hera Pheri series is nothing short of legendary. With his sharp wit, perfect comic timing, and effortless charm, Akshay brought to life a character who is both endearingly flawed and hilariously street-smart. Raju, the quintessential hustler with big dreams and bigger schemes, became iconic for his hilarious antics, memorable catchphrases, and his constant bickering with Babu Bhaiya and Shyam.
Akshay’s nuanced performance — balancing chaos with comedy — transformed Raju into a beloved figure in Indian cinema, making the Hera Pheri series an enduring favorite for audiences across generations.
2. Aditya – Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Akshay’s role as Dr. Aditya Shrivastav in Bhool Bhulaiyaa stands out as one of his most versatile performances. As a sharp, witty, and unorthodox psychiatrist, Aditya arrives at a haunted mansion to solve a mystery entwined with superstition and psychological horror. The actor masterfully navigates the character’s playful humor and deep intellect, bringing a unique charm to the role. Moreover, his comedic timing, coupled with his serious demeanor in unraveling the psychological intricacies, created a perfect blend of comedy and thriller.
3. Ajay Singh Rajput – Baby
The actor’s performance in Baby is a testament to his skill in portraying intense and layered characters. Akshay plays an elite undercover agent in India’s covert anti-terrorism unit in the film.
Akshay delivers a gripping and restrained performance that commands the screen. The portrayal is marked by a stoic demeanor, razor-sharp focus, and a sense of quiet patriotism, perfectly embodying a man dedicated to his mission of protecting his country from terror threats.
4. Ranjit Katyal – Airlift
Akshay Kumar’s role in Airlift is one of his most powerful and compelling performances. Playing a wealthy and self-centered businessman in Kuwait, the character undergoes a profound transformation when Iraq invades Kuwait in 1990, leaving thousands of Indians stranded in a war-torn country. However, as he witnesses the chaos and suffering around him, he emerges as an unlikely hero, leading a massive evacuation of 170,000 Indians—the largest civilian evacuation in history.
5. Jagdishwar Mishra (Jolly) – Jolly LLB 2
Jolly is a brilliant blend of humor, sincerity, and social commentary. Akshay perfectly captures the journey of a man who starts off as an opportunistic hustler but transforms into a crusader for justice. Jolly is introduced as a man willing to do anything to make a quick buck, but when he inadvertently causes a tragedy, he is wracked with guilt and decides to take on a corrupt legal system head-on.
Akshay consistently brings authenticity and energy to his characters, making them memorable and relatable. The actor’s commitment to experimenting with new and challenging roles over the years has cemented his status as a dynamic and dependable actor in Indian cinema, resonating with audiences across generations.