Improvisation, in essence, allows actors to breathe life into their characters beyond the confines of written dialogues, making performances more organic and emotionally resonant. The art of improvisation in Bollywood has evolved significantly, especially with the rise of method acting and character-driven films, where actors are encouraged to step outside the script and make their characters more relatable. One of the most notable examples of improvisation is the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, whose iconic baritone and larger-than-life persona have been shaped through a mix of scripted material and impromptu lines.

In films like Sholay and Deewar, his spontaneous additions to the dialogue elevated already powerful scenes. Improvisation in Bollywood is often subtle, enhancing emotional depth in a way that resonates with the audience. Contemporary actors such as Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Alia Bhatt are known for improvising their lines, especially in emotionally charged or comedic scenes. For instance, Ranveer Singh's energetic, off-script moments in films like Gully Boy helped amplify the raw emotions of his character, adding an authentic street-rap feel to the film. Likewise, Ayushmann Khurrana’s improvisational skills in movies like Bala and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan have contributed to his comedic timing and ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. An interesting example is Nawazuddin Siddiqui, whose improvisational talent came to light during Gangs of Wasseypur.

In many instances, he subtly modified his lines and added gestures that weren't part of the original script, making his character more memorable. His naturalistic acting style often involves creating moments that feel unscripted, blurring the line between performance and real-life reactions. Improvisation doesn't just enhance individual performances; it also creates more dynamic interactions between actors. In Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, actors like Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar improvised their banter, resulting in scenes that felt more spontaneous and relatable. This has been a recurring trend in ensemble films where actors are given the freedom to build on each other’s energy, thus making the characters' chemistry more palpable. One of the key elements of improvisation is staying in the moment, fully absorbing the character's emotional state and responding naturally to stimuli.

This has been a staple of Bollywood actors who have trained extensively in methods that prioritize character immersion. Directors like Anurag Kashyap, who encourage their actors to improvise, believe it leads to more grounded and impactful performances. Another notable instance of improvisation in Bollywood is seen in the portrayal of larger-than-life characters. Shah Rukh Khan, who is often called the "King of Romance," has famously improvised several iconic lines and gestures in his romantic films. His famous arms-wide-open pose, which is synonymous with his