Cameos are a director’s way for winking at the audience, an inside joke they can laugh about when they watch the film again and again. They could be friends, other celebrity friends, famous directors, making a blink and you miss appearance in the movies. Like remember that time when Matt Damon ‘showed up’ in Interstellar out of nowhere, and even though he had a significant role and not just a cameo, the fact that it was kept under wraps took everyone by surprise.
Or more recently and closer home, when Ranbir Kapoor showed up as the 2nd alien in Aamir Khan’s PK. Here’s a list of 14 celebrity appearances, which you might have missed if you were not paying attention.
1. Nikhil Advani & Farah Khan in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Long before he directed Kal Ho Na Ho, director Nikhil Advani (who was assisting KJo) and choreographer Farah Khan made an appearance in the film, in the segment of the Neelam Show.
Source: Youtube
2. Jatin-Lalit in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar
The musical duo of the ’90s, who were also the music directors for the aforementioned film, made an appearance in the music competition as students of Xavier’s. Take a look!
Source: Youtube
3. Shahrukh and Aamir in Pehla Nasha
They might not have done many appearances in films together, however, they did this special appearance for Ashutosh Gowariker’s directorial debut starring Deepak Tijori.
Source: Youtube
4. Karan Johar & Farah Khan in Kal Ho Na Ho
Just because Nikhil Advani played a cameo, Karan Johar returned in the former’s directorial debut. As they play guests at a restaurant in a scene.
Source: Youtube
5. Anushka Sharma in Lage Raho Munnabhai
Long before she became a superstar actress, she appeared for a second in the very famous second instalment of the Munnabhai series. Check it out!
6. Kiran Rao in Dil Chahta Hai
While she was assisting in Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, Kiran Rao appeared in a scene in Goa before assisting on Lagaan and the eventually falling in love with lead actor of the films – Aamir Khan.
Source: Youtube
7. Avantika Khan in Ek Main Aur Ek Tu
Imran Khan’s spouse makes a small appearance in Ek Main Aur Ek Tu’s song ‘Auntyji, get up and dance!’
Source: Youtube
8. Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Munnabhai MBBS
Much before Gangs of Wasseypur shot him to stardom, Nawazuddin Siddiqui played a small role of a pickpocket in Munnabhai MBBS.
Source: Youtube
9. Imtiaz Ali in Black Friday
The director of romantic films like Socha Na Tha, Jab We Met made a brief appearance in Anurag Kashyap’s hard hitting Black Friday, where he is brought in for interrogations.
10. Ayan Mukherji in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
The director makes a blink and you miss appearance in his own movie, during an evening party sequence, where he’s seen sitting right next to Ranbir Kapoor.
Source: Youtube
11. Ashutosh Gowariker in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
Long before the Oscar-nominated director made Lagaan, he was trying to make it as an actor, when he played the role of Imran in Shahrukh Khan’s Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa.
12. Shahid Kapur in Taal
Working as a backup dancer in Shiamak Davar’s troupe, he made an appearance with Karisma Kapoor’s ‘Le gayi le gayi’ – he was clearly visible in Aishwarya Rai’s ‘Taal’.
13. John Abraham in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
He appears in the beginning of the film as himself, as he parades through fans and the press on a red carpet.
Source: Youtube
Ka-ching!
