BizAsia’s Top 5 Performances of 2012 (Male)
2012, it seems, has been more about the female-centric characters and films. If one looks back, it becomes hard to pinpoint even five actors whose performances and efforts have stood out. However, whilst it would be wrong to say that there weren’t any stand-out performances at all in the whole year, it would be equally unfair to say the five we have picked were in any way a consolation. Once again after much contemplation, BizAsia has put together the following list as our top five actors of the year.
Ranbir Kapoor – ‘Barfi!’
What does one say about the versatility of an actor, who in his previous film, played the character of a rockstar who is in search for some emotion and hurt… who then went on to play a deaf-mute character in ‘Barfi!’? Ranbir Kapoor is undoubtedly one of the most talented actors of this generation and in ‘Barfi!’ he very much gives off the same aura as his legendary grandfather, Raj Kapoor. One can’t help but fall for his charm, his expressive eyes and his ability to render a role which relied purely on expression and action. Not much can be said apart from ‘He does it again!’ – Wow us that is!
Aamir Khan – ‘Talaash’
The man with the Midas touch struck one more time with suspense thriller ‘Talaash’. Khan’s level of depth for the his role as a troubled police officer creates the kind of impression that stays with the audience. Whilst he stays away from stereotype, he manages to create layers to his character and act on them very well. It is his performance that carves the path of the film and he does this with immense authenticity despite having played a cop before.
Hrithik Roshan – ‘Agneepath’
Another actor who fits perfectly in the versatile tag is Hrithik Roshan for his performance in ‘Agneepath’. Playing the well-known character of Vijay, previously played by Amitabh Bachchan, Roshan shines in the kind of role he hadn’t yet played in his career. Filled with rage and also in need of showing a human touch, Roshan’s performance is commendable and resonates amongst an already powerful cast. Roshan holds his own and most definitely gives the current generation a fitting tribute to 1990’s ‘Agneepath’.
Salman Khan – ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ and ‘Dabangg 2’
Once again, without doubting acting ability, we feel Salman Khan deserves a place in our top five because of his star power. There is no ‘kaching’ at the box office quite like one which a Salman Khan movie gives. In 2012, there were two offerings by Khan, ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ opposite Katrina Kaif and ‘Dabangg 2’ opposite Sonakshi Sinha – both of which did tremendously at the box office. One thing’s for definite and that is that his name still works wonders for filmmakers and may this continue… all that we ask is that there is some substance in the movies themselves. Too much to ask?
Ayushmann Khurrana – ‘Vicky Donor’
Yes, you’re reading right. Khurrana not only made our best debuts list but also features on our top five actors list. We were so impressed with his first performance in ‘Vicky Donor’ that we believe he deserves to be on this list. Playing the potentially controversial role of a sperm donor, Khurrana ticks all the boxes as a perfect debut and then goes on to tick the boxes as a great actor; his effortless and funny performance draws the audience in as it feels as if he is playing himself.
We’d like to give an extra-special mention to Shah Rukh Khan’s performance in ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’. Although the film received mixed reviews, true Bollywood fans will mourn the loss of Yash Chopra and will know that the magic previously created by him and Khan will never grace the screens again. As Samar, Khan does look out of place in parts but, overall, he has to be commended for a role which many will always hold close to heart.
We hope that the top actors of 2012 go on to bigger and better in 2013 and also give audiences a chance to see them in roles that challenge them and, once again, make the audiences sit up and take notice.
