“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players” – said Shakespeare. Well here, all the men and women are mere actors. Films and actors may look glamorous and seem like a cakewalk from a distance, but acting is a very tough profession. Actors work hard to get into the skin of the characters they portray. They succeed when we – the audience relate ourselves to them, they fail when we feel they are just acting.
An actor plays many characters – which, most of the times different from the culture and background they belong to. Meanwhile, we are just in love with Kangana’s flawless Haryanvi accent in Tanu Weds Manu Returns’. Now, let us talk about a few characters in Bollywood who totally nailed it or failed when it came to picking up accents in the past few years.
Kangana Ranaut as Kusum ‘Datto’ Sangwan in ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’
The actress plays a double role in this upcoming film. But while we enjoyed Kangana as a wacky Tanu, in the sequel, she also plays a typical Haryanvi. And she totally nails the accent as the quirky Haryani athlete, who beats up guys with a hockey stick. She plays a clear-headed girl when she gives all details about her college, educational and sports qualifications and even her district code but not her number. Sassy!
Deepika Padukone as Meenalochni ‘Meena’ Azhagusundaram in ‘Chennai Express’
Bangalorean beauty, Deepika Padukone tried to attempt the role of a character closer to her home. The actress played a Tamilian in Rohit Shetty’s ‘Chennai Express’. She tried hard to ace the Tamil accent but we were not that impressed. Her accent came across as if she is trying to ape the South Indian accent and not the other way round. With ‘Bokwaas’ and “Jab bhi main apne appa ke saamne tumhe dekhti, tum mundi hilana,” dialogues, Deepika’s Meenamma didn't sound like a Tamilian. But must admit, she looked the perfect Tamilian.
Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh as Shruti and Bittoo in 'Band Bajaa Baraat'
They are the original Bittoo and Shruti – typical North Delhites. These are two characters whom we loved because of their bitter-sweet nok-jhok sugar-coated with heavy Delhi accent. Sample this video below and you’ll know why these two absolutely blended in their ‘Janakpuri chhap’ characters.
The Indian Women’s Hockey team 'Chak De India'
The girls in this sports based film were on fire. All the actresses representing various states...oops... I mean India, gave a bang on performance. Special mention goes to Tanya Abrol, Shilpa Shukla, Chitrashi Rawat , who just nailed the accent.
Saurabh Shukla as Sudhanshu Dutta in ‘Barfi!’
He played a Bengali policeman in Anurag Basu’s ‘Barfi’. Knowing what a terrific Saurabh Shukla is, he got the perfect accent when he said, “Hamko phhoolish samajhta hai?” (You think I am foolish?). Pot bellied, bespectacled with a side parted hair, Saurabh Shukla played the funny Bong trying to speak Hindi perfectly. Enjoy this scene here:
Irrfan Khan as and in ‘Paan Singh Tomar’
This is by far one of the best films I have across off Irrfan Khan. While watching the film, for a moment I thought Paan Singh Tomar’s athlete-turned-dacoit life turned live on the big-screen. Playing the role of a baaghi of Chambal Valley was one of the toughest acts for Irrfan. Perfecting the Bihari accent and body language, Irrfan nailed this act.