Ajay Devgn To Farhan Akhtar: Bollywood Actors Who Nailed Sikh Characters

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a day ago

The 'Punjabisation' of Bollywood has become a trend, and the actors are stepping into the 'Singh' identity, donning the turban.
In an industry where typecasting is a safe haven for many, only a few Bollywood stars risk embracing characters that truly challenge them. Among these daring portrayals, Sikh characters have seen a notable rise in the Bollywood industry over the years. The 'Punjabisation' of Bollywood has become a trend, and the actors are stepping into the 'Singh' identity, donning the turban.
Blending humour, heroism, tradition and emotional depth, the actors have really stood out for their performances and have left a strong imprint on the audiences.
Ajay Devgn (Son Of Sardaar)
Ajay Devgn's portrayal of Jassi in Son of Sardaar was an entertaining ride filled with quirky one-liners and slapstick humour. His innocent charm and the iconic line 'Paaji, kadhi hass vi liya karo" left fans in splits. With Son of Sardaar 2 set to release on July 25, Devgn returns to the role to bring the same madness back.
Akshay Kumar (Singh Is Kinng)
No list is complete without Akshay Kumar's iconic character Happy Singh. In Singh Is Kinng, the actor mixed humour with heart and heroism, crafting a character who was goofy yet endearing. His innocence and relentless pursuit to do good made Happy Singh one of his most beloved roles to date.
Saif Ali Khan (Love Aaj Kal)
Remember Saif Ali Khan's character in Love Aaj Kal? He played the role of Veer Singh, which captured the essence of old-school romance. His turban-clad look, graceful screen presence and emotional depth made audiences fall in love with his timeless portrayal of love across generations. With this character, the Nawab proved that grace and versatility come naturally to him.
Farhan Akhtar (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag)
Farhan Akhtar stunned critics and fans alike with his transformation into Milkha Singh, the legendary Flying Sikh. Through intense physical training and a deeply moving performance, Akhtar honoured the athlete's legacy with one of the most powerful biographical performances in recent memory. The story won millions of hearts, accolades and awards.
Ranbir Kapoor (Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year)
Next on the list is Ranbir Kapoor, who seamlessly slipped into the shoes of Harpreet Singh Bedi. The film showed how the honest, underdog salesman navigates the corporate world. His portrayal of a Sikh character trying to do the right thing in a corrupt environment won him the title of the Sardar next door.
Aamir Khan (Laal Singh Chaddha)
Perfectionist Aamir Khan brought his signature perfectionism to Laal Singh Chaddha, embodying innocence and simplicity. With his turban and long beard, he paid homage to the original Forrest Gump, once again proving why he is one of India's finest actors.
Jackie Shroff (Sardar Saab)
Only a few might know that Jackie Shroff has also portrayed a sardaar on screen. In a lesser-known but impactful role, the actor starred as a Sikh father in Sardar Saab. With strong support from Daljeet Kalsi and Guggu Gill, the film showcased the strength of a Sardaar who stands tall for the poor.
Diljit Dosanjh (Sardaar Ji)
Punjabi sensation Diljit Dosanjh brought fresh energy to the Sikh character in Bollywood with his hilarious yet heartwarming role in Sardaar Ji. Playing a ghost hunter with a strict code of respect, Diljit made it clear—turbans, ghosts and laughs can go hand in hand. Co-starring Neeru Bajwa, fans get to see supernatural misadventures from their favourite ghost-busting Sikh in this film.
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First Published:
July 12, 2025, 11:11 IST
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