Multiple roles in one film: From Sanjeev Kumar to Vidya Balan, actors who excelled in every avatar

Sanjeev Kumar is considered one of the most versatile actors in Hindi cinema. In the 1974 release Naya Din Nai Raat — inspired by the South Indian film Navaratri — he stunned both viewers and the film industry by playing nine different characters in a single movie. The filmmakers had initially considered Dilip Kumar for the role, but since he had already done several double and triple roles, he himself suggested Sanjeev Kumar’s name. Director A. Bhimsingh gladly accepted the suggestion. (Sanjeev Kumar nine roles in Naya Din Nai Raat)

Sanjeev Kumar Trained Intensely to Shape His Roles

To do justice to each character, Sanjeev Kumar prepared intensely and did not watch the original film to avoid any resemblance or imitation. One of the scenes — where he appears as a circus trainer — required eight retakes, and the film took nearly a year and a half to complete. Jaya Bhaduri (later Bachchan) starred opposite him.

Sanjeev Kumar brought to life the nine rasas—love, humor, compassion, anger, courage, terror, disgust, wonder, and peace—through his nine characters. The credit for his remarkable transformations goes to makeup artist Sarosh B. Modi, who achieved these looks without using prosthetics.

Before the film’s release, a special screening was held for Dilip Kumar. He was so impressed with Sanjeev’s performance that a special voiceover praising him was added to the film — a rare honor in itself. After the release, director Bhimsingh personally visited Dilip Kumar to thank him, saying that if anyone other than him could pull off these roles, it was only Sanjeev Kumar. Naya Din Nai Raat may not have won awards, but it immortalized Sanjeev Kumar as one of Hindi cinema’s greatest acting talents.

Besides Sanjeev Kumar, several other stars have portrayed multiple characters in the same film. Here are some notable names:

I. S. Johar

In Vijay Anand’s Johny Mera Naam (1970), I. S. Johar once again appeared in multiple comic avatars. He played Ram, Dooja Ram, and Teeja Ram, showcasing his trademark humor and versatility.

Dilip Kumar

In the 1976 film Bairaag, Dilip Kumar delivered a powerful triple-role performance, earning a Best Actor nomination. Interestingly, he began his career with Jwar Bhata and adopted the screen name Dilip Kumar instead of his birth name Mohammed Yusuf Khan.

Mehmood

Known for his impeccable comic timing, Mehmood played three roles — Ramlal, Ramlal’s son Raja, and his grandson Ratan — in Humjoli (1970), leaving audiences in splits.

Amitabh Bachchan

In Mahan (1983), Amitabh Bachchan played a father and his twin sons, portraying three emotionally layered characters in a story centered on a separated family.

Rajinikanth

South superstar Rajinikanth played three distinct characters—a brave police officer, Alexander, his son, John, and the funny Johnny—in the 1984 film "Jone Jaani Janardhan." The film was a Hindi remake of the Tamil film "Moondru Mugam" (1982), in which he played the same three roles. (Bollywood actors with multiple roles in one film)

Govinda

In the 2000 film 'Hadh Kar Di Aapne', Govinda surprised everyone by playing not three but six characters – Raju, his father, mother, grandfather, grandmother and maternal uncle.

Kader Khan

In the 1993 film Hum Hain Kamaal Ke, Kader Khan played three brothers—Dharamdas, Karamdas, and Parasdas. These three brothers were different yet looked alike, providing a fun twist to the story.

Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal played a triple role in the 2000 film Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa. He played three elderly brothers from different communities who live in the same house and constantly argue.

Shah Rukh Khan

In the 1996 film English Babu Desi Mem, Shah Rukh Khan played three roles—Ganga Rai, his father, and his grandfather. His performance was a major draw for audiences.

Hrithik Roshan

In the 2013 superhit film Krrish 3, Hrithik Roshan played the roles of grandfather Arjun Mehra, father Rohit Mehra, and son Krish/Krishna Mehra. (Story behind casting Sanjeev Kumar in Naya Din Nai Raat)

John Abraham

In the 2021 film 'Satyameva Jayate 2', John Abraham played a triple role - the role of a father and his two sons. His action and intense acting was highly appreciated. (Sanjeev Kumar legendary performance facts)

Vidya Balan

Film actress Vidya Balan donned several different avatars and characters in the 2014 film Bobby Jasoos, starring alongside Ali Fazal.

Playing multiple roles in a single film is far more than just changing costumes — it requires new energy, new expressions, new body language, and complete emotional reinvention. Whether it’s Sanjeev Kumar’s nine roles, Govinda’s six, Mehmood’s comic trio, or Vidya Balan’s diverse disguises, these performances prove that true acting lies in versatility. Such multi-role portrayals not only make the films unforgettable, but also etch the actors forever in the hearts of the audience.

FAQs

Q1. What is multi-role performance?

Multi-role performance is an acting style in which a single actor plays two or more characters in a film or show.

Q2. Which actors have played memorable multi-roles?

Many actors including Sanjeev Kumar, Vidya Balan, Kamal Haasan, Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra have given excellent multi-role performances.

Q3. Why is multi-role performance considered challenging?

Because the artist has to portray different personalities, body language, voice, and expressions accurately in the same story.

Q4. Do multi-role roles increase the popularity of films?

Yes, when the actors play diverse characters effectively, the entertainment value of the film and the curiosity of the audience increases.

Q5. Which genres of films are more likely to feature multi-role performances?

Multi-role performances are more common in comedies, dramas, psychological thrillers, mythology, and experimental cinema.

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