Top 10 Most Bollywood Actors Turned Directors

Bollywood celebrities have been captivating us with their acting talent and dance moves for a long time. Even though they have the highest paying job, several actors have expressed interest in directing and have even taken on the role. There have also been actors who had poor careers before becoming successful directors. Today, we look at some of the best actors turned directors of Bollywood.

1. Ajay Devgn

Ajay Devgn has been one of the most successful actors in Bollywood. However, he has also sat in the director’s chair for three of his movies. He made his directorial debut with 2008’s U Me Aur Hum, where he starred opposite Kajol. He then went on to direct 2016’s Shivaay, in which he also featured. His latest directorial venture, Runway 34, was released in 2022 and received praise for his direction.

2. Rajat Kapoor

A talented actor from the start, Rajat Kapoor has always charmed audiences with his performances. He then assumed the role of director for many of his films. His directorial ventures include Mithya, Fatso!, Ankhon Dekhi, and Kadakh, among others. His latest directorial venture RK/RKay, released in 2021, saw him in a double role. Rajat has also served as the writer for all of his films.

3. Nandita Das

Debuting with Fire in 1996, Nandita Das instantly made every audience member her fan. She has acted in acclaimed Hindi films Fire, Earth, and, Bawandar, along with many acclaimed films in other languages. In 2008, she made her directorial debut with Firaaq, which received critical acclaim upon release. She then directed 2018’s Manto. Her next venture, Zwigato, starring Kapil Sharma, is yet to release.

4. Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan has given many excellent performances in great movies over the years. Some of his films remain the highest-grossing films of all time. Aamir took it upon himself to direct 2007’s Taare Zameen Par. Taare Zameen Par garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences and won many accolades. Aamir won the Filmfare Award for Best Director, and the film won the National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare, among others.

5. Pooja Bhatt

Pooja Bhatt got her start at the hands of her father, Mahesh Bhatt in 1989’s Daddy. After that, she starred in hits like Sadak, Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, Zakhm, and Border. But her popularity faded away, and she decided to become a director. Her directorial debut was the 2003 movie, Paap. She has since directed films like Holiday, Dhokha, Kajraare, and Jism 2.

6. Rakesh Roshan

Rakesh Roshan tried his luck acting and performed in some acclaimed films like Khubsoorat, Khatta Meetha, and Ananda Ashram, among others. He then decided to become a director and debuted with 1987’s Khudgarz. He has since directed acclaimed films like Khoon Bhari Maang, Karan Arjun, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Koi Mil Gaya, and Krrish, among others. We can agree he is doing much better as a director than as an actor.

7. Abhishek Kapoor

Abhishek Kapoor started in Bollywood as an actor. He debuted with 1995’s Aashique Mastasne. He then acted in Uff! Yeh Mohabbat and Shikaar. His films received negative reviews and were unsuccessful at the box office. He made his directorial debut with 2006’s Aryan, a critical and commercial failure. Since then, he has directed films like Rock On, Kai Po Che, Kedarnath, and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui.

8. Ashutosh Gowariker

Ashutosh Gowariker made his Bollywood debut as an actor. He acted in films like 1984’s Holi, Naam, Chamatkar, and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa. After a failed acting career, he became a director. His debut Pehla Nasha received underwhelming reviews. But he has since directed acclaimed movies like Lagaan, Swades, and Jodhaa Akbar, among others.

9. Subhash Ghai

The legendary Bollywood director started as an actor. He acted in movies such as 1967’s Taqdeer, 1969’s Aradhana, and 1970’s Umang. He then made his directorial debut with 1976’s Kalicharan. Subhash Ghai remains one of the most notable directors in Bollywood today. Some of his best films are Vishwanath, Karz, Hero, Ram Lakhan, Khal Nayak, Pardes, and Taal, among others.

10. Naseeruddin Shah

Naseeruddin Shah is one of the finest actors in the country. His acting skills speak for themselves, and he has been giving excellent performances since the start. He has also directed one film, 2006’s Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota. Revolving around the passengers in a US-bound flight that gets highjacked, Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota received mixed reviews. Sadly, it remains his only film as a director.