Which Indian Actor Has Played the Most Number of Roles in the Same Film?

India’s film industry, often described as a land of cinematic wonders, has long been a playground for experimentation, especially when it comes to actors pushing their artistic boundaries. While most actors typically portray a single character per film, there are rare, remarkable cases where performers have taken on multiple roles in a single movie, showcasing not just their versatility but also creating cinematic milestones.

So, which Indian actor holds the record for playing the most number of roles in the same film? Let’s dive deep into this fascinating facet of Indian cinema and uncover the film, the actor, and the legacy it left behind.

The Record-Breaking Actor: Kamal Haasan

When it comes to Indian cinema and the art of portraying multiple roles, Kamal Haasan stands in a league of his own. The iconic Tamil actor, writer, director, and producer has long been known for his boundary-pushing performances and technical brilliance.

And it is in the 2008 Tamil science-fiction action-thriller “Dasavathaaram” that Kamal Haasan achieved a record-breaking feat—playing 10 different roles in the same film.

Dasavathaaram (2008): A Film of Epic Proportions

Director: K. S. Ravikumar
Producer: Venu Ravichandran
Music: Himesh Reshammiya
Language: Tamil (Dubbed in multiple languages)

The title Dasavathaaram literally translates to “Ten Avatars”, inspired by the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu from Hindu mythology. However, the film interprets this concept in a modern, secular, and metaphysical way, with each of Kamal Haasan’s ten characters symbolizing different aspects of humanity—both its flaws and its greatness.

The Ten Roles Played by Kamal Haasan in Dasavathaaram

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 distinct characters Kamal Haasan portrayed, across centuries, countries, and cultures:

1. Rangaraja Nambi – A devout 12th-century Vaishnavite priest, tortured and drowned for his beliefs.
2. Govindarajan Ramaswamy – A modern-day scientist in the U.S. trying to prevent a bio-weapon disaster.
3. George W. Bush – A humorous portrayal of the former U.S. President.
4. Fletcher – A cold-blooded American ex-CIA mercenary and the film’s antagonist.
5. Shinghen Narahashi – A kind-hearted Japanese martial arts master.
6. Avtar Singh – A Punjabi pop singer diagnosed with cancer.
7. Krishnaveni Paati – A 90-year-old Tamil grandmother with a sharp tongue and fierce wit.
8. Kalifullah Khan – A Muslim man from Afghanistan with a heart of gold.
9. Vincent Poovaragan – A passionate social activist from Tamil Nadu.
10. Balaram Naidu – A Telugu-speaking RAW (Indian Intelligence) officer, comical and clever.

These roles spanned different ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and age groups, requiring extensive makeup, prosthetics, language skills, and vocal modulation. Haasan underwent hours of makeup daily—sometimes up to 7 hours for a single character—to bring authenticity to each role.

Why Dasavathaaram Was Groundbreaking

1. Makeup and Prosthetics: Michael Westmore, a legendary Hollywood makeup artist, designed Haasan’s appearances, making it one of the most technically challenging films ever made in Indian cinema at the time.
2. Cultural Diversity: The characters spanned regions such as South India, Punjab, Afghanistan, Japan, and even the U.S., highlighting the vast canvas of humanity.
3. Acting Range: Comedy, tragedy, action, and drama—all were woven into a single narrative, and Haasan juggled these genres effortlessly.
4. Symbolism: Each avatar was seen by some critics as a modern reinterpretation of the ten Vishnu avatars—combining theology, philosophy, and science.
5. Box Office and Reach: The film was a commercial success and was dubbed into Hindi (Dashavatar), Telugu (Dasavatharam), and other regional languages, gaining pan-Indian popularity.

Recognition and Records

• Limca Book of Records listed Kamal Haasan for the feat of playing 10 distinct roles in one movie.
• Critics across India, despite differing opinions on the film’s narrative, unanimously praised Haasan’s performance.
• It remains the highest number of roles played by a lead actor in an Indian film to date.

Other Notable Mentions in Indian Cinema

While Kamal Haasan holds the record, other actors have also taken up the challenge of playing multiple roles in a single film:

1. Sivaji Ganesan – Navarathri (1964)

Played 9 different roles representing the nine emotions (Navarasa) in Hindu philosophy.

2. Sanjeev Kumar – Naya Din Nayi Raat (1974)

Also portrayed 9 distinct characters, modeled after Navarathri.

3. Rajinikanth – Arunachalam and Enthiran

Played double and triple roles with heavy use of VFX and characterization.

4. Kamal Haasan again – in Michael Madana Kama Rajan

Played quadruplets with completely different personalities in this cult comedy.

While these performances are commendable, none surpassed the ten-role record Kamal Haasan set with Dasavathaaram.

Why Do Actors Take On Multiple Roles?

Taking on multiple roles in one film is more than just a gimmick—it’s a mark of a performer’s versatility. It allows the actor to stretch their emotional and artistic range, and for filmmakers, it’s a storytelling tool that can enrich narrative depth or philosophical undertones.

It also brings a significant challenge: How do you make each character feel unique and believable, especially when portrayed by the same face?

Kamal Haasan answered that challenge with unmatched finesse.

Conclusion: Kamal Haasan – A Class Apart

In a film industry filled with stars and superstars, Kamal Haasan stands apart as an artist, a thinker, and a pioneer. His performance in Dasavathaaram is not just a cinematic stunt but a testament to his lifelong commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and performance.

So, to answer the question:

Which Indian actor has played the most number of roles in the same film?
Kamal Haasan, with 10 roles in Dasavathaaram (2008)—a feat that remains unmatched in Indian cinema to this day.