Top 10 Most Overrated Indian Actors

Some actors become famous because they deliver unforgettable performances. Others ride on hype, fan followings, and massive marketing budgets. This list focuses on the latter. Being a star does not always mean being a great actor. A true actor brings characters to life with skill and authenticity, while a star can stay on top just by having a loyal fan base, good looks, or connections in the industry.

Of course, popularity does not always equal talent. Some of the biggest names in Indian cinema are more famous for their style, screen presence, or box office numbers than their actual acting skills. Maybe you have watched their films and wondered why they keep getting lead roles. Maybe you think their performances feel repetitive, exaggerated, or just plain boring. Either way, this is your chance to call them out.

Who do you think is the most overrated Indian actor? Cast your vote and see how your opinions stack up.

The Top Ten

Sanaya Irani

Sanaya Irani is an Indian actress and former model. Her first major television role was as Gunjan in the Indian youth show Miley Jab Hum Tum. She later gained widespread recognition for her performance as Khushi Kumari Gupta in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?
Salman Khan

Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan (born December 27, 1965) is an Indian actor, film producer, singer, painter, and television personality. He has worked in Hindi cinema for over three decades and remains one of the industry's most successful and recognizable figures. Khan has received multiple awards including... read more

He has the worst dialogue delivery and expressions. Monotone and just typical of Indian cinema to have good-looking people being the top draws.
At least Hollywood equivalents can actually act.

Most overrated actor in the history of Indian cinema. Having 25 years of experience in movies, he still hasn't improved his facial expressions.

He should thank his dialogue writers for saving his career.
Katrina Kaif

She is stone-faced and absolutely cannot act. Moreover, she has the airs of being a celebrity and acts as if she's the most amazing actor in Bollywood. She seems to forget the fans who made her and is overtly rude to them. Even her dance moves are not so smooth.

This confirms that our taste has not improved, even after being exposed to some brilliant cinema (thanks to the internet and DTH) during the last two decades.

It's time for her and Sonia Gandhi to learn the language, culture, and heritage of the country that made them rich.
Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor is an Indian actress known for her work in Hindi films. She has appeared in movies such as Neerja, Khoobsurat, and Raanjhanaa. Her performance in Neerja earned her a National Film Award Special Mention and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.

She should be number one. She is not pretty at all, and at the same time, her acting is terrible.
Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is an Indian film actor, filmmaker, and television talk-show host. Through his career in Hindi films, Khan has established himself as one of the most popular and influential actors in Indian cinema. His critically acclaimed work includes films such as Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, Dangal, and... read more

He is a very overrated actor in the industry. He hasn't taken on any challenging roles in his entire career. With the help of his father in the industry and his family friends, he is still in the industry. Otherwise, he could have been kicked out long ago.
Thanks to remakes and Rajkumar Hirani, he gets his career back on track somehow. Living with jealousy towards other stars, he thinks he is the best, but no, a big no. Playing with people's emotions and showing fake patriotic films, he is just trying to form a clean image of himself. He is overrated, and there are many better actors in the industry, especially in the new generation.
Himesh Reshammiya

Why are guys like this born, man? And there are still stupid people who support such frauds who don't know about music and acting.

Do not try to act. Stick to making loud, repetitive music called "popular chart-busters."

Overly arrogant. He makes music. He should leave the planet.
Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK, is an Indian film actor, producer, and television personality. Referred to in the media as the "Badshah of Bollywood," the "King of Bollywood," and "King Khan," he has appeared in more than 100 films and earned numerous accolades, including 15 Filmfare Awards. He remains... read more

He made good movies, but for real, the last good movie he did was Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. All the movies that came after Om Shanti Om were ridiculous.
He acts as if he is a handsome man, which indeed is false. In his films, he can be charming thanks to the script, but in real life, it's not cool to see the same behavior. That gives him the appearance of being narcissistic.
I have had enough of his younger son, Abram. It seems that Shahrukh wants people to be obsessed with his child more than himself. I am not a hater. I used to love SRK and say that he was beautiful and all, but I have had an overdose! Too much Shahrukh Khan kills Shahrukh Khan!
Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt is a British actress who works primarily in Hindi-language films. Born into the Bhatt family, she is the daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan. She appeared as a child in the 1999 film Sangharsh before taking her first leading role in the 2012 film Student of the Year... read more

A movie like Highway was good only because of Randeep Hooda. A beautiful movie like 2 States was ruined because of her inability to act. Dear Zindagi had Shahrukh, and Udta Punjab had strong stars like Shahid, Diljit Dosanjh, and Kareena to make them successful.
She is only here because of her godfather Karan Johar.

