Thereâs really no need to write an introduction to the man. Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, who would have turned 131 years old today, has been a worldwide icon of cinema for well over a century at this point. 

© Charles Chaplin Productions

Perhaps the best way to illustrate the manâs sheer tenacity and spirit of dedication to the art of comedic cinema can be seen in this three-minute scene from 1928âs The Circus. 

Not only did the man direct, produce, write and act in this film, this single scene is absolutely the real deal - no special effects shenanigans here folks. 

If all of this wasnât enough, the man reportedly took over 200 takes to get this one right.

© Charlie Chaplin Film Corporation

Itâs not surprising then, that his fame and reputation found its way into the minds and hearts of Bollywoodâs best and brightest.  

Here are 6 homages to Chaplin from some of Indiaâs best actors - from the 1950s well into the 2000s:

1. Raj Kapoor, Shree 420 (1955)

 

Film historians and movie buffs alike have spoken of the legendary actor as the âCharlie Chaplin of Indian cinema,â and it wasnât just owing to the striking resemblance of both actors at times. 

Kapoor himself was an ardent admirer of the man, and while heâs played Chaplin-esque roles in Mera Naam Joker and Aawara, nothing quite nailed the innocent yet mischievous âTrampâ character quite as his performance in Shree 420 did.

2. Mehmood, Aulaad (1968)

 

This multi-talented comedian played a wide variety of roles - usually, street-smart sidekicks who had plenty of charm and comedic timing to uplift the scenes he was part of. 

In this late â60s drama, Mehmood played a comedic foil to the name of Chamanlal âCharlieâ Singaporie - a pretty overt homage to one of his comedic inspirations.

3. Chiranjeevi, Chantabbai (1986)

 

This film marked a massive turning point in Chiranjeeviâs career and perhaps even Telugu cinema as a whole. 

While casting a first-rate action hero as a bumbling, hilarious buffoon seemed to be career suicide, Chiranjeevi took to the role with such dedication and commitment that the film released to massive critical acclaim and remains a cult classic even today.

4. Kamal Hassan, Punnagai Mannan (1986)

Also remembered as one of A.R. Rehmanâs earliest contributions to playback music (he played guitar and keys for the soundtrack), this late â80s romantic drama was a pretty serious film, yet also had a fantastic Chaplin throwback.

Hassan did such a good job here, that the film was eventually redubbed into Hindi in the â90s as Chacha Charlie.

5. Sridevi, Mr. India (1987)

 

Who said guys should have all the fun? Perhaps the most well-remembered Chaplin-inspired performance for any â80s kids out there would be Srideviâs charming take on the comedian in Mr. India.

So memorable, that for many reviewers her incredible performance outshone even Anil Kapoor and Amrish Puriâs âMogamboâ.

6. Ranbir Kapoor, Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani (2009)

 

Guess it runs in the family. A whole 54 years after his grandfather introduced the Chaplin homage to Bollywood, Ranbir Kapoor pulled off the same trick to great effect in this 2009 romcom alongside Katrina Kaif. 

The scene is a great love letter to slapstick comedy from cinemaâs golden age - featuring Ranbirâs slick and witty comedic delivery, an eloping couple and, of course, an over-the-top action scene involving motorcycles and sidecars - canât get more classic than that. 

Whatâs your favourite performance out of these? Share them with us in the comments!

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