The Men who made heroes: Bollywood's forgotten villains of the golden era

Impeccably dressed in suits and rarely raising his voice, K. N. Singh was a thinking man’s villain. His restrained yet dangerous presence made him perfect for the cunning antagonist roles in the '40s and '50s.

Remember “Mona darling”? Ajit was the ultimate suave baddie with his clipped dialogue delivery, tailored suits, and underworld flair. His unique style of speaking became iconic, and he was often the mastermind behind elaborate villainous schemes.

Once known as “The Most Hated Man in India”, Pran redefined villainy with suaveness and style. From Zanjeer to Kashmir Ki Kali, he brought both menace and mystery to every role. His slick side-parted hair, that iconic pipe, and a cold stare could steal a scene from any lead actor. Ironically, in later years, he played loveable elder roles—proving his range.

From smugglers and traitors to scheming uncles, Madan Puri’s filmography was massive. While often overshadowed by his younger brother, Amrish Puri, Madan was a stalwart in his own right. His adaptability to different shades of evil made him a regular in nearly every second film of the '60s and '70s.

Often cast as a treacherous priest, slimy politician, or corrupt royal, Jeevan had a signature evil grin. He mastered the art of playing morally corrupt yet utterly captivating characters, especially in mythological and fantasy films.

Though not forgotten, Amjad Khan’s legacy as Gabbar Singh in Sholay often overshadows the depth of his theatre background and the other chilling performances he delivered. Films like Dilwale, Lawaaris, and Yaarana showed his ability to shift from menacing to comic, often in the same scene.

His iconic line “Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra” still sends chills and chuckles alike. He had a knack for portraying evil in a disturbingly casual way. Whether playing a scheming brother-in-law or a lecherous businessman, Prem Chopra’s villainy had a theatrical flamboyance that audiences loved to hate.