Most overrated. If she does 20% good, the media hypes it as 90%. She is winning awards due to Mr. Johar. She is okay but not as great as she is said to be. Too much publicity.

Overrated acting! I mean, look at Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. What is there in that movie? All the masala and no substance! At least Kangana Ranaut's movies are worth watching.
Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan is an Indian actor who appears primarily in Hindi films. He made his debut as a leading actor in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai in 2000. He is widely recognized for his dance abilities and for starring in numerous successful films.

You are on this list because the director took a bad turn by casting you as Akbar. You are as unconvincing as Shah Rukh (well, almost) in Asoka. Stick to your forte: looking good, dancing, and stealing a few smooches.

There's something about him that just doesn't work for me. He's okay looking and acting, but all he seems to do is dance. Maybe he should have become a dancer?

He keeps a straight face in even the most emotional scenes. He's definitely meant for dancing and looking good, but no good for acting.
Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan is an Indian actor who works primarily in Hindi cinema. He first gained widespread popularity in the early 1970s with films such as "Zanjeer" and "Deewaar" and became known as India's "angry young man" for his intense on-screen roles. Bachchan is considered one of the greatest and most... read more

Kamal Haasan is infinitely better than Amitabh Bachchan. Amitabh is a good actor, but Kamal Haasan deserves more praise than Amit ji in my opinion. He doesn't care if he's not at the top. He's multi-talented too. Yet some fools support Amitabh over him.

This guy is a fool. He will sell you his soul for an award. Shameless fellow.

Amitabhji, stop it. Do not ruin your fame that has gone so well into the history of Bollywood film.

The Newcomers

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Hema Malini

Hema Malini Dharmendra Deol (born October 16, 1948, in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, India) is an Indian actress, director, producer, dancer, and politician. She is known for her work in Hindi cinema and was one of the most successful actresses of the 1970s. She has represented Mathura in India's Lok Sabha... read more
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Ajith Kumar

Ajith Kumar (born May 1, 1971) is an Indian film actor best known for his work in Tamil cinema. He is one of the most successful actors in the Tamil film industry. In addition to his acting career, Ajith took a sabbatical and participated in the 2004 British Formula 3 season as a Formula Two racing... read more

The Contenders

Mammootty

Mammootty is an Indian actor and film producer primarily associated with the Malayalam film industry. He was born on September 7, 1951, and has acted in over 400 films across multiple Indian languages. He has received numerous accolades, including three National Film Awards, eleven Kerala State Film... read more

Most South Indian stars are overrated due to their enthusiastic fans. These actors are portrayed as superheroes who single-handedly solve all problems. It's the slow-motion effects and background music that enhance their performances, leading people to believe they are great. The unrealistic action sequences and expressionless faces are difficult to bear.
Sometimes, watching Tusshar Kapoor is more enjoyable than witnessing these actors perform feats like beating hundreds of men or creating mini tornadoes with their legs. Additionally, multi-starrer films are rare in the South Indian industry because most leading actors have egos. They are hesitant to work with other stars for fear of disappointing their fans.
In contrast, Bollywood has been producing multi-starrer films since the '70s and '80s. Most South Indian fans critique Bollywood without actually watching its films. Despite being non-native speakers, they pass judgment due to jealousy and arrogance. They haven't produced films on par with those by directors like Hirani, Neeraj Pandey, Prakash Jha, and Bhansali, among others, who have given us classics like Lagaan, 3 Idiots, Wednesday, Munna Bhai, Dangal, Baby, Paa, PK, OMG, and many more.
Over 300 Bollywood movies with good scripts have been copied by the South Indian industry. Moreover, many South Indian movies are remade in Bollywood, often by South Indian producers or directors, to gain pan-Indian fame.
Varun Dhawan

Varun Dhawan, born April 24, 1987, in Mumbai, India, is a Hindi film actor. He made his acting debut in Student of the Year (2012) and quickly became one of India's highest-paid actors. Dhawan has had a streak of box-office hits and continues to act in major productions, including Border 2 (2026).

Why exactly is Varun Dhawan in Bollywood? Because of nepotism, that's why. I don't hate any actor without reason. But seeing Varun Dhawan in movies that make tons of money while there are actual talented actors like Rajkummar Rao or Nawazuddin Siddiqui boils my blood.
They deserve the attention we give to Varun, but the problem is they don't have daddies or Karan Johar in the industry to launch them, no matter how bad their acting skills are.

Acting is NOT about abs show. A modeling career suits you better.
Akshay Kumar

Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, born on September 9, 1967, is better known by his stage name Akshay Kumar. He is an Indian actor and film producer who has appeared in over 150 Hindi films and is known for his work in action and comedy genres. Originally holding Canadian citizenship, he renounced it and regained... read more

He's like the new Shah Rukh Khan, appearing in any and every film possible, acting with women who are half his age. It's so weird to watch. I feel sorry for people back in India.
Aishwarya Rai

There's a place for mannequins, and the silver screen is not exactly that place.

Acting is secondary, but she still became one of the top actresses. Incredible Bollywood indeed.
Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor is an Indian actor and film producer who was born on September 28, 1982, in Mumbai. He is known for his work in Hindi cinema and has received seven Filmfare Awards. Kapoor co-founded a production house and is considered one of the industry's leading actors.

Indian people say this guy can play every character. He is so natural. Seriously, when he acts, it seems he's trying to act, trying to be natural, which shows. Well, that's obvious. How much can you expect from a celebrity kid?
Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu, also known by her married name Bipasha Basu Singh Grover, is an Indian film actress and model. She primarily appears in Hindi films, though she has also worked in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and English-language films. She is known for her roles in thrillers and horror films, including Raaz... read more

Kitty Softpaws, please stay out of acting. You have to "make faces" to be called an actor. You can opt for modeling where you can grit your teeth, and nobody complains.

She's just eye candy and self-absorbed. She's lucky she's hot. Otherwise, she wouldn't be in Bollywood with her mediocre acting.

In India, fashion models are so wrongly mixed up with movie actors. She is one example.
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh Bhavnani, born July 6, 1985, is an Indian actor who appears primarily in Hindi films. He made his film debut in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) and has since become one of Bollywood's leading actors. Singh has received numerous accolades, including five Filmfare Awards.

He really can't act! And please don't even try to be funny! And don't shave your face! Your mustache and beard are your makeup.

Firstly, he doesn't look like an actor. Secondly, he doesn't act like an actor. He is always wild. Thirdly, he cannot act.
Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor is a well-known Indian film actor who appears in Hindi-language films. He began his career with romantic roles but later earned acclaim for more complex characters in films such as Haider (2014) and Kabir Singh (2019). Kapoor has received numerous awards for his performances and continues... read more
Kareena Kapoor Khan

Her whole career was full of overacting. Lately, she has been able to remodel herself in some good films. But her earlier career... thanks to nepotism.
Vijay

Joseph Vijay, known mononymously as Vijay, is an Indian actor and playback singer who primarily works in Tamil cinema. His films are widely distributed and frequently dubbed into Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and even Chinese.... read more

Vijay is a fourth-class actor. Rajini and Kamal are better than him, in my opinion.
Vikram

Vikram, whose full name is Kennedy John Victor, is an Indian actor primarily known for his work in Tamil cinema. He has received multiple honors throughout his career, including six Filmfare Awards South, a National Film Award, and several Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.... read more

Highly overrated actor. All he can do is change his looks, undergo some body makeovers, and play over-the-top characters. He can't portray real-life emotions, and to cover that weakness, he avoids such films.
The worst thing is that for each of his films, unnecessary hype is created, which is irritating. To me, Vijay Sethupathi and Dhanush are so much more underrated actors in Tamil cinema.

One of the South Indian actors who should stop playing people with deformities (or shall we say differently-abled characters). That's not considered acting any more than 37-inch bell-bottom trousers as new-age fashion.
Kajol

She is so overrated by the Indian media. Bollywood has given her recognition she does not even deserve. She is an actress who never tended to play roles in offbeat or independent films.
Her contemporaries such as Juhi, Manisha, Karisma, and Raveena have taken risks and proved to be real actresses, but Kajol still does what she did when she was 20, playing lighthearted roles.

She has done big banner movies and is considered a great actress because of that. Other actresses would die to do a movie like DDLJ or KKHH, who are more talented than her, but they lack big banners.
Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit, also known by her married name Madhuri Dixit Nene, is an Indian actress best known for her work in Hindi cinema. She rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s with a series of successful films. Dixit is celebrated for her acting talent and dancing skills and has won several awards, including... read more

She is overrated as an actress.
However, she may be good in reality shows more than in movies. She is also good at dancing. But as far as acting is concerned, she is overrated. There are much better and more talented actresses than her.

She does not even know how to act. Always giving those fake, over-exaggerated expressions that annoy me. All she thinks about is dancing! Fed up with her and her repetitive dancing.

Dancing is not acting. Someone has to tell Madhuri. In every role, she wants to dance.
Pawan Kalyan
Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is an Indian actress, model, singer, film producer, and philanthropist. She gained international recognition after winning the Miss World 2000 pageant. Chopra has since built a successful career in both Bollywood and Hollywood.