Which Famous Bollywood Stars are over 50?

Indian cinema has produced many iconic Bollywood stars that we know and love.

Over the years, India has been churning out a large number of films, with many featuring Bollywood stars over the age of 50.

Many of the legends and Bollywood beauties such as Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit began their acting domination during different decades.

Despite being in their fifties or above, many of these Bollywood stars are still going strong, entertaining fans globally.

Their services and contribution to cinema have made Bollywood a recognised industry in the world.

DESIblitz takes a look at 12 Bollywood stars that are over 50.

Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar is a genius and great Bollywood actor. He was born as Mohammed Yousuf Khan in Peshawar, British India (present-day Pakistan) on December 11, 1922.

He is familiar as the first big Khan of the Bollywood film industry. Dilip Saab has worked in more than sixty-five movies.

His first major hit was Jugnu (1947), which also features Pakistani actress and the Queen of Melody, Noor Jehan (late).

His earlier films include the romantic adventure, Aan (1952), the period drama, Devdas (1955), the action-comedy, Azaad (1955), the romance dramatic, Naya Daur (1957).

In the early 60s, he went onto feature in the magnum opus, Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and the family comedy, Ram Aur Shyam (1967).

He had a winning formula with all the top directors and actresses such as Meena Kumari, Vyjanthimala, and Madhubala.

From all the Bollywood stars, Dilip Saab is the only actor who completely dominated from the age of 50.

He played powerful character roles in films such as Kranti (1981), Vidhaata (1982) and Shakti (1980)

He picked up his eighth Filmfare Award under the ‘Best Actor’ category for the film Shakti. As DCP, Ashwini Kumar, he portrayed the disciplined father of Amitabh Bachchan (Vijay Kumar) on screen.

On Dilip Saab’s 98th birthday, Farhana Farook of Yahoo! Entertainment recalls his character in Shakti and a scene between him and Amrish Puri (JK Verma):

“Known for his integrity, Ashwini is unrelenting. JK warns him that if he doesn’t call off the investigation, Ashwini would be responsible for Vijay’s death.

“To this Ashwini’s retort is, “Maar dalo usey!… Tumse jo bansake karlo!”

Dilip Saab has been conferred with several prestigious awards from the government of India in recognition of his work towards Indian cinema.

Amitabh Bachchan

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, also known a Big B, was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India on  October 11, 1942.

After several fringe roles, Big B rose to stardom as the ‘Angry Young Man’ in the action-drama film Zanjeer (1973).

Thereafter, Big B had a successful career. He worked under all big banner films, along with renowned actresses between the mid-70s and late 80s.

He also had a near-death experience, suffering a serious intestinal injury, whilst shooting for the film Coolie in 1982. Subsequently, the film came out in 1983, following his recovery.

Big B has remained one of the most sought after Bollywood stars even after reaching 50 and over.

He has played crucial roles, in films like Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Black (2005) Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Paa (2009), Piku (2015) and Pink (2016).

The Government of India awarded Big B with the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 for his contributions to the arts.

French director Francois Truffaut refers to Big B as a “one-man industry” for dominating the industry.

Despite, having health issues occasionally, the secret to his longevity is looking after himself.

Zeenat Aman

Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, on November 19, 1951. Actor Raza Murad is her cousin.

Her father Amanullah Khan was one of the writers for the historical epic Mughal-e-Azam (1960). After starting acting in 1970, she had her first breakout film with Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971).

Her performance in the movie bagged her ‘Best Supporting Actress’ at the 20th Filmfare Awards in 1973.

She had a hit-pairing with Amitabh Bachchan in several films including Don (1978) and The Great Gambler (1979)

She came further in the limelight after featuring as the stunning disco dancer, Sheela Rahul in Qurbani. 

The highlight of the film was her dance to ‘Aap Jaisa Koi Meri Zindagi’ sung by Pakistani vocalist, Nazia Hassan (late).

Recognising her work, she received the Zee Cine Lifetime Achievement award in 2008.

After turning 50, Zeenat has taken several character roles, including playing Sakeena Begum in Panipat (2019).

Zeenat has a very elegant and simple look, which is quite different from her on-screen sensual and sexy portrayals.

Rekha

Rekha was the daughter of film actor Gemini Ganesan and actress Pushpavalli. She was born as Bhanrekha Ganesan in Chennai, India on October 10, 1954.

Rekha has been enchanting audiences across various decades. Rekha has acted in more than 180 Bollywood films.

The Bollywood actress went into the film line at the age of thirteen, after leaving school to financially support her family.

One of her earlier roles was in Ek Bechara (1972), featuring hero Jeetendra, with Vinod Khanna (late) playing a negative character.

Rekha had the perfect on-screen chemistry with Bollywood legend, Amitabh Bachchan in many films. Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Mr Natwarlal are a few to name.

