9 Roles That Prove Nobody's Funnier and Scarier Than Paresh Rawal

Whenever we talk about great actors, we somehow skip Paresh Rawal's name. 

The veteran actor, who turns 65 today, has had an incredible career, during which he has won audiences' love and acclaim from critics. He has been awarded Padam Shri and a National Award, among a long list of prizes.

And yet, we refuse to acknowledge him in the elite list of actors. Whatever might be the reason for this, it's madness. Anyone who gives his filmography a glance, will soon realize his versatility and sheer talent.

What's most unique about him is his ability to be full-on villainous and scary in one film to incredibly hilarious in other.

Here's proof that he can scare us and make us laugh like no one else:

Made us laugh: Chachi 420 (1997)

Even though what we remember the most about this movie is Kamal Hasan's changing avatars, Paresh Rawal's hilarious supporting role of Hari can't be forgotten either. His ability to be suspicious and be totally clueless at the same time was a joy to behold and became somewhat of a trademark for the actor after that.

Scared us: Woh Chokkri (1994)

For his role as the power-hungry politician, Paresh Rawal won the National Award. He also was seriously terrifying as a person who abandons his family in his ruthless pursuit of authority. 

Made us laugh: Hera Pheri (2000)

Baburao Ganpatrao Apte a.k.a. Babu bhaiya a.k.a one of the funniest characters we have ever seen. His role as the confused and bizarre landlord of Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty's characters never fails to tickle, no matter how many times watch the film.

Scared us: No Smoking (2007)

Though this Anurag Kashyap film disappointed audiences and critics alike but Paresh Rawal grabbed your attention whenever he was on screen. His role was really fascinating and mysterious – and not to forget, terrifying. 

Made us laugh: Andaz Apna Apna (1994)

Considered to be one of the best comedies of that time, Paresh Rawal's double role as Ram Bajaj/Shyam Bajaj is one of his funniest. Although the film paired Aamir Khan opposite Salman Khan, his one-liners like Teja main hoon, mark idhar hai  made the film the modern-classic it is.

Scared us: Table No. 21 (2013)

Like No Smoking, this is also a psychological thriller where Paresh Rawal plays a mysterious type of character. With his weird haircut, Paresh's character turns the life of a young couple upside down in this messed up movie.

Made us laugh: OMG (Oh My God) (2012)

In this film about false stereotypes going in the name of God, Paresh Rawal plays the role of an atheist who sells Hindu idols in his shop. The result is a very entertaining and informative film, where his nuanced humour shines the brightest. 

Scared Us: Daud (1997)

Daud came in an era when Ram Gopal Varma was in peak form. RGV, who is known to brilliantly represent crime on screen, gave Paresh Rawal a chance. His role as the diabolical gangster Pinky, Paresh Rawal was amazing and terrifying.

Made us laugh: Aawara Paagal Deewana (2002)

Directed by Vikram Bhatt, the film was a remake of the hollywood film The Whole Nine Yards. For his hilarious turn as Manilal Patel, Paresh Rawal won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in Comic Role.