Acting and directing, though similar in some ways, are completely diverse. Some actors directed films, but it takes great effort, talent and a different kind of perspective to get behind the lens and see what looks best. Fascinatingly, Bollywood has some fine examples of some people who did not just set the bar for others but literally broke all records.
1. Tinu Anand: Major Saab
Unlike most people, who go first in acting and then directing, Tinu Anand broke the norm and directed some amazing movies like Shehanshah, Kaalia, and Major Saab before he started acting. His debut movie was Pushpak and from there he acted in some major blockbusters which included Anjaam, Ghajni, De Dana Dan, Agneepath and Surakshaa.
2. Naseeruddin Shah: Yun Hota To Kya Hota
This prominent actor-director who has acted in over a 100 films has won many awards in his career. He made his mark in Bollywood with movies like Nishant, Aakrosh, Sparsh, Mirch Masala, Ardh Satya, Katha, A Wednesday, and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and directed his first movie Yun Hota To Kya Hota in 2006.
3. Guru Dutt: Kaagaz Ke Phool
A man ahead of his time, Guru Dutt was a multitalented person who was not only an actor and a director but was a producer too. He led the Golden Age of Cinema by acting in various classics like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Chaudhvin Ka Chand. He also directed movies which include Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chand and Pyaasa.
4. Farhan Akhtar: Dil Chahta Hai
Farhan Akhtar has a very long list of his achievements. He is a writer, Director, Actor, Singer, Songwriter and UN Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia. Out of all his movies and performances, as an actor, he will be always remembered for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Rock On and, Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara. However, as a director, Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, and Don, will always be the flicks we see again to reinstitute our faith in Indian Cinema.
5. Anupam Kher: Om Jai Jagdish
Anupam Kher is not only an evergreen actor but also a director and producer. His directorial debut was by the multi-starer Om Jai Jagdish in 2002 which brought in 13.6 crores at the Box Office.