She won ‘Best Actress’ at the 29th National Awards in 1981 for the title role in the film Umrao Jaan (1982).

After turning 50, Rekha has made limited appearances in Bollywood films.

One of her highlights was making a special appearance in the song ‘Kaisi Paheli Zindagaani’ from Om Shanti Om (2007).

Rekha is regularly praised for her youthful looks. The Times of India has written about her “ageless beauty” and “radiant skin.”

Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor was born in Chembur, Mumbai, India December 24 1956. He comes from a multi-talented famous family.

He is the son of famous Indian film producer Surinder Kapoor. Anil is also the brother of producer Boney Kapoor and actor Sanjay Kapoor.

The Bollywood star has enjoyed a hugely successful film career. Anil made his Bollywood film debut in the Umesh Mehra directorial Hamare Tumhare (1979).

However, his first big film in a lead role was Woh Saat Din (1983), starring opposite Padmini Kolhapure.

He had a hit pairing with actresses, Sri Devi and Madhuri Dixit. They came in popular films together such as Mr India (1987), Tezaab (1988), Lamhe (1991) and Beta (1992).

Anil still makes regular film appearances as a supporting act. A good example of this was playing the role of Sagar Pandey aka Manju Bhai in the film, Welcome (2007).

He is also fit and thriving over 50. The actor regularly shares his fitness regime with his millions of Instagram followers. He often speaks about the importance of training the body.

Anil went on Instagram during COVID-19, to put out a post, stressing on the importance of looking after himself. Besides, sharing a video, he wrote:

“During the lockdown, I was dreaming about the beach…dreaming of escaping…finally I get to the beach and my trainer @marcyogimead, makes me sprint…fitness always comes first…

“It’s not about the location but about the dedication…”

He is one of the fittest over 50 Bollywood stars in the industry.

Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay Dutt is the son of famous film celebrities Sunil Dutt (late) and Nargis Dutt (late). He was born as Sanjay Balraj Dutt in Mumbai on July 29, 1959.

Sanjay started his career in 1981 with Rocky, which was directed by Sunil Dutt.

After his appearance in the crime thriller Naam (1985), he was rewarded with a string of big films. These include Saajan (1991), Khalnayak (1993) and Vaastav: The Reality (1999).

From 2003 onwards, he was on top form, after playing the character of Murli Prashad Sharma in the hit Munnabhai film series. This became one of India’s most popular fictional characters.

After reaching 50 and over, Sanjay continues to work in films and receive offers. Though, he is playing more supporting roles, which suit his maturity and experience.

Sanjay has also kept fitness his utmost priority, even during the difficult period when he was serving time in jail.

Entrepreneur India highlights his enthusiastic commitment to fitness, writing:

“Irrespective of where he is, Dutt never skips his workout session, and follows a very strict high protein diet.”

Sanjay has also successfully recovered from stage 4 lung cancer in 2020.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is a Bollywood superstar who was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India on March 14, 1965.

His career all began as a child star in Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), which was directed by his paternal uncle Nasir Hussain.

However, his first main lead role was in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). His role as Rajvir ‘Raj’ Singh bagged him several awards. This includes the National Award – Special Mention (1988).

In 1999, he founded Aamir Khan Productions. Lagaan (2001), a cricket-themed film, which was released under his company received ‘Best Film’ at the 47th Filmfare Awards in 2002.

Aamir portrayed the brave village hero, Bhuvan Latha in Lagaan. Taare Zameen Par (2007) and Delhi Belly (2011) are super hit films under Aamir Khan Productions.

Aamir who takes acting seriously has extended his career as the main hero, even after the age of 50. His fit to fat weight transformation for the film Dangal (2016) was simply phenomenal.

Speaking about the challenges of being overweight and acting, Aamir told Times of India:

“When you put on weight, it affects your breathing and body language. That naturally reflects on your performance. You cannot get that from a bodysuit.”

Besides, having great physique, Aamir has a very youthful look.

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan is amongst the top 5 Bollywood stars of all time. Also familiar as SRK, he was born into a non-filmy family in New Delhi, India on November 2, 1965.

After a brief television career, SRK made his move towards Bollywood films.

His first film performance was in Deewana (1992), which earned him ‘Best Male Debut’ at the 38th Filmfare Awards in 1993.

The Baadshah of Bollywood then went on to perfectly portray negative characters in Baazigar (1993) and Darr (1993).

However, the biggest turning point of his career was when he played the romantic Raj Malhotra in the Aditya Chopra directorial, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995).

SRK has also appeared in Bollywood classics such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Veera-Zaara (2004) and Om Shanti Om (2007).

