We’ve seen them work hard on their films when they take their place behind the camera. A simple script turns into a glorious reality with their vision. But often, our directors make appearances on screen in some blink-and-miss moments. Sometimes hilarious and other times a peasant surprise, here are the cute cameos are directors have made on screen.
Karan Johar
Cameos in: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kal Ho Na Ho, Luck By Chance, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Shamitabh
One of the most celebrated directors in the industry, Karan Johar is no stranger to facing the camera, especially after his recent role in Bombay Velvet. But his acting journey really began with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge where he played Shah Rukh Khan’s geeky college friend. He has also been seen on screen in quick appearances in Kal Ho Na Ho, where he was seen lunching with Farah Khan during the restaurant revamp scene, as well as the climax sequence of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna as a passenger on the train Shah Rukh is catching. Add to that, he played himself in Luck By Chance in a scene with Hrithik Roshan.
Nikhil Advani
Cameo in: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Before becoming a hip and happening rom-com director, Nikhil Advani was first seen in Karan Johar’s debut film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, when he was an assistant. He played a crowd member in the scenes with Neelam on the Neelam Show, proclaiming Farah Khan as his new girlfriend.
Farah Khan
Cameos in: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho, Poshter Boyz
An award-winning choreographer when she made her cameos, a young Farah Khan was seen in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai as Nikhil Advani’s girlfriend and then soon after in Kal Ho Na Ho as Karan Johar’s lunch companion in the restaurant scene and more recently, she also played herself in Poshter Boyz. Since then, we’ve also seen her make fun appearances in the end credits of her films, which are always done in a unique and adorable manner.
Punit Malhotra
Cameo in: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Before becoming a director with I Hate Luv Storys, Punit Malhotra assisted Karan Johar and even played the role of the bowler in the cricket match that marks the beginning of the film and Hrithik Roshan’s introduction.
Shakun Batra
Cameo in: Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na
The fun filmmaker, who directed Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, is currently busy with Kapoor and Sons. But we first met Shakun when he played a geeky sidekick Nilesh in Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na and even jammed out on the guitar for the song Pappu Can’t Dance Saala. How cute!
Siddharth Anand
Cameo in: Salaam Namaste
In a film that broke a lot of conventions, Siddharth Anand made an appearance in his film Salaam Namaste as the Punjabi taxi driver to Preity Zinta, during the climax sequence. A special mention to the sporting director, for taking the mickey out of himself even in the outtakes.
Anurag Kashyap
Cameos in: Luck By Chance, Happy New Year
One of the edgiest filmmakers in town, Anurag Kashyap brought out his intense side when he played an idealistic writer in Luck By Chance. But the director’s funny bone jutted out in Happy New Year, when he played the reality show judge and got rather intimate with Vishal Dadlani!
Rohit Shetty
Cameos in: Poshter Boyz, Shamitabh
Playing himself in Poshter Boyz at Shreyas Talpade’s behest, hit machine Rohit Shetty is no stranger to cameos. He also played himself in a sequence for Shamitabh earlier this year.
Ayan Mukerji
Cameos in: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Most people take more than one watch to notice Wake Up Sid director Ayan Mukerji’s appearances in front of the camera. In Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Ayan is seen as part of the colour-coordinated song Tum hi dekho na in the green sequence. He even played one of the wedding party guests in his own film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, sitting next to Ranbir Kapoor who is singing Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai. Sweet!
Madhur Bhandarkar
Cameo in: Fashion
The only time one saw Madhur Bhandarkar facing the camera in a film, it was in his own directorial venture Fashion. Seen at a fashion show party, he was shown doing research for his own film, much to the curiosity of the models on screen.
Kiran Rao
Cameo in: Dil Chahta Hai
The shy and reticent Kiran Rao made a split second appearance in Dil Chahta Hai, in the scene where Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna entered the hotel in Goa and Kiran is one of the people leaving the scene.
Prakash Jha
Cameo in: Satyagraha
His acting stint in Jai Gangaajal will not be the first time Prakash Jha will be playing a role on screen. In what was an unplanned cameo, Prakash Jha is seen as a common man in a scene with Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ajay Devgn, just when the revolution in the film begins.
Yash Chopra and Yash Johar
Cameo in: Dil To Pagal Hai
In what is one of the cutest on screen cameos, Yash Johar and Yash Chopra took the screens with their respective spouses Hiroo Johar and Pamela Chopra in Dil To Pagal Hai. In the specially designed song sequence, Ek duje ke vaaste, which makes for the opening credits of the film, the two veteran directors were seen with their wives in playful moments. Awww!
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Cameos in: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Shamitabh
As a surprise addition to the highly acclaimed film, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra made a special and rather dapper appearance in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag in a comical scene where Milkha Singh boards a flight for the first time. He was also seen playing himself in Shamitabh.
Rajkumar Hirani
Cameos in: Luck By Chance, Shamitabh
Playing himself, Rajkumar Hirani was seen in a sequence with Aamir Khan for Luck By Chance, where he directs a period drama scene and in Shamitabh where he is spotted by Dhanush on a film set.
Subhash Ghai
Almost all Subhash Ghai movies are incomplete without a cameo from the director. From Karma to Taal and Yaadein, he makes sure to make his presence felt on screen as well.