Bollywood is often driven by glamour, star power, and box office numbers. But beyond the big-budget blockbusters and trending hashtags lies a pool of extraordinary talent — artists who consistently deliver stunning performances yet rarely get their due. These are the underrated actors and actresses of Indian cinema.
In this post, we shine the spotlight on 10 most underrated talents in Bollywood who deserve far more recognition than they receive. From powerful method actors to quiet performers who steal scenes with just a look — they are the unsung heroes of the Indian film industry.
Vijay Raaz – The Master of Subtlety
Vijay Raaz is perhaps the most brilliant underrated actor Bollywood has ever seen. His comic timing in Run and Delhi Belly is unforgettable, but it’s his emotional depth in Gully Boy and Lootcase that proves his range. Whether he’s playing a goofy don or a grieving father, Raaz delivers every line like poetry.
Despite being critically acclaimed, he’s often confined to side characters. It’s baffling that someone so gifted isn’t leading more mainstream films in 2025.
Tillotama Shome – Grace and Grit Combined
Tillotama Shome is an actress whose silence speaks volumes. From Sir to Raahgir, her characters are always layered, complex, and hauntingly real. She’s a true embodiment of what it means to be an underrated actress — critically praised, but not commercially promoted.
She often stars in festival-favorite indie films, but deserves roles in big-ticket Bollywood releases too.
Pankaj Tripathi – A Star, Yet Underrated in Big Banners
Yes, Pankaj Tripathi is now a fan favorite. But let’s be honest — he’s still mostly in side roles. Whether it’s Stree, Gunjan Saxena, or Kaagaz, he elevates every scene. But why isn’t he headlining more commercial films?
As an underrated actor, his strength lies in making ordinary roles unforgettable. Even in ensemble casts, he steals the show.
Shefali Shah – Timeless Talent
Shefali Shah has been delivering impactful performances since the 90s. Her work in Delhi Crime brought global recognition, but she’s still underutilized in Bollywood.
Whether she’s playing a conflicted mother (Dil Dhadakne Do) or a strong cop (Delhi Crime), Shefali commands attention. An underrated actress for far too long, she finally seems to be getting some of the credit she deserves.
Sanjay Mishra – The Chameleon
A comedy icon and dramatic genius, Sanjay Mishra can make you laugh in one scene and cry in the next. Kaamyaab was a beautiful tribute to character actors like him, yet he continues to be overlooked by major filmmakers.
He is easily one of the most underrated actors whose face everyone knows, but name few remember.
Radhika Apte – OTT Royalty, Still Marginalized
Radhika Apte became the face of Netflix in India, yet big-banner Bollywood hasn’t fully embraced her. She fearlessly takes on challenging roles, from trauma survivors to warriors of social justice.
Despite her success online, she remains an underrated actress in cinema circles — often passed over for flashier names in major productions.
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub – Always the Best Friend
Zeeshan Ayyub is Bollywood’s go-to supporting actor — and it’s a tragedy that’s all he’s given. In Raanjhanaa, Article 15, and Tanu Weds Manu, he delivered memorable performances that overshadowed the leads at times.
He deserves lead roles. He’s smart, expressive, and grounded — a perfect fit for slice-of-life or political dramas. A truly underrated actor by every definition.
Nimrat Kaur – Elegant and Underused
Nimrat Kaur became a household name with The Lunchbox, but since then, she’s rarely been offered meaty roles. Her acting in Airlift showed poise and strength, yet her filmography remains thin — a clear sign of being underrated.
She’s sophisticated, powerful, and camera-friendly — everything a mainstream heroine needs.
Konkona Sen Sharma – Critically Crowned, Commercially Ignored
Konkona Sen Sharma is a National Award-winning actress and one of India’s most respected performers. Yet, she’s rarely cast in high-profile Bollywood films. Her roles in Lipstick Under My Burkha and Page 3 are legendary.
As an underrated actress, her performances have more depth than most commercial stars deliver in an entire career.
Rajkummar Rao – Still Underused in Mass Cinema
Rajkummar Rao has finally made it to the mainstream, but even now, he’s rarely the “face” of commercial Bollywood. Films like Shahid, Trapped, and Newton are case studies in acting brilliance. Yet he’s still not given roles in large-scale productions regularly.
He remains one of the most underrated actors in high-budget, high-visibility Bollywood, even though his talent demands otherwise.
Despite their talent, many of these actors and actresses are overlooked because:
- They lack strong PR or marketing backing
- They don’t conform to typical Bollywood beauty standards
- They prefer substance over stardom
- The industry still favors bankable names over brilliance
The next time you’re bored of formula films and overhyped performances, turn to these underrated actors and actresses. They offer real stories, raw emotions, and unforgettable moments. Let’s hope 2025 is the year Bollywood finally acknowledges the brilliance hiding in plain sight.
As audiences, it’s our responsibility to celebrate real talent. Because cinema isn’t just about stars — it’s about storytellers. And these performers have been telling the best stories all along.
