As we inch closer towards the end of 2023, we bring you a list of actors (male) from the world of Hindi television who left a lasting impression in their distinct ways.
Genius is the gold in the mine; talent is the miner that works and brings it out. – Marguerite Blessington
Love them, hate them but you can’t ignore them! Well, that’s Hindi TV shows in a nutshell for you. They tap into our deep desire for escapism from our daily routines and personal struggles. (Unfortunately) when the content here continues to remain formulaic, and steeped in deep clichés and logic-defying acts, it’s then left up to the actors to dig deep into their talent to leave you rapt.
This year too, we had a bunch of actors who let their work speak loud, no matter. Make way for these faces who rose above all the small screen trappings and troupes to grip our minds. (Note: These names are not in a particular order).
Shakti Arora
As an actor, one of the most important things you have to offer is yourself (to the character) and know what new you are bringing to the table. This task becomes even more difficult when one has to take the responsibility as a lead in an already established show.
But with Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, Shakti Arora ticks both these boxes to deliver a performance that reaches straight to your heart. As Ishaan, be it portraying the angst and emotional wounds (that largely stems from abandonment issues) or that tinge of impassive humour in his friendly banters, the actor has a solid grip on every emotion. We can’t wait to see what more he has in store for us!
Adnan Khan
‘If you risk nothing, you risk everything.’ A radical plot where the male protagonist does an unthinkable deed before he lands up on the path towards love and redemption. A role like Viaan might not find many takers among actors especially when the Indian television continues to remain coy (w.r.t to the birds and bees) and has a certain set of inhibitions when it comes to storytelling.
Kudos to Adnan Khan for not only walking on a path less explored but also for putting his heart and soul to deliver a touching performance in Katha Ankahee.
Mohit Malik
‘The more you practice, the better you get’, and Mohit Malik firmly believes in that. With a series of emotionally-charged characters in his repertoire, the actor who is currently seen in Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si, manages to make his every act different from the other with this mantra.
There is a certain ‘therav’ he brings in his performance even when his character is stuck in a vortex of emotions. No wonder, this kind of an invisible thread draws him closer to the audience as they ‘feel’ every bit of his reel self.
Nakuul Mehta
Beneath his ‘kanji‘ eyes and smoldering good looks, one can sense that Nakuul Mehta is at ease when the camera rolls, and that sense of familiarity travels across the screen to the viewers as well. Watching him there is like having a warm bowl of your favourite comfort food. Simple yet effective!
Like Betty Davis says, ‘Without wonder and insight, acting is just a business. With it, it becomes creation.’ Nakuul stood true to these words as the lovable Ram Kapoor in Bade Acche Lagte Hai 2. His character struck a chord with the audience spanning different age groups and made their hearts sing in unison, “Bade acche lagte hai, yeh dharti, yeh nadiyaa, yeh raina aur? Aur tum.”
Mudit Nayyar
‘Every villain is a hero in his mind,’ and Mudit Nayyar gave us a (wicked) taste of this in Keh Doon Tumhein where he essayed the role of a lover-cum-psychopath.
In an industry where many would develop cold feet when it comes to taking up twisted characters for the fear of losing out on playing the ‘quintessential’ hero, the actor took the leap of faith. The outcome of it- Mudit ‘slashed’ all notions and delivered ‘killer’ of a performance even in a limited number of episodes. Keeping our fingers crossed to watch the actor step out more out of his comfort zone!
Mishkat Varma
Far away from the land of brooding men, Mishkat Varma shows up his frothy side and casts a spell on you with his boyish charm. The show may be named after the female protagonist, but the actor lends his share of strength to its journey and emerges more than just her love interest.
With his performance anchored in emotions as Adhiraj in Kavya-Ek Jazbaa Ek Junoon, Mishkat says it loud and clear that he is here to stay.
2024, bring on some more of these actors!
