The 1990s was a golden era for comedy in Bollywood. From witty one-liners to slapstick humour, actors like Johnny Lever, Kader Khan, Anupam Kher and Shakti Kapoor turned supporting roles into unforgettable moments. These comedy kings weren’t just entertainers—they were trendsetters who gave us characters still quoted today. Their dialogues and antics are still viral on social media, proving their timeless popularity. Let’s revisit the legends who made the 90s the funniest decade of Bollywood.
Johnny Lever: Bollywood’s Comic Dynamo
Johnny Lever redefined comedy with mimicry, slapstick, and unforgettable characters. Whether in Baazigar, Ishq, or Dulhe Raja, his energy was unmatched.
His ability to switch languages, voices and personas made him Bollywood’s first true stand-up superstar. Even today, his live shows pull massive crowds, proving his legacy remains evergreen. His journey from selling pens on Mumbai streets to becoming a comedy icon is nothing short of inspirational. Lever’s brand of humour connected with the masses, bridging class divides with laughter.
Anupam Kher: The Lovable Comic Patriarch
Known for versatility, Anupam Kher mastered strict-yet-funny father roles in films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil and Dulhe Raja.
With perfect comic timing, he balanced authority with humour, turning even short appearances into scene-stealers. His 90s comic work remains as beloved as his serious performances. Kher’s talent lay in making audiences laugh while still evoking respect and emotion. His characters became memorable for their warmth as much as for their comedy.
Shakti Kapoor: From Villain to Comic Star
Best known as Crime Master Gogo in Andaz Apna Apna, Shakti Kapoor became a comedy icon in the 90s. Films like Raja Babu and Judwaa showcased his playful antics.
His quirky expressions and chaotic energy transformed even minor roles into unforgettable comic relief. Kapoor’s transition from villain to comedian proved his range and fearlessness as an actor. His comic style added colour to every ensemble, making him a fan favourite.
Kader Khan: The Writer-Performer Maestro
Kader Khan wasn’t just a comedian—he was the pen behind iconic Bollywood dialogues. In the 90s, his on-screen chemistry with Govinda in Raja Babu and Coolie No. 1 made audiences roar with laughter.
His mix of sharp wit and grounded performances cemented his place as both entertainer and storyteller. He had the rare ability to balance over-the-top comedy with subtle humour. As a writer, he crafted punchlines that are still quoted across generations.
Laxmikant Berde: The Energy Bomb
Called the ‘Comedy King’ of Marathi cinema, Laxmikant Berde won hearts in Hindi hits like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
His boundless energy, innocence and mischief made him relatable and loved by audiences everywhere. Berde’s childlike enthusiasm lit up every scene, making his characters unforgettable. He brought regional charm to Bollywood comedy, creating a style uniquely his own.
Jaspal Bhatti: The Satirical Genius
Unlike others, Jaspal Bhatti used comedy as social commentary. His Flop Show became a cult classic, blending laughter with satire on corruption and daily struggles.
With clean humour and sharp wit, he proved comedy could spark thought as well as joy. His legacy is celebrated as comedy with purpose. Bhatti’s unique approach showed that humour can be intelligent without being complicated. Even today, his content feels relevant in an age of memes and digital comedy.
These comedy legends of the 90s gave Bollywood some of its most memorable laughs. Their work continues to inspire actors and delight audiences, proving that true comedy never gets old. Their humour brought families together in theatres and still lives on in OTT replays, memes and YouTube clips.