Post 50, Shah Rukh has not stopped acting. Having said that, barring Dear Zindagi (2016) and Raees (2017), he has starred in some below-average films.

Whilst SRK is in great shape, age is beginning to reflect on him.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan is the eldest son to screenwriter Salim Khan. Actors-filmmakers Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan are Salman’s younger brothers, with actress-dancer Helen Khan being his step-mother.

He was born as Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India on December 27, 1965.

Salman began his acting career with a supporting role in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988). He then played the lead role in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) which became one of India’s highest-grossing films at the time.

From then on he gained popularity with a variety of films. These include Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Karan Arjun (1995),  Dabangg (2010) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).

Despite being over 50, he is amongst a few Bollywood stars who take their fitness very seriously. Habil from Healthifyme.com writes about Salman’s condition and his training regime:

“The man of the moment is fighting fit at 50. He works out for 3 hours daily and regularly does 2,000 sit-ups, 1,000 push-ups, and 500 crunches, chin-ups, and pull-ups each session.

“Salman is also an avid swimmer and bicyclist and pedals up to 10 km every day.”

After turning fifty, he is still starring in films that are doing well at the box-office.

He reprised his role as ASP Chulbul Pandey in Dabangg 3. This was tenth in the list of highest-grossing Bollywood films that came out in 2019.

Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit was born in Mumbai, India on May 15, 1967.  She has appeared in over fifty films, gaining a worldwide base of devoted fans.

After a slow start, she got her first breakthrough with the film Tezaab (1988), opposite Anil Kapoor. The film had the famous track ‘Ek Do Teen’ in it.

Dil (1990) was a top-grossing film, also starring Madhuri. Aamir Khan was her co-star in this film.

She became a household name for her dance on the song ‘Dhak Dhak’ from the film Beta (1992).

Additionally, Madhuri stole the show in Hum Aapke Hai Koun..!. (1994). At the peak of her career, she won ‘Best Actress’ four times at the 1991, 1993, 1995 and 1998 Filmfare Awards.

Later as a supporting actress, one of Madhuri’s most iconic roles came in Devdas (2002).

Despite turning 50, Madhuri continues to accept offers, working in films such as Total Dhamaal (2019) and Kalank (2019).

Her appearance in Kalank as Bahaar begum earned her the nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ at the 2020 Filmfare Awards.

When turning 50, Indian Express complimented Madhuri, saying:

“At 50, she’s still Bollywood’s classic style diva”

We can safely say Madhuri remains beautiful both on and off-screen.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhati in Amritsar, Punjab, India, on September 9, 1967.

Beginning his career in 1991, his first commercial success was with Khiladi (1992).

He was then really appreciated for his role of Inspector Amar Saxena in the blockbuster film, Mohra (1994). This film also has the famous song ‘Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast’, featuring Akshay and Raveena Tandon.

Continuing with the successful ‘player’ tag, his film Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) was another big hit.

Later other notable films of his include, Hera Pheri (2000) and Rustom (2016). The Bollywood star has enjoyed a fantastic career with a net worth of over $40 million, according to Forbes.

Many describe Akahsy as the “Indian Jackie Chan” as he performs many of his own dangerous stunts.

Whilst working as an actor, in 2009, Akshay went on to found, Hari Om Entertainment, a production company.

The same year, he was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civil honour by the Indian Government for services to entertainment.

Entering the fifties, Akshay shows age does not matter. The dashing actor pulls off the white beard look with some style.

Film-wise, he has received recognition for his roles in Pad Man (2018) and Kesari (2019).

Juhi Chawla

Juhi Chawla was born in Haryana, India, on November 13, 1967. She made her debut appearance as Zarina in the star-studded film Sultanat (1986).

However, her first commercially successful role was the modern-day Romeo and Juliet adaption, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988).

In this film, Juhi as Rashmi Singh speaks with a lot of respect and etiquettes, making viewers fall in love with her.

Five years later she collected the ‘Best Actress’ trophy for playing the role of South Indian, Vyaijanti Iyer in the family film, Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke (1993).

Her scenes with Aamir Khan and at the time three child actors in Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke were fun to watch.

The same year, she starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the romantic pyscho-thriller, Darr. Juhi had previously worked with SRK in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992).

Her film work has greatly decreased after turning 50. She has been confined to playing more cameo or special roles in films such as Zero (2018).

Juhi looks gorgeous as ever, with a very pleasant personality.

Other famous Bollywood stars that are over 50, but virtually inactive include Dharmendra, Hema Malini and Jeetendra.

Despite being 50 plus, most of the aforementioned Bollywood stars are still working from time to time in film projects.

Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and other Bollywood stars over 50 have projects in the pipeline. Whilst Bollywood continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see which film these Bollywood stars will appear in next.

Fans should keep an eye on their social media for their future announcements and releases.