Top 10 Most Iconic Bollywood Villains Ever

Bollywood cinema is defined by its heroes, but perfected by its villains. We rank the 10 most unforgettable.

The Classic Conspirator: Robert

[{"selector":"#anim-2319d25d-df41-4ad0-936f-56beba75e5f5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The ultimate 70s masala villain who separates the hero trio. His cunning and dramatic flair made him a favorite. Actor: Jeevan | Film: Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)

The Silent Menace: Sir Juda

[{"selector":"#anim-7dff6dfe-04e5-49c7-812c-f27cdba12a82 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Unique and terrifying. This villain was mute, communicating his evil commands only through dramatic hand gestures and a piercing stare. Actor: Prem Nath | Film: Karz (1980)

The Original Dacoit King: Raka

[{"selector":"#anim-162c8a39-7531-4ec0-889f-d5575961fe5a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] One of Pran's most formidable early villain roles as a terrifying dacoit leader. Actor: Pran | Film: Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960)

Obsession Defined: Rahul Mehra

[{"selector":"#anim-944f7eff-ae08-4769-92e7-cb5265b57240","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":3}] [{"selector":"#anim-e7365fb6-5679-45c3-bc1a-340835998db7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The benchmark for the cinematic stalker/anti-hero. SRK’s intensity and stutter gave Hindi cinema one of its most quoted lines. Actor: Shah Rukh Khan | Film: Darr (1993)

The Modern Monster: Langda Tyagi

[{"selector":"#anim-f1d5817d-b124-4e66-b52f-07a76cd60b8b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] A critically acclaimed, gritty, and realistic adaptation of Shakespeare's Iago. His foul-mouthed jealousy made him a modern landmark. Actor: Saif Ali Khan | Film: Omkara (2006)

Cold-Blooded Brutality: Kancha Cheena

[{"selector":"#anim-87de7aed-707e-4867-b6d2-4bf5a8a87ed4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Defined by raw, terrifying presence. His cold-blooded ruthlessness resonated powerfully across both the 1990 classic and the 2012 remake. Actor: Danny Denzongpa (1990) / Sanjay Dutt (2012) Film: Agneepath (1990 & 2012)

The Suave Mastermind: Lion

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The Bond Villain of Bollywood: Shaakaal

[{"selector":"#anim-0d810e1a-7626-4bac-a989-2a5a8b8c41d3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] With his bald head, revolving chair, and hidden island lair complete with pet sharks, he set the standard for super-villain elegance. Actor: Kulbhushan Kharbanda | Film: Shaan (1980)

The Evil Emperor: Mogambo

[{"selector":"#anim-534de7b9-a28f-42e1-bf63-ccb0e5f7df23 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The gold standard for modern, large-scale villainy. His costume, theatrics, and world-domination plan made him a legend. Actor: Amrish Puri | Film: Mr. India (1987)

The Undisputed King: Gabbar Singh

[{"selector":"#anim-aeca745c-f3c2-4e95-b9dc-708bcc2614e1","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":3}] [{"selector":"#anim-ef4aa79d-abd7-4fcd-ac32-613beb92e8de [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] He was brutal, funny, unique, and his dialogue changed how villains were written forever. Actor: Amjad Khan | Film: Sholay (1975)