Sabitri Chatterjee was a widely acclaimed star amongst her colleagues. Her on-screen aura definitely worked Sabitri’s magic over the masses. The actress has been a part of some of Bengali cinema’s most loved comedies which include Bhranti Bilas, Dhanni Meye and Mouchak. Her expressions are priceless. None of her contemporaries managed to be as good and as consistent in essaying comic roles. There was an impishness about her, a naughty twinkle in her eyes that came shining through in different characters. (Which Indian actress, past or present, is good at comedy?... April 23)

Nili Ghosh

I think Juhi Chawla is an actress who has nailed comic timing with perfection again and again. I find it hard to name all the comedy movies she’s done as she has done so much in that genre. Movies like Eena Meena Deeka, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Ishq, Duplicate, Yes Boss, Mr and Mrs Khiladi, Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya and many more have won the top spot for Juhi for being that actress who stands right above the others in the comedy game.

Dayita Chakraborty

Tabu, with her effortless charm and impeccable comic timing, stands as a beacon of brilliance in Indian cinema’s comedy genre. Renowned for her versatility, she seamlessly transitions from intense roles to comedic characters with finesse. In Bollywood, Tabu has left an indelible mark with her stellar performances in comedic films, captivating audiences with her wit and charisma. One notable example is her role in Hera Pheri, in which she brought life to the character of Anuradha, showcasing her flair for comedic nuances alongside stalwarts like Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar. Another memorable portrayal is in Chachi 420, where she portrayed the witty and spirited Janki, leaving audiences in splits with her antics. The light-hearted entertaining movies like Biwi No. 1 or Crew glitters more with the amusing performance of this beautiful actress.

Tabu’s acting prowess is unparalleled as she infuses each role with depth and authenticity, elevating her humour to new heights. Her success as a comedian at the box office is a testament to her unmatched talent and appeal, as audiences flock to theatres to witness her comedic genius unfold on the silver screen. With her unique blend of charm, talent and versatility, Tabu continues to reign supreme as one of Indian cinema’s most beloved and accomplished actresses, especially in the realm of comedy.

Sarbani Banerjee

According to me, Hema Malini, Karisma Kapoor and Kriti Sanon stand out as the leading ladies who have excelled at the much-loved comedy genre in their signature styles. From causing double trouble in Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) to winning hearts as the feisty, talkative Basanti in Sholay (1975), our ‘dream girl’ Hema Malini has left an indelible imprint of her versatility with her amusing yet impactful characters, projecting her as an inspiration for generations.

For every ’90s kid, the iconic pairing of Karishma Kapoor and Govinda not only delivered back-to-back blockbuster hits but also ensured endless bouts of laughter. Karisma’s comic turns never failed to tickle our funny bones, proving her knack for comic roles. Films like Judwaa, Hero No.1, Andaz Apna Apna and Biwi No.1 are cherished as some of her finest works in her scintillating comedy filmography.

Last but not least, Kriti Sanon has impressively made way her into this star-studded list with her critically acclaimed comedies. Be it in Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) or Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), her consistency in delivering stellar performances has propelled her career to great heights of success. As a self-nurtured poet, she possesses a brilliant understanding of human emotions, particularly that of lighthearted fun, enabling her to portray her characters well. Within a decade of her debut, she has unleashed her true potential garnering widespread appreciation and popularity.

Aayman Anwar Ali

The Indian actress, who is excellent at comedy, is none other than the versatile Sabitri Chatterjee. Her stupendous performance in films like Shashi Babur Sansar, Mantramugdha, Bhranti Bilas, Dhanni Meye and Mouchak can never be forgotten by film lovers.

Kajal Chatterjee

Juhi Chawla, the actress with an endearing smile, nailed comic timing to perfection in numerous hit films in the 1990s. Known for her bubbly and lively persona, she effortlessly portrayed characters that were full of innocence, playfulness, and humour. Whether it was in movies like Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke or Yes Boss, she never failed to make the audience laugh out loud. Even in advertisements, she captivated viewers with her wit and humour, making lines like “Tedha hai per mera hai” unforgettable. Juhi Chawla remains a beloved actress in the hearts of her fans for her effortless ability to bring joy and laughter to them.

Sohini Raychaudhuri

Disha Vakani is an Indian actress who is very good at comedy. Disha used to portray the much-loved character of Daya Gada, who is popularly known as Dayaben to all, in Sony SAB’s immensely popular comedy show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, of which I have been a huge fan since it has been on air from 2008. I strongly believe that Disha is one of the finest comic actresses of the Indian small screen. The actress has been on a break from the show since 2017. Like all other fans of the show, I too have been impatiently waiting to see her again in the role of Daya bhabhi. I hope that she will make her comeback to the show very soon.

Sourish Misra