Bollywood has seen several instances where substantial actors took on the challenges of playing female characters on-screen. Some delivered excellent humour while some raised the bar of intensity. Either way, they ensured their roles and performances hit a chord. Here’s looking at male stars who played female roles.
Kamal Haasan: In Chachi 420, Kamal Haasan played the iconic, titular role, one that remains etched in the minds of his die-hard fans. The actor is seen in disguise as a nanny to his kids, and serves a comical take on a family drama with a deep message at the end.
Govinda: Govinda took on the challenge of stepping into the shoes of an aunty in Aunty No.1, and served a reminder of why he carries an impeccable comic timing. This iconic comedy drama explored the life of a middle-aged man who transforms into a woman to win the love of his lady.
Akshay Kumar: Akshay Kumar added a golden feather to his cap of versatility by playing a woman in Laxmii and unleashing ferocity and rage as a woman on revenge. The actor donned a saree, danced in the drape and added honesty to his portrayal with fluid expressions and mannerisms.
Sharad Kelkar: Sharad Kelkar created a striking curve in his filmography with Laxmii, wherein he stepped into the shoes of woman fighting for her respect. The actor let his character shine by embodying the softness of a female and combining it finely with rage, demonstrating inner conflicts.
Riteish Deshmukh: Riteish Deshmukh shot up the versatility meter to newer levels by playing the role of a girl in Apna Sapna Money Money in 2006. From getting the fluid movements to the expression right, the actor ensured to stand out among the ensemble star cast.
Ayushmann Khurrana: In Dream Girl, the off-beat actor played Pooja, pretending to be a girl who works in a love hotline call centre. He also donned a girl’s attire and even danced in the film with fluid moves and soft expressions.
For these actors, playing a woman on-screen was not just about a makeover transition; it was a masterclass in acting.