On the 129th birth anniversary of the iconic actor, composer and filmmaker, we look at memorable comic acts by popular names here
Charlie Chaplin is celebrated the world over for his excellent comic timing and expressions that brought a smile to people’s faces. He has earned the love and respect of audiences from across the globe, thanks to his impressive work in the silent film genre. When it comes to mimes and expressions, no other artiste has been able to scale the heights that Chaplin did. And while fans celebrate his 129th birth anniversary, Bollywood, too, has time and again paid tribute to the talented icon over the ages. Here’s taking a look at some of those memorable acts.
OUR OWN CHAPLIN
A still from Shree 420
They say imitation is the best form of flattery. Raj Kapoor echoed that sentiment with a brilliant act that earned him the tag of the Charlie Chaplin of Indian cinema. His vulnerable act and innocence in Shree 420 (1955) had a desi twist, which delicately balanced both Chaplin’s talent for hiding pain behind a smile and yet managing to get people to laugh out loud. He struck an emotional chord with the audiences in a career span that saw him don the Chaplin avatar in different films including Mera Naam Joker (1970).
TWO CHAPLINS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE
Sridevi was known for her versatility and effervescent avatar. She managed to bring that to her character in her Chaplin act for Mr India (1987). She along with a child actor gave us one of the most memorable scenes that showcases her comic talent and timing, and is a wonderful tribute to Chaplin that’s earned its place in Bollywood lore.
THE JAILOR WHO MADE US LAUGH
Asrani in a still from Sholay
Asrani’s jailor character in Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay is memorable as he stepped out from the straight-jacketed stern demeanour to wear the robes of a comic version of Adolf Hitler. It was his take of Chaplin’s interpretation of Germany’s “Führer” in the Great Dictator (1940) immortalising the dialogue, “Hum angrezon ke zamaane ke jailor hain! Ha haa...” in pop culture for eternity.
RANBIR AS CHAPLIN
Like grandfather Raj Kapoor, Ranbir, too, pulled off his impression of Charlie Chaplin in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009), and walked away with applause from the audiences who praised his flawless comic timing. For his role in Barfi!, Ranbir admitted to drawing inspiration for his character from Chaplin, while director Anurag Basu also went on record to share that the film was a tribute to the iconic actor.
DID YOU KNOW?
Akshay Kumar carries a picture of Chaplin in his wallet...
Akshay Kumar has proved his mettle as an actor and a comic talent in a number of films, including Hera Pheri, and draws inspiration from Chaplin. He has even talked about carrying a picture of Chaplin in his wallet and drawing inspiration from his words, ‘Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.’ Akshay believes that comedy is a necessary trait that every actor requires to excel at to be successful.
){kind=small}
){kind=spacer}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Charlie Chaplin")
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}