If bollywood has gone global finding a niche for itself in the world of cinema where Hollywood plays a dominant role, thankfully it is due to the actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and others; and their passion, intensity and commitment towards Indian cinema or bollywood as it is known to the world. Today bollywood boasts of zillions and billions of fans across the world.

Amitabh Bachchan who has been the face of Indian cinema or bollywood for four decades is an iconic actor who rendered blockbuster performances in film after film ultimately becoming the one-man industry. From 'Zanjeer' in 1973 to 'Zamaanat' in 2009, Amitabh epitomized the spirit of bollywood and this living legend is still going strong and has lined up six of his upcoming movies competing with the likes of younger actors like Shahrukh Khans and Aamir Khans.

Shahrukh Khan made his debut with 'Deewana' in 1992 playing the role of a brash rebellion son to a rich father defying his diktats of not to fall in love with a poor widow. His magnificent performance won him a Filmfare Male Debut award. He then went on to appear in a number of Hindi films winning multiple awards and honors including 10 more Filmfare awards & 15 Filmfare nominations. He played versatile roles from revenge seeking in 'Baazigar' & 'Karan Arjun' to a losing lover in 'Kabhi haan kabhi naa', 'Devdas' to comical roles in 'Main Hoon Na', 'Yes Boss', 'Dil To Pagal Hai' to a romantic hero in several films. Most of his films have become blockbusters and Shahrukh Khan has become the 'king of bollywood'.

Aamir Khan, another actor who acted brilliantly in 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' went on to play diverse roles in several bollywood movies. His cute romantic performances in 'Dil', 'Dil Hai ki Manta Nahin', 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke', as freak-out hero in 'Rangeela', as rustic cricketer in 'Lagaan', the kind school teacher in 'Taare Zameen Par' who understands pretty well the psyche of the children and his brilliant performance as amnesiac avenger in 'Ghajini' have all won him accolades and honors making him the most versatile and blockbuster performer in bollywood.

Akshay Kumar who learnt martial arts and dancing came looking for roles in bollywood films. His first film 'Saughandh' in 1991 did not create any waves for him. But 'Khiladi' the biggest hit of the year in 1992 did wonders for his career. He then went on to appear in several action films and then moved on to do comedy roles in films like 'Hera Pheri', 'Phir Hera Pheri', 'Welcome' and 'Singh is Kinng' which became the big hits making him the most successful actor in bollywood.

Hrithik Roshan who breezed into bollywood with 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai' in 2000 became an overnight star as the movie went on to become a blockbuster at the box office. He played diverse roles in movies like: a mentally ill-balanced guy in 'Koi... Mil Gaya', superman-like role in 'Krrish' and a villain in 'Dhoom 2' proving himself as the finest actor with inherent acting talents.

Abhishek Bachchan, the son of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan began his filmy career with 'Refugee' in 2000 and thereafter he delivered brilliant blockbuster performances in films like 'Yuva' for which he won his first Filmfare Award. He continued to give scintillating performances in films like 'Dhoom' & its sequel 'Dhoom 2', 'Bunty Aur Babli', 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', 'Umrao Jaan', 'Guru', 'Sarkar Raj' and several other films. This outstanding actor has married bollywood's most dazzling beauty and reigning queen of bollywood Aishwarya Rai in April of 2007.

Salman Khan is another actor who is known for his wonderful performances in films like 'Maine Pyar Kiya', 'Baaghi', 'Saajan', 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun...!', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Tere Naam'. He has played diverse roles from an action hero to a rebel to comical characters that made him one of the finest actors in bollywood. Salman Khan is also known for his romantic flings with several of his co-stars including Sangeeta Bijlani, Somy Ali, Aishwarya Rai and now Katrina Kaif.

Besides these seasoned performers, bollywood is teeming with the new crop of actors who are young, vibrant and talented, the likes of Ranbir Kapoor, Farhan Akthar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Imran Khan, Harman Baweja and several others.