Unlike most actors, action and not acting has been synonymous with Suniel Shetty's name.

His performances have always left a lot to be desired. But with his sincerity, hard work and determination, Suniel worked his way to earn the title of an actor.

Dismissed as a wooden knob in his initial films, Suniel had the last laugh when he won the National Award for his performance in Dharmesh Darshan's Dhadkan. A director's actor, Shetty resolved to do away with action films and work only in meaningful films under the likes of J P Dutta, Ram Gopal Varma, Gulzar and Priyadarshan.

Here is a series of films that showcase the transition of Suniel Shetty from 'non-actor' to 'award-winning actor':

Doing a double role with relative ease, Shetty was an instant hit as the fumbling constable. Contrary to popular belief, Gopi Kishan, and not Border, made critics take a second look at him.

Suniel tried comedy again in Rahul Rawail's Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi and Vikram Bhatt's Awaara Paagal Deewana. While his mischievous prankster Sameer went unnoticed in the former, his absentminded Yeda Anna in the latter hit bullseye.

Sceptics thought Dutta was committing harakiri by casting Shetty in the multi starrer war epic. Border opened to an upbeat response and Shetty's death scene was considered one of the highpoints. Not only did the actor manage to convey patriotism convincingly, he also proved he could act.

Incidentally, Shetty and Akshaye Khanna walked away with the credit as opposed to seasoned actors like Sunny Deol and Jackie Shroff.

The film didn't do well, but Shetty's (who sported a moustache to give his character an added touch) performance was well received.

Though Rawal was the real hero of Hera Pheri and Akshay had the meaty role, Shetty's underplayed jobless guy maintained an equilibrium.

The actor was prominently sidelined throughout the promotional and publicity campaigns of Hera Pheri. But all was forgotten when the film turned out to be a hit.

Dharmesh Darshan’s Dhadkan brought him back in the limelight. As the obsessive, stubborn and bitter Dev, Shetty's performance was effective.

Dhadkan gave the actor his due.

Text: Sukanya Verma