In the world of Bollywood, there are a few actors who, despite possessing extraordinary talent, often find themselves relegated to supporting or comedic roles. Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, and Manoj Pahwa are prime examples of actors whose immense potential is frequently underutilized. While they have earned recognition for their impeccable performances in both comedy and drama, films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 highlight the industry’s tendency to waste their talent in minor or stereotypical roles. It is high time these actors are given the prominence they truly deserve.
Rajpal Yadav’s portrayal of quirky, yet lovable characters has earned him a special place in the hearts of audiences. His role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was an unfortunate instance of wasted potential. While his timing and expressions bring life to every scene, his character lacked depth and felt like a filler, simply there to provide comic relief. Similarly, Sanjay Mishra, known for his versatility and ability to switch seamlessly between humour and emotional gravitas, is often typecast in roles that don’t allow him to showcase his full range. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 once again squandered Mishra’s skills, relegating him to a minor role that barely scratched the surface of his talent.
These actors are not mere comedians or supporting cast members; they are products of years of hard work and dedication. All three actors honed their craft through years of theater experience, where they mastered the nuances of performance, dialogue delivery, and character portrayal. Their background in theater adds a layer of complexity and depth to their characters that is often missing in mainstream Bollywood performances. This is why it is especially frustrating to see them confined to roles that do not challenge them or allow them to demonstrate their full capabilities.
Take, for example, Sanjay Mishra’s performance in Ankhon Dekhi and Vadh or Rajpal Yadav’s understated yet powerful role in Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon. These films showcase the actors’ range and depth, yet such opportunities are few and far between in their careers. They deserve roles not limited to being the comic sidekick or the quirky neighbour. The audience has seen them do so much more; it is time for the industry to recognize their true potential.
Manoj Pahwa, too, has long been a staple of strong supporting performances, but rarely does he get a chance to play a protagonist with significant depth. Films like Article 15 and Jigra displayed his impeccable comic timing and his ability to ground even the most absurd situations with a sense of reality and emotional weight. Yet, much like his peers, Pahwa is often overlooked for leading roles despite his rich history in theater and film.
The industry should be more willing to take risks and explore characters that deviate from the conventional hero or villain. These actors have repeatedly proven that they can carry a film with their unique charm and craft, and the audience, too, must support their work more actively. In an era where content-driven cinema is on the rise, there is no excuse for Bollywood to ignore such talents. It is time that filmmakers recognize the true depth these actors bring to the table and offer them roles that truly reflect their abilities.
The future of Bollywood should be one where talent is prioritised over star power, and where actors like Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, and Manoj Pahwa are given the space to shine in diverse and challenging roles.