2024 was a year of phenomenal performances in the Indian film and OTT industry. Some surprised audience in the lead roles while many proved that they have the talent to shine even in an ensemble. As the year comes to an end, let’s take a look back at all those actors, who were not appreciated as much as they deserved, for the amazing work they delivered this year.

Abhishek Banerjee – Stree 2

Abhishek Banerjee once again showed why he’s one of Bollywood’s best actors with his performance in Stree 2. Though he is known for making people laugh with his impeccable comic timings, in this film he added more depth to his character Jana, mixing humor with fear and mystery. Banerjee has a talent for grabbing the audience’s attention, even when he’s part of a big cast and this was evident in the movie featuring Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Aparshakti Khurana, Pankaj Kapoor among others.

Richa Chadha – Heeramandi

Richa Chadha delivered a tour-de-force performance as Lajjo in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s visually stunning period drama, Heeramandi. As a pivotal character in this grand opus, Richa brought a masterful blend of depth, elegance, and intensity to her portrayal. Her authoritative screen presence and emotionally charged scenes left audiences and critics alike in awe, cementing her position as one of the most celebrated actors of 2024.

Vir Das – Call Me Bae

Vir Das, the multifaceted stand-up comedian and actor, made a significant splash on OTT with his memorable performance in Call Me Bae. As a charismatic and quick-witted character, Das’s trademark comedic genius was on full display, but he also skillfully brought a depth of emotion to his role, catching audiences off guard. His unique ability to seamlessly blend humor with poignant moments made him a standout performer, further solidifying his reputation as a talented comedic actor.

Ravi Kishan – Laapataa Ladies

Ravi Kishan gave a great performance as a cop in Laapataa Ladies, showing off his charisma and grandeur. In this feminist comedy-drama, Kishan’s role is a perfect mix of humor and depth. What’s impressive is how he makes his character feel real, drawing from his own experiences and observations of rural India. As a rural cop, Kishan’s portrayal feels authentic, from his dialogue delivery to his mannerisms and body language. Kishan’s experience as an actor really shows in his scenes, where he shines alongside the main leads. He easily grabs attention without overshadowing others, which is a mark of a skilled actor.

Akshay Oberoi – Fighter

Akshay Oberoi delivered a career-defining performance in Fighter, showcasing his remarkable acting range like never before. As a complex and multifaceted fighter plane pilot, Oberoi held his own alongside Bollywood’s biggest stars, delivering a nuanced and captivating portrayal that earned him widespread critical acclaim. His intense screen presence and masterful emotional depth brought a new layer of authenticity to the film.