The man who is known as the Bard of English Literature, the great William Shakespeare, has passed away this day on 23 April 1616. Which is why, fans of the legendary playwright are celebrating the date as Shakespeare Day. Shakespeare, as you know, is considered as one of the greatest storytellers of all time. They are so famous that many of is most accomplished works and plays are even a part of the curriculum in many schools across the world. William Shakespeare's Birth Anniversary Special: Top Shakespeare Quotes to Remember the English Poet.

Some of the bard's most popular works are "Romeo and Juliet", "Othello", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "King Lear", "Macbeth", "The Merchant of Venice", "Taming of the Shrew", "Hamlet" and so on. There is rarely a person who is not aware of at least of his plays or stories. What makes Shakespeare so great is his brilliance in writing both effective comedies and heart-wrenching tragedies - a reason why so many film-makers are obsessed with his works.

Even Bollywood is not bereft using the influences of Bard's works in its movies. Of course, the story most lifted off from Shakespeare's collection of plays has been "Romeo and Juliet", with so many films being inspired by this tragic story of star-crossed lovers. There is also Vishal Bharadwaj, whose obsession with the Bard had resulted in the form of three of his most accomplished films. Will Priyanka Chopra Star in Vishal Bhardwaj's Adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'?

In this special feature on Shakespeare Day, we look at seven Bollywood adaptions of his greatest works that you should try and watch today.

Angoor

Sanjeev Kumar and Moushumi Chatterjee in Angoor

Adapted from: "Comedy of Errors"

Angoor is not just one of Gulzar's best films, it is also one of the best comedies ever made in Bollywood. Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma, God bless their souls, in a double leave no scene where they don't make us smile in this film about mistaken identities.

Laadla

Sridevi and Anil Kapoor in Laadla

Adapted from: "Taming of the Shrew"

Well, not exactly a precise adaption, but Anil Kapoor's character trying to tame his arrogant wife (late Sridevi, in a scenery-chewing performance), has clear influences from one of Bard's best comedies.

Maqbool

Irrfan Khan and Tabu in Maqbool

Adapted from: "Macbeth"

Maqbool is the first in the line of music composer-turned-director Vishal Bharadwaj's adaptations of Shakespeare's works. It also remains his best attempt to date - a visceral gangster drama about forbidden love, betrayals and murders. Fantastic performances from the cast, especially Irrfan Khan, Tabu and the National award winning Pankaj Kapur.

Omkara

Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan in Omkara

Adapted from: "Othello"

Bharadwaj sets this tragic story in the hinterlands of India, merging a doomed romance with the violence of gang wars. The movie boasts of an ensemble cast featuring Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Bipasha Basu, Vivek Oberoi, Naseeruddin Shah and Deepak Dobriyal. Ultimately, though, Omkara is remembered for Saif Ali Khan's brilliant antagonist, the devious Langda Tyagi.

10ml Love

Neil Bhoopalam, Tara Sharma, Koel Puri and Purab Kohli in 10ml Love

Adapted from: "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Sharat Katariya, who made Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Sui Dhaaga, started his journey as a director by adapting a Shakespeare comedy. 10ml Love is an underrated effort by the director, that has some fun moments in the narrative. Neil Bhoopalam, Tara Sharma, Koel Puri, Tisca Chopra, Rajat Kapoor and Purab Kohli play the leads in the film.

Haider

Shraddha Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in Haider

Adapted from: "Hamlet"

Haider is Vishal Bharadwaj's most commercially successful Shakespearean adaptation and also features Shahid Kapoor's career-best performance. Not just Shahid, every actor in the cast - Kay Kay Menon, Tabu, Irrfan Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, Narendra Jha - are terrific. Plus, the fabulous score! However, Haider is best remembered for having the guts to offer a three-dimensional view of the strife in Kashmir. Certainly, not as gutsy as the recent No Fathers in Kashmir or Hamid, but still..,

Goliyon Ki Raasleela... Ram Leela

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in Goliyon Ki Raasleela... Ram Leela

Adapted from: "Romeo and Juliet"

As I had mentioned before, "Romeo and Juliet" had seen several adaptations in Bollywood, the most popular ones being Ek Duje Ke Liye, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Ishaqzaade etc. However, the closest adaptation to this Bard work in mainstream Bollwyood is, indubitably, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's version. From the inter-family wars, love amidst the hate politics, devious supporting players and a tragic conclusion, Ram Leela had it all. And it does one better - it makes its female protagonist a strong woman instead of a helpless damsel. Bollywood fans would also love the movie for making Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh wedding happen!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2019 02:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).