The great Pankaj Kapur turned 70 on May 29, 2024. The three-time National Award winner is one of India's finest actors, adept in most genres. Thanks to his performances in films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and Chameli Ki Shaadi, and shows like Karamchand, Zabaan Sambhalke, and Office Office, we know he is a pro at making us laugh. Pankaj Kapur Birthday Special: Five Interesting Facts About The Brilliant Actor You Must Know.

With films like Kamla Ki Maut, Khamosh, Ek Doctor Ki Maut, Raakh, Maqbool, Dharm, and Jersey, we also know that he is a great dramatic actor. For his performances in Raakh and Maqbool, the veteran actor won two National Awards, along with a Special Mention for Ek Doctor Ki Maut.

In this special feature, we will discuss some of his best grey-shaded roles, where he has excelled.

Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro

A Still From Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro

The late Kundan Shah's satire is one of Indian cinema's best comedies, having aged well since its release in 1983. As the film's over-ambitious and wily antagonist, builder Tarneja, Pankaj Kapur earned breakout recognition through his performance. With actors like Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, the late Ravi Baswani, Satish Shah, and more, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro is a must-watch, streaming on Prime Video.

Ek Ruka Hua Faisla

A Still From Ek Ruka Hua Faisla

This underrated remake of Sidney Lumet's classic 12 Angry Men was directed by the great Basu Chatterjee. In 12 Angry Men, Juror #3 is the most obstinate of all the jurors, refusing to see the protagonist's side until the very end, driven by personal biases. Pankaj Kapur plays this role perfectly in the remake, mixing irksomeness with pathos. Ek Ruka Hua Faisla is available to watch for free on YouTube.

Roja

A Still From Roja

Mani Ratnam's instant classic Roja is a love story set against the backdrop of Kashmiri militancy. Pankaj Kapur plays the head of the terrorists who kidnaps Arvind Swamy's scientist character. While such characters are usually played in a loud, caricatured manner, Kapur underplays the role with chilling effectiveness, humanising the character. Roja is streaming on Netflix, Zee5, and Prime Video.

Maqbool

A Still From Maqbool

Vishal Bhardwaj's best film is also one of Indian cinema's best gangster dramas. An adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, Maqbool features some of Bollywood's finest actors, including the late Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri. Pankaj Kapur, however, steals the show as the film's version of King Duncan, Abbaji, a feared and respected don. The film earned him a National Award for Best Supporting Actor. Pankaj Kapur Birthday Special: 7 Roles Of The Legendary Actor Which Prove What A Genius He Is!

Dus

A Still From Dus

Anubhav Sinha's slick action-thriller features popular actors of its decade, including Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, Suniel Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan, Zayed Khan, Esha Deol, and Dia Mirza. Pankaj Kapur, however, turned out to be the surprise package in the film. The actor portrayed double personalities: a wimpy witness who aids the heroes and, well, the other aspect should remain a mystery for those who haven't watched the film yet. Dus is streaming on JioCinema and Zee5.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2024 08:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).