The Indian film industry is more than a hundred years old, with every decade seeing the emergence of actors who eventually become icons. In the 1960s, many actors tried to make a name for themselves and succeeded. However, there were only a few Bollywood actors from the 60s who are still remembered by cinephiles for their talent.
As we look back at the rich history of the film industry, we pay tribute to some of the best Bollywood actors from the 60s who were part of some evergreen classic films.
A look at the 10 best Bollywood actors of the 60s who became icons:
1. Raj Kapoor
Popularly known as the greatest showman of Indian cinema, Raj Kapoor has contributed immensely to the rich history of Bollywood. Born to famous actor Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor started acting at the age of ten. Film lovers believe that he was inspired by Charlie Chaplin and hence he is often called the ‘Charlie Chaplin of Indian cinema’. He also played characters based on one of Chaplin’s most memorable on-screen characters, The Tramp.
2. Dharmendra
Every year, many aspiring actors in the Indian film industry come to Mumbai to realize their dream of becoming the most successful actor in Bollywood. One of them was Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, who rose to fame in the mid-1960s for films like Milan Ki Bela, Kajal, Phool Aur Patthar, Anupama and many others.
The senior actor, fondly known as the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood, is considered one of the most successful actors in the history of Hindi cinema, having appeared in over 200 films.
3. Jeetendra
Another top Bollywood actor of the 60s is Jeetendra. He was a jewelry supplier and had no intention of becoming an actor. But he became an icon of the Indian film industry. The 1964 film Geet Gaaya Pattharon Ne was his first film with actress Rajshree. It was this drama film that skyrocketed his career and made him evergreen.
4. Dilip Kumar
Credited with introducing a new style of acting in cinema, Dilip Kumar ruled the film industry from the late 1940s to the 60s. In a career spanning over five decades, he appeared in films of many different genres, most of which were box-office successes. Some of his commercial successes include Jugnu, Andaz, Azaad, the epic historical Mughal-e-Azam, the crime drama Ganga Jamuna and the comedy-drama Ram Aur Shyam.
5. Sunil Dutt
The 1955 film Railway Platform, directed by Ramesh Saigal, marked Sunil Dutt’s debut as an actor in the industry. Saigal had suggested the actor to change his name from Balraj Dutt to Balraj Sahni so that he would not be mistaken for veteran actor Balraj Sahni. The National Film Award winner last shared the screen with his son Sanjay Dutt in Munna Bhai MBBS in 2002, but passed away in 2005.
6. Sanjeev Kumar
Another Bollywood actor from the 60s is Sanjeev Kumar. He is known for his work in films like Sachchai, Sholay, Trishul, Khilona, Yeh Hai Zindagi, Ram Tere Kitne Naam, Vidhaata, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Angoor and many more. When he passed away at the age of 47, the industry was left in shock.
Interestingly, more than ten of his films were released posthumously, the last of which was Professor Ki Padosan, which released in 1993.
7. Shammi Kapoor
Cinema lovers still remember him as the spirited and stylish dance enthusiast who won them over with his song Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe from the 1961 film Junglee. In a career spanning over five decades, Shammi Kapoor acted in over 100 films, including Professor, China Town, Kashmir Ki Kali, Teesri Manzil, An Evening in Paris, Brahmachari and others. He also worked with his nephew Ranbir Kapoor in Rockstar in 2011, which was his last film.
8. Dev Anand
Dev Anand is one of the Bollywood actors of the 60s who still rules the hearts of cinema lovers. Often named as one of the most successful actors of the Indian entertainment industry, the veteran star appeared in over 100 films, with Guide being the iconic film of his career. Some of his other works include Kala Paani, Love Marriage, Hum Dono, Gangster and others. He also produced and directed several feature films.
9. Kishore Kumar
Kishore Kumar not only acted, but he also proved his talent as a playback singer and composer. Even though he was not sure about his career as an actor, Kumar etched his name in the history of Indian cinema as one of the most versatile and talented actors. Some of his notable works include Tamasha, Ladki, Naukari, Miss Mala, Chaar Paise, Baap Re Baap, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Padosan.
10. Prem Chopra
This list of the best Bollywood actors of the 60s would not be complete without mentioning Prem Chopra. This icon gave 60 years of his life to the industry and acted in almost 400 films. Popular for playing villainous characters, Prem Chopra received immense love from his fans. He was also a part of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Animal, directed by Ranbir Kapoor.
That’s it for this list of best Bollywood actors of the 60s. For more such interesting content, stay tuned to Pinkvilla.