Almost everyone wants to see themselves on celluloid. Some walk the extra mile and fulfil their dreams, while others fail to muster up enough courage to realize their dreams. If you are a Hindi film enthusiast, you must have heard about actors who turned directors and called the shots for films. But do you know that there is also a long list of directors who could not keep themselves away from the charm of acting and ended up starring in films? Today, we have rounded up some top Bollywood directors who turned actors and acted in more than one film. Have a look!
Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar is perhaps the most successful director-actor duo in the Hindi film industry. He began his directorial career with the cult film, Dil Chahta Hai. After Dil Chahta Hai, he helmed movies like Lakshya and Don. It was in 2008 when Akhtar decided to listen to the actor within and made his acting debut with Rock On!! The film was a success at the box office with Farhan receiving praises for his sterling performance from all corners. Since then, he has starred in many successful films Luck By Chance, Zindagi Milegi Nahi Dobara, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, etc.
Anurag Kashyap
Anurag Kashyap is one of the most unconventional filmmakers of Bollywood. After directing a host of dark and gritty films like Black Friday, Dev D, Gulaal, and Gangs Of Wasseypur among others, when he decided to try his hands at acting, he chose roles which were similar to various characters in his own films – shady and full of flaws. Kashyap has acted in films like Soundtrack, Shagird, I am and Akira. Critics highly praised his negative performance in Akira, which also starred Sonakshi Sinha.
Karan Johar
The helmer of blockbuster films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, My Name Is Khan and Student Of The Year played a full-fledged grey character in Anurag Kashyap’s ambitious film, Bombay Velvet. Everyone was quite excited about his full-fledged debut after a brief appearance in friend Aditya Chopra’s first directorial, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. However, Bombay Velvet tanked at the box office without a trace, despite Karan receiving positive reviews for his performance. KJo put up his next appearance in his own production, Shaandaar.
Tigmanshu Dhulia
The list of Bollywood directors who turned actors cannot be completed without including immensely talented filmmaker-actor Tigmanshu Dhulia. The director of commercially and critically successful films like Haasil, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster and Paan Singh Tomar has displayed his acting chops in a number of films including Hero, Gangs Of Wasseypur, and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster. He will be seen next as Shah Rukh Khan’s father in Aanand L Rai’s upcoming dwarf film.
Sudhir Mishra
The director of films like Chameli, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Inkaar surprised everyone with his brilliant performance in Madhur Bhandarkar’s popular film Traffic Signal. Mishra played a villainous character in the film and was praised for his performance. After Traffic Signal, he was seen in Raat Gayi Baat Gayi.
Mahesh Manjrekar
Mahesh Manjrekar has done brilliant work as a director in innumerable films like Vaastav, Astitva, Kurukshetra, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai and Hathyar. But besides being an amazing filmmaker, he is an effortless performer also. Manjrekar has impressed the audience with his acting chops in films like Kaante, Plan, Run, Zinda, Slumdog Millionaire, Wanted, Dabangg, Ready and Bodyguard, to name just a few.
Farah Khan
The multi-talented woman has done it all – from choreographing to film direction and hosting to acting. After making top stars of Bollywood dance to her steps, the immensely talented lady made her directorial debut with the Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer, Om Shanti Om. The film was a blockbuster at the ticket window and launched her career as a filmmaker. She then made her full-fledged acting debut with the film Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi opposite Boman Irani. The movie received a favourable response from the audience and critics, too. Since then, she has made brief appearances in films like Student Of The Year and Happy New Year.
Nagesh Kukunoor
Nagesh Kukunoor, who proved his mettle as a filmmaker with award-winning films like Rockford, Iqbal, Dor, Lakshmi and Dhanak, has been an actor since his very first directorial, Hyderabad Blues. He has also appeared in films like Bollywood Calling, 3 Deewarein, Dor Iqbal and Aashayein, to name just a few.
Amol Gupte
Amol Gupte is good at both crafts – direction as well as acting. As a director, he has to his credit beautiful films like Stanley Ka Dabba, Hawa Hawai and Sniff while, as an actor, he has been parts of some amazing films like Kaminey, Stanley Ka Dabba, Singham Returns and Phas Gaye Re Obama. His outstanding performances in Kaminey and Stanley Ka Dabba were highly praised by critics.
Nishikant Kamat
The director of films like Mumbai Meri Jaan, Force, Drishyam and Madaari has played pivotal roles in films like Rocky Handsome and Daddy. He was last seen in the film Julie 2. Nishikant first faced the camera in 2004 when he played a small role in the movie Hawa Aney De.
Romesh Ranganathan makes his first West End appearance in Woman in Mind alongside Sheridan Smith Getty Images 
Romesh portrays Bill the doctor linking Susan’s real and imagined worlds on stage Getty Images
