Hansal Mehta curates IMDb lists celebrating India’s finest actors: Rajkummar Rao, Pratik Gandhi and Manoj Bajpayee shine

Hansal Mehta honours cinematic legends in curated IMDb lists

Renowned director Hansal Mehta, who is praised for his compelling narratives in Shahid, Aligarh, and Scam 1992, has created two exclusive IMDb lists that highlight his favourite male and female actors. This is a tribute to the stars who have influenced his style.

Reflecting on his choices for the male actors list, Mehta says, “A personal curation of India’s most unforgettable male performers—artists who leave behind echoes long after the final fade out.”

This carefully selected roster includes a mix of legendary figures and contemporary talents who have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, many of whom have collaborated with Mehta on various projects.

Rajkummar Rao, Pratik Gandhi, and Manoj Bajpayee are among the 34 names mentioned; they all have a strong on-screen bond with the director. Mehta's varied taste in male talent is further demonstrated by the notable names of Aamir Khan, Adarsh Gourav, Amitabh Bachchan, Amol Palekar, Anant Nag, Balraj Sahni, Dilip Kumar, Fahadh Faasil, and Gagandev Riar.

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For the female actors, Mehta writes, “Icons, rebels, muses—these women have often defined and redefined the Indian cinema experience for me. A list written in admiration, and sometimes, awe.” His selections here reflect a balance between timeless legends and modern stars who continue to shape the landscape of Indian cinema. Mehta’s top 10 female actors include Alia Bhatt, Amruta Subhash, Deepika Padukone, Dimple Kapadia, Kareena Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Madhuri Dixit, Manju Warrier, Nargis, and Nimisha Sajayan—each of whom has left an unforgettable mark on the film industry.

Hansal Mehta's admiration for actors who take daring artistic risks and his deep respect for strong, nuanced performances are evident in both lists. These choices, which combine the traditional and the contemporary in a celebration of the art form, bear witness to the artists' ongoing impact on the development of Indian cinema over time.