Actors Triple Roles: From Big B to Saif- The Actors Who Took on Triple Roles on Screen

Actors Triple Roles: Bollywood has always been known for its innovative and unique experiments, where new concepts are constantly introduced. One of these experiments was the double role, which many actors pulled off brilliantly. Soon after, audiences were introduced to a new and exciting concept – the triple role. In Indian cinema, a triple role is not just a gimmick; it’s an impressive mix of storytelling, emotions, comedy, and technology. It’s a challenge that actors have taken on with finesse, forcing audiences to think in new and interesting ways. Let’s take a look at some of the actors who have successfully portrayed triple roles on screen.

Dilip Kumar – Bairaag (1976)

The legendary actor Dilip Kumar played a triple role in the 1976 film Bairaag. He portrayed three distinct characters – Kailash, Bhole Nath (Bhola), and Sanjay – all of whom brought something unique to the screen.

Dharmendra – Jeeo Shaan Se  (1997)

Bollywood’s iconic “He-Man,” Dharmendra, appeared in three roles in the 1997 film Jeeo Shaan Se. He played Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, each portraying a different character: a police officer, a college instructor, and a vagabond, respectively.

Mahmood – Humjoli (1970)

The renowned comedian-actor Mahmood took on a triple role in the 1970 film Humjoli . In this film, he mimicked the Kapoor family and played the roles of Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, and his own character.

I.S. Johar – Johny Mera Naam (1970)

In Vijay Anand’s   Johny Mera Naam (1970), I.S. Johar played three versions of the same character: Ram, the police constable; Ram, the steward; and Ram, the waiter, adding depth to the film with his versatile acting.

Amitabh Bachchan – Mahaan (1983)

Amitabh Bachchan, known for his larger-than-life persona, played a triple role in the 1983 film Mahaan. He portrayed Rana Ranveer, Guru, and Inspector Shankar – three characters who were crucial to the film's plot.

Kader Khan – Hum Hain Kamaal Ke (1993)

In the 1993 film Ham Hain Kamaal  Ke, Kader Khan played a triple role, portraying three brothers: Dharmdas, Karmdhar, and Parasdas. These look-alike characters brought comedy and drama into the story.

Rajinikanth – John Jani Janardhan (1984)

South Indian superstar Rajinikanth took on a triple role in the 1984 film  John Jani Janardhan. He played the roles of Inspector John A. Mendes (father), Janardhan  B. Gupta, and Jani, his two sons.

Paresh Rawal – Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye (2008)

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal appeared in a triple role in the 2008 film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye. He portrayed three characters: Goggi, Dr. Handa, and Lucky’s father. Abhay Deol played the lead role in this film.

Asrani – Hum Nahin Sudherenge (1980)

In the 1980 film Hum Nahin Sudherenge, actor Asrani played a triple role, portraying three identical characters: Madanlal Chaprasi, Private Detective P.K. Lal, and Chand aka Jugal Kishore (a conman).

Shah Rukh Khan – English Babu Desi Mem (1996)

King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, played a triple role in the 1996 film English Babu Desi Mem. He portrayed Vikram, Hari, and Gopal Mayur, with Sonali Bendre opposite him.

Hrithik Roshan – Krrish 3 (2013)

In the 2013 film Krrish 3, Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan played a triple role. He portrayed Krishna Mehra, Krrish, and Rohit Mehra, with Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut in pivotal roles alongside him.

Ashutosh Rana – Yeh Kaisa Tigdam (2018)

In the 2018 film Yeh Kaisa Tigdam, Ashutosh Rana took on a triple role. He played Chhagan Patel, Nawab Salim, and a small-time conman, all of whom were vying for the affection of a model named Sakshi Chaudhary.

John Abraham – Satyameva Jayate 2 (2021)

In the 2021 film Satyameva Jayate 2, actor John Abraham played a triple role. He portrayed twin brothers, Jai and Satya, as well as their father, Dadasaheb Balram Azad.

Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, and Ram Kapoor – Humshakals (2014)

In the 2014 film Humshakals, directed by Sajid Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, and Ram Kapoor played triple roles. However, despite the star cast, the film failed at the box office.