Best of 2016: Aishwarya, SRK, Fawad, Diljit, Jim Sarbh - The best supporting acts this year!

No film is complete without the support of the actors & actresses, who in a small yet significant part leave a mark with their spectacular performance. In 2016, there were many side acts which impressed us and did a brilliant job. 

Here's a quick recap listing down the actors and actresses who stole the show in the films:

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

As Saba Khan, Aishwarya was impressive in every frame. Ranbir Kapoor finds solace in the arms of the older, gorgeous, sensuous poetess Saba, who looked like million bucks! Her 15-minute screen presence was the glamorous and boldest character played by the actress till date. 

Shah Rukh Khan – Dear Zindagi

If Jahangir Khan happens to be our life coach like Alia Bhatt's in the film, we too would have fallen for him, totally! Choosing to play a smaller part, SRK's role was like a breath of fresh air - meaningful yet exuding affable charm and not-to-miss, the witty anecdotes about life and it's theories.

Kareena Kapoor Khan – Udta Punjab

In a multi-starrer film, Kareena essayed the role of a doctor named Preet. Her role was brief, someone who fights against the substance abuse among Punjab's youth. Bebo added dignity and maturity to this simple role, shining in her part and making us wanting more! 

Fawad Khan - Kapoor & Sons

Reportedly, many biggies refused to essay the role of a homosexual in the film & eventually, Fawad decided to step in. And the critics as well the fans just couldn’t stop raving about Khan - there's a lot more to this actor than good looks and charm. His performance as the ‘perfect’ son with a hidden revelation, (of him being gay) stands out of the lot. Fawad showed versatility and vulnerability with equal ease.

Shabana Azmi – Neerja

Shabana has many glorious performances to her credit, but her role as Neerja's mother, Rama, repeating a certain Rajesh Khanna line, in times of happiness and grief, got the audience spellbound. Finely tuned with subtle Punjabi accent and tone, Azmi broke the stereotype 'Maa' roles in Hindi films, who took the viewer through their middle-class household of simple hopes, joys, and laughs. 

Diljit Dosanjh – Udta Punjab

The Punjabi superstar made a stellar debut in the film as a soft-spoken police inspector. Teaming up with Kareena to expose the vicious drug racket in the state, Diljit's innocent charm with subtle acting skills were a surprise package for the audience. 

Ratna Pathak Shah – Kapoor & Sons

From a mother who plays favourites between her two sons to the wife who constantly taunts her husband about his lack of ambition/success, and drives him into the arms of another woman; Ratna's character was complex yet convincingly real. 

Rajkummar Rao – Aligarh

Rajkummar essayed the role of the journalist who finds sympathy for Professor Siras (Manoj Bajpayee) as he gets sacked by the Aligarh University for being homosexual. He performed the role with sincerity and sensitivity, lending a certain subtlety to his character. 

Kirti Kulhari - Pink

Kirti's role lived the pain, humiliation and frustration of a woman suffering patriarchy on regular basis. She did complete justice to scenes including that of breaking down in the court. An out-of-the-box and superlative performance. 

Rishi Kapoor – Kapoor & Sons 

Rishi Ji reinvented himself with the character of a 90-year-old grandfather. Undergoing strenuous hours for applying makeup & prosthetics, he essayed the role of a typical dramatic yet chilled out grandfather. And yes, he was indeed the cutest grandad one could ask for! 

Anupam Kher – M.S Dhoni – The Untold Story

Kher played the role of Pan Singh, Dhoni’s father with whom many average middle-class Indian men can relate to. Forever being anxious about his children future, constantly urging them to excel in studies and the insecurity which comes along with such emotions - the veteran portrayed his role with sharp realism. 

Jim Sarbh - Neerja

Jim played the role of a sadist terrorist in Sonam Kapoor starrer Neerja. His role as Khalil petrified the viewers as he carried out an edgy and crazy performance whose only intention was to kill the passengers on board.  

Tabu - Fitoor

Tabu played the role of Katrina Kaif's mother in the film. Her possessive nature towards her daughter due to her sad and dark past is worth a mention. Though the film did not work well at the box-office, Tabu's performance was appreciated by everyone.

Which one was your favourite from the list? Do let us know in the comments below.