With Akira, Anurag Kashyap is amongst 10 directors who turned actors

By Joginder Tuteja -

September 1, 2016 - 11:21 AM IST

Those who are in front of the camera want to get behind it, case in point being Ajay Devgn who is gearing up for his second directorial outing Shivaay, or for that matter Sunny Deol who returned to direction earlier this year with Ghayal Once Again. Then there are those who have made a name for themselves behind the camera but have found the world of acting quite enticing. Let us introduce them to you.

With Akira, Anurag Kashyap is amongst 10 directors who turned actors

Anurag Kashyap - Shagird
It was nothing short of a surprise when Anuag Kashyap's name popped in as the chief baddy for Sonakshi Sinha's Akira. He is quite impressive in the promo as well and is showing just the kind of menace that is expected from a villain. Considering the fact that this is not his first stint as an actor in a pivotal role (he was quite good in Nana Patekar starrer Shagird too), Anurag is expected to make a large impression with Akira. Though Anurag's performance in Shagird went largely unnoticed since the film flopped, one has earlier witnessed many other ranges of Anurag in I Am, Bhoothnath Returns and Happy New Year as well.

Karan Johar - Bombay Velvet
Ok, so technically he had made his big screen appearance with Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge much before he started calling the shots for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. However that was just for a cameo, something that he has done for many films post that as well. However, for the first time ever, he appeared in a full-fledged part with Bombay Velvet. As the chief baddy, he looked dapper, though he hasn't signed any other film as an actor post Bombay Velvet.

Kunal Kohli - Phir Se...
Many years ago he had faced the camera for his trade show as an expert. Then he went on to have a successful stint as a director with films like Hum Tum and Fanaa. Now he is making his debut as an actor and that too as the main solo lead in Phir Se... The good part is that he is playing his age and has also picked the kind of characterization - that of a mature romantic man - which goes with his personality. One looks forward to the release of the film now, which has been long delayed already.

Farah Khan - Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
When the director of Main Hoon Naa and Om Shanti Om decided to turn an actor with Shirin Farhad Ki Nikal Padi, not many were surprised. After all, Farah Khan is one of the most expressive women around and she can often be found in animated conversations. So when an offer came her way from Sanjay Leela Bhansali, she didn't think much. More so since she was pretty much playing her middle aged Parsi self.

Farhan Akhtar - Rock On
It is in fact surprising that Farhan Akhtar chose to take the direction route for his entry into Bollywood. With his look, personality and a unique voice with an intelligent head over the shoulders, he could well have walked into a film. However, he chose Dil Chahta Hai as a director. There were cheers though once he launched himself as an actor with Rock On. From there to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, he has been a revelation.

Tigmanshu Dhulia - Gangs of Wasseypur
Now where was this actor hidden over the years when Tigmanshu Dhulia was busy as a director? Long after he had proved his mettle with the likes of Haasil, Saheb Biwi aur Gangster and Paan Singh Tomar, Dhulia was ready to surprise one and all with a 'dhamakedaar' performance as Ramadhir Singh in Gangs of Wasseypur. Later, he showed that he can deliver differently when Hansal Mehta roped him in for Shahid. He couldn't cover much distance in the remake of Hero though where he reprised the part played by Shammi Kapoor in the original.

Mahesh Manjrekar - Kaante
When he made Vaastav with Sanjay Dutt, the industry hailed him as a director par excellence. He continued making movies and then cast himself in a small for his own Ehsaas: The Feeling. However, his biggest calling card was Kaante where Sanjay Gupta presented him in a terrific avtar. Manjrekar pretty much stole the show and today has more number of films to his name as an actor (55) than a director (25).

Sudhir Mishra - Traffic Signal
He had made bit appearances in his friend Vidhu Vinod Chopra's earlier films (Sazaa-e-Maut, Khamosh). However, soon he became quite busy as a director. After being in the business for two decades, he got a call from Mahesh Manjrekar to play a don in Traffic Signal. Though one won't term his performance as the kind that would have kept him busy as an actor thereafter, Sudhir Mishra did enjoy a substantial part.

Guru Dutt - Baaz
During his earlier years, Guru Dutt flip-flopped between quite a few different jobs in the industry, including playing some bit parts in films (a Dev Anand starrer being one). He proved himself as a director with his debut film Baazi. After making one more film as a director with Dev Anand (Jaal), he cast himself as a main lead in Baaz. His act in Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam are milestone affairs.

Vijay Anand - Kora Kaagaz
As a director, Vijay Anand won quite some accolades with Kala Bazar, Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Guide, Teesri Manzil and many more. However, acting bug had bit him too and while he did make a few bit appearances early on, there was some acclaim that he gathered for Haqeeqat. The film that got him into limelight though was Kora Kaagaz. Later, he also impressed in Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki and then TV series Tahqiqat.