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In the razzle dazzle of show business, stardom takes precedence over performance. And so, despite delivering one powerhouse performance after other, the latter, often, fails to receive his or her due.
Are they lacking somewhere? On the contrary, they are are so fabulously effortless at their art, you almost take their talent for granted.
Tabu
With every passing film, the shy Tabu keeps blooming into an exquisite actress. 
Unlike other stars who tom-tom their smallest achievements and international biggies that never get made, the poetic beauty likes to underplay herself.
And just when you thought she's disappeared in oblivion, Tabu makes a double impact with sensitive portrayals in Mira Nair's.
Akshaye Khanna
Star son status notwithstanding, Vinod Khanna's lad proved to be a superior chip of the old block with his debut, Himalayaputra -- an abysmal movie where Akshaye nevertheless rocked.
Regardless of his box office status and hair-aches, the actor has consistently thrilled us with warmth and versatility in films like Border, Taal, Dil Chahta Hai, Hulchul, Deewangee, Humraaz and Gandhi My Father.
Star son status notwithstanding, Vinod Khanna's lad proved to be a superior chip of the old block with his debut, Himalayaputra -- an abysmal movie where Akshaye nevertheless rocked.
Regardless of his box office status and hair-aches, the actor has consistently thrilled us with warmth and versatility in films like Border, Taal, Dil Chahta Hai, Hulchul, Deewangee, Humraaz and Gandhi My Father.
Konkona Sen Sharma
Her peers Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra perennially grab the limelight. The intelligent and intense Konkona, however, likes her work to do all the talking.
Her amazing compatibility and understanding with/of the medium is evident in films like Mr and Mrs Iyer, Amu, Page 3, Omkara and Life in A Metro. Even in a cheesy flick, like Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Konkona maintains her credibility as an actress.
Too bad Bollywood refuses to see her beyond 'Best Supporting Actress' roles.
Her peers Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra perennially grab the limelight. The intelligent and intense Konkona, however, likes her work to do all the talking.
Her amazing compatibility and understanding with/of the medium is evident in films like Mr and Mrs Iyer, Amu, Page 3, Omkara and Life in A Metro. Even in a cheesy flick, like Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Konkona maintains her credibility as an actress.
Too bad Bollywood refuses to see her beyond 'Best Supporting Actress' roles.
Irrfan Khan
What can you say about a man whose sheer intensity makes duds like Rog and Sunday watchable?
Well-acquainted with the international film making scene thanks to films like The Warrior, The Namesake, A Might Heart and The Darjeeling Limited, Irrfan has demonstrated he can do both Maqbool and Life in a Metro with aplomb.
Though Irrfan may not command a box-office opening like other Khans (yet), there's no denying the soft-spoken actor is any day more gifted and deserving than half the folks he shares his surname with.
What can you say about a man whose sheer intensity makes duds like Rog and Sunday watchable?
Well-acquainted with the international film making scene thanks to films like The Warrior, The Namesake, A Might Heart and The Darjeeling Limited, Irrfan has demonstrated he can do both Maqbool and Life in a Metro with aplomb.
Though Irrfan may not command a box-office opening like other Khans (yet), there's no denying the soft-spoken actor is any day more gifted and deserving than half the folks he shares his surname with.
Pankaj Kapur
Brilliance thy name is Pankaj Kapur. His carror-chomping ways made Kapur small screen's most beloved detective. While Karamchand remains legendary, the actor moved on to playing hierarchy-stricken common man Musaddilal in sitcom Office Office.
Even as you admire him in superlatives for his work in movie gems like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Ek Doctor Ki Maut, Mandi and Khamosh, you can't help wondering why Kapur never got the same attention as colleagues Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri and Shabana Azmi.
The new millennium witnessed the return of the consciously low-profile actor in a more potent avatar than ever with Maqbool, Dus, The Blue Umbrella and Dharm.
Brilliance thy name is Pankaj Kapur. His carror-chomping ways made Kapur small screen's most beloved detective. While Karamchand remains legendary, the actor moved on to playing hierarchy-stricken common man Musaddilal in sitcom Office Office.
Even as you admire him in superlatives for his work in movie gems like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Ek Doctor Ki Maut, Mandi and Khamosh, you can't help wondering why Kapur never got the same attention as colleagues Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri and Shabana Azmi.
The new millennium witnessed the return of the consciously low-profile actor in a more potent avatar than ever with Maqbool, Dus, The Blue Umbrella and Dharm.
Arshad Warsi
Everyone goes ga-ga over Munnabhai and his bouts of jadoo ki jhappis and Gandhigiri. Truth be told Munnabhai sans Circuit is akin to Shrek without Donkey. And that's inconcievable.
A vibrant Arshad Warsi impressed right from his debut, Tere Mere Sapne before finding his calling in full-fledged comedy with films like Munnabhai MBBS, Golmaal, Salaam Namaste, Dhamaal, Lage Raho Munnabhai and Kabul Express.
While we all know he can crack you up with his reel jokes, he's highly capable of conveying no-nonsense ardor (remember his portrayal of a cop in Sehar?) as well. Now that is one good performance that was, sadly, overlooked.
Everyone goes ga-ga over Munnabhai and his bouts of jadoo ki jhappis and Gandhigiri. Truth be told Munnabhai sans Circuit is akin to Shrek without Donkey. And that's inconcievable.
A vibrant Arshad Warsi impressed right from his debut, Tere Mere Sapne before finding his calling in full-fledged comedy with films like Munnabhai MBBS, Golmaal, Salaam Namaste, Dhamaal, Lage Raho Munnabhai and Kabul Express.
While we all know he can crack you up with his reel jokes, he's highly capable of conveying no-nonsense ardor (remember his portrayal of a cop in Sehar?) as well. Now that is one good performance that was, sadly, overlooked.
Anupamaa
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