Which Indian Actor Has Played the Most Number of Roles in a Film?

Indian cinema is celebrated for its storytelling, music, and star power, but what makes it truly unique is the versatility of its actors. Over the decades, audiences have witnessed performers who dared to push the boundaries of acting by portraying multiple roles in a single film. Such performances not only test the skills of an actor but also bring a fresh cinematic experience for fans.

So, which Indian actor holds the record for playing the most number of roles in a film? Let’s dive in and explore the answer, along with a look at other iconic performances where actors impressed audiences by juggling multiple characters.

Johnson George – 45 Roles in Perarasu (2009)

When it comes to records, Johnson George is unmatched. He played an astonishing 45 different roles in the Malayalam movie Perarasu, making him the Indian actor with the highest number of roles in a single film.

This achievement was recognized by the Limca Book of Records, cementing his place in Indian cinema history. Each character he played showcased a different personality, voice, and style, proving his exceptional versatility as an actor. While the film itself had a modest reach, Johnson’s performance remains one of the most unique feats ever attempted in Indian cinema.

Though Johnson George holds the record, several legendary actors have also taken on the challenge of playing multiple roles in one movie. From Bollywood to Tamil and Telugu cinema, these performances remain fan favorites.

Priyanka Chopra – 12 Roles in What’s Your Raashee? (2009)

Global star Priyanka Chopra stunned audiences in What’s Your Raashee?, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. She played 12 different women, each representing a zodiac sign. From a traditional Gujarati girl to a fun-loving, modern character, Priyanka effortlessly shifted her body language, dialect, and style. While the movie received mixed reviews, her performance is still remembered as one of the boldest experiments in Bollywood.

Kamal Haasan – 10 Roles in Dasavathaaram (2008)

When it comes to versatility, few can match Kamal Haasan. In Dasavathaaram, he portrayed 10 completely distinct roles—a 12th-century priest, an American scientist, an old woman, a CBI officer, and even George Bush. His dedication, combined with world-class prosthetic makeup, gave Indian cinema one of its most ambitious projects. The film became a huge talking point for its scale and Haasan’s ability to disappear into every role.

Sanjeev Kumar – 9 Roles in Naya Din Nai Raat (1974)

Veteran actor Sanjeev Kumar is considered a powerhouse of Indian cinema. In Naya Din Nai Raat, he took on nine characters, each representing one of the Navarasa (nine emotions) in Indian theatre—love, anger, fear, peace, bravery, wonder, compassion, disgust, and laughter. The film became a classic, proving Kumar’s range and making it a reference point for generations of actors.

Sivaji Ganesan – 9 Roles in Navarathri (1964)

The Tamil legend Sivaji Ganesan also portrayed nine roles in Navarathri, released in 1964. Each character highlighted a different human emotion, from comedy to tragedy. Ganesan’s ability to bring authenticity to every role made him one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema. This performance not only cemented his reputation in Tamil Nadu but also inspired remakes in other languages.

Govinda – 6 Roles in Hadh Kar Di Aapne (2000)

Bollywood’s comedy king, Govinda, brought laughter and fun to Hadh Kar Di Aapne by playing six different family members. Each role had exaggerated quirks and mannerisms, adding to the film’s humor. While not as experimental as other multi-role films, Govinda’s charm and comic timing ensured that audiences enjoyed every bit of it.

Comparison of Actors with Multiple Roles in a Single Film

Here’s a quick look at the actors and their iconic multi-role films:

Why Do Filmmakers Experiment with Multi-Role Performances?

The concept of an actor playing multiple roles in a single film is not new, but it continues to fascinate audiences. Here’s why filmmakers love to explore it:

• Challenge for Actors – Multi-role films allow actors to prove their versatility.

• Engagement for Viewers – Audiences enjoy watching one actor switch between drastically different personalities.

• Storytelling Experiment – Multiple roles can represent themes such as zodiac signs (What’s Your Raashee?) or human emotions (Navarathri).

• Commercial Appeal – These films often attract curiosity, boosting box office collections.

Conclusion

From Johnson George’s record-breaking 45 roles in Perarasu to Priyanka Chopra’s zodiac-inspired 12 avatars in What’s Your Raashee?, Indian cinema has witnessed some of the most daring multi-role performances in the world. Legends like Kamal Haasan, Sanjeev Kumar, and Sivaji Ganesan proved that taking on multiple characters is not just about makeup or costumes but about embodying emotions and nuances that make each role distinct.

Such films continue to be celebrated because they highlight the creativity of Indian filmmakers and the versatility of Indian actors. They also reflect the boldness of Indian cinema, where experimentation often leads to unforgettable milestones.

So, the answer is clear: Johnson George holds the record with 45 roles in a single film—but the legacy of multi-role performances in Indian cinema belongs to many stars who left an indelible mark on audiences.

Explore More From Indian Cinema

• Check out the full list of upcoming Indian movies in 2025 to see where multi-role films might pop up next.

• Learn about the inspiring journey and recent work of veteran actor Seema Biswas, who has always pushed boundaries with her roles.

• Dive into the career highlights of Shriya Saran, another actor known for her versatility across languages and roles.