Sep 21 2016

The many shades of Gulshan Grover — Birthday special

by   Mayur Lookhar

He isn't in the league of Prem Chopra, Ranjeet or Pran, but Gulshan Grover still ranks amongst the most notable villains in Hindi film industry. Gifted with a face that can be tweaked to sport many looks, Grover stood out among his contemporaries for his various get-ups, that went from sublime to downright ridiculous. Nevertheless, the audience cheered Grover in his many avatars. As the actor turns a year older today (21 September), we revisit some of the menacing, and some funny characters he has played.

1 Kesariya Vilayati — Ram Lakhan (1989)

This is a film where the 'bad man' came to life. Two simple words, but they became a sobriquet for Gulshan Grover. The two words also justified why Grover was named Kesariya Vilayati.  His looks were more reminiscent of a dacoit from Chambal, but then again the world had moved from the days of the rustic Gabbar Singh.

2 Chappan Tikli — Sir (1993)

His character wasn't as mencing as the 66 dots on his face. Jimmy was the name, but the 66 dots on his face earned him the infamous title of Chappan Tikli.

3 Madho Singh Rathod — Sooper Se Ooper (2013)

Gulshan Grover was seen in a never-seen-before avatar playing a painter, one that appeared to be spoofing late painter MF Husain. While he did have Husain's beard and hair, the attire or the lack of it, was anything but Husain. Fair to say, Grover painted a dirty, but a funny picture in Sooper Se Ooper.

4 Shakti B Singh – Vijaypath (1993)

No, this image is not morphed, and Gulshan Grover amused the audience with his long-short bob cut and beret cap. We can only assume Shakti B Singh was chanelling his inner feminist in Vijaypath.

5 Tyson — Mohra (1994)

The 90s was a period when absurd character names were matched with funnier looks. Gulshan Grover was asked to play Tyson, (not Mike) sporting silver blonde hair but having a tanned look. Back then no one complained about the film nor of Grover's looks. We wonder if Grover looks at Tyson now and wonders 'what was I thinking?'

6 Tapasvi Gunjal — Vishwatma (1992)

Another commercial film, where Gulshan Grover was seen indulging in child-like mischief. At least the funky hairdo, long jacket lined with pom-poms amused the ladies in Vishwatma.

7 Baliram — Saudagar (1991)

Baliram was an irritating, yet unavoidable henchman for Chuniya (Amrish Puri). A true blue ruffian with a receding hairline, sassy shirt, tie and jacket. So what if he was a villain? Baliram liked a good fashion statement.