Updated on: 16 April, 2025 04:30 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Akshay Kumar is one of the finest actors of Indian cinema, and over the years, he has portrayed characters that have stayed timeless. As he gears up to play yet another significant role in Kesari Chapter 2, heres a look at some of his iconic characters in films that became massive blockbusters.

1. Raju in Hera Pheri (2000)
Akshay played the comical Raju in this classic comedy, making his mark with impeccable timing and memorable catchphrases. The character became an iconic part of Bollywood's comedy genre, leading to sequels where his performance continued to be celebrated.
2. Vikram Rathore in Rowdy Rathore (2012)
In this action-packed film, Akshay portrayed a fearless police officer, Vikram Rathore. His character of the tough yet charming cop who battles criminals became a massive hit, showcasing his action skills and mass appeal.
3. Dr. Aditya Srivastava in Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Akshay’s role as the quirky psychiatrist, Dr. Aditya Srivastava, in this psychological thriller-comedy was both entertaining and eerie. His performance balanced humour with suspense, making the character one of his most memorable.
4. Rajiv Bhatia in Airlift (2016)
Playing a Kuwait-based Indian businessman during the Gulf War, Akshay’s role as Rajiv Bhatia was a blend of heroism and humanity. The film was inspired by real events, and his performance was lauded for its realism and depth.
5. Jagdishwar Mishra in Jolly LLB 2 (2017)
As Jagdishwar "Jolly" Mishra, a small-time lawyer in this courtroom drama, Akshay delivered a compelling performance. The character's journey from a carefree lawyer to a fighter for justice was both inspiring and entertaining.
6. Lakshmikant Chauhan in Pad Man (2018)
Akshay Kumar portrayed the man who broke the societal taboos in yet another film that was inspired by a real-life superhero. He is on a mission to create affordable sanitary pads after seeing his wife using an unhygienic cloth during her menstrual cycle.

7. C. Sankaran Nair in Kesari 2 (2025)
The actor will be seen portraying the role of C. Sankaran Nair, the lawyer whose case shook the British Empire. His upcoming film, Kesari Chapter 2, is a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster, Kesari.
The movie also stars R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday in crucial roles. Kesari 2 will release on April 18 in cinemas near you.