Even though the year 2022 was marked mostly by forgettable outings by Bollywood stars, it offered some of the most memorable cameos that have stayed with us as we gear up to welcome 2023. Here, we take a look at 10 such power-packed guest appearances by Bollywood biggies.

Shah Rukh Khan in Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva

In a much-talked-about extended cameo in Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva, Shah Rukh played Dr Mohan Bhargav, a space scientist who is tasked with guarding the Vanarastra. The fantasy drama opens with a sequence where two henchmen — Zor and Raftaar — raid Mohan’s residence in search of the weapon. What follows is a high-octane action sequence, loaded with witty one-liners from Shah Rukh.

Ajay Devgn in Gangubai Kathiawadi

Ajay Devgn had an extended guest appearance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi, headlined by Alia Bhatt. The Drishyam actor plays don Rahim Lala, Gangubai’s sworn brother, in this biopic of the mafia queen of Mumbai. Rahim Lala was Gangubai’s support system, saviour and guide, and Ajay adds the much-needed gravitas to the role.

Rajkummar Rao and Aparshakti Khurana in Bhediya

Rajkummar Rao and Aparshakti Khurana reprised their roles from Stree — Vicky and Bittu, respectively — in Amar Kaushik’s Bhediya, teasing the possibility of a sequel to the 2018 horror comedy. In a post-credit scene in the Varun Dhawan-Kriti Sanon-starrer creature comedy, Vicky and Bittu locate their friend Jaana (Abhishek Banerjee) in Ziro but get attacked by the werewolf (Varun).

Shah Rukh Khan in Rocketry: The Nambi Effect

Shah Rukh Khan played himself in R. Madhavan’s directorial debut Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. This biopic of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan was Shah Rukh’s first big screen outing after a gap of four years. He is seen as the anchor of a television chat show, where he interviews Nambi, played by Madhavan.

Amitabh Bachchan in Chup: Revenge of the Artist

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan played himself in a delightful cameo performance in R. Balki’s Chup: Revenge of the Artist, starring Dulquer Salmaan. Bachchan is seen promoting his film in a sequence where he talks about the importance of film critics for the movie-making industry.

Anushka Sharma in Qala

Anushka Sharma made a brief appearance in Anvita Dutt’s Netflix film Qala. Anushka played a yesteryear heroine who lip-syncs to the song Ghode Pe Sawar, sung by the film’s protagonist Qala, played by Triptii Dimri. Qala has been produced by Clean Slate Filmz, a production company Anushka founded with her brother but later stepped away from.

Akshay Kumar in An Action Hero

Akshay Kumar played himself in Anirudh Iyer’s An Action Hero, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Jaideep Ahlawat. His brief cameo lightens up the mood right after an unfortunate accident alters the course of the story in the film. Ayushmann’s Maanav, who is a film action hero, accidentally kills the brother of a politician (Jaideep Ahlawat) in Haryana. He decides to lie low in London till the matter cools down. Maanav meets Akshay on the flight, and confides in him.

Aamir Khan in Salaam Venky

After the box office failure of his much-hyped Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan turned up in a guest appearance in Revathy’s family drama Salaam Venky, where he plays Kajol’s alter-ego. He appears on screen everytime Sujata, played by Kajol, is in distress. She screams at him and vents her frustration while Aamir’s character remains a picture of poise and calm.

Shah Rukh Khan in Laal Singh Chaddha

In his third cameo of the year, for the Advait Chandan-directed Laal Singh Chaddha, Shah Rukh dances with a bunch of boys, one of whom is Laal’s cousin. When Laal joins them and does the arm-stretch pose, Shah Rukh is shown to be so impressed that he quickly picks it up and makes it his signature style.

Ranbir Kapoor in Govinda Naam Mera

Ranbir Kapoor had a fun cameo in the song Bijli in Shashank Khaitan’s direct-to-digital film for Disney+Hotstar, Govinda Naam Mera. The Brahmastra actor played himself and shared screen space with Vicky Kaushal and Kiara Advani, who are struggling Bollywood choreographers in the film. Ranbir tells them he is producing a film and is keen on taking the duo for the venture. When Vicky asks whether Ranbir will play the lead in that movie, he replies, “No. Ranveer, tera favourite.”

Deepika Padukone in Cirkus

Deepika Padukone reunited with her Chennai Express director Rohit Shetty for a fun cameo in his comedy drama Cirkus. The Gehraiyaan actress turned in an electrifying performance to the beats of Current Laga Re, where she was joined by husband Ranveer Singh, who headlined the film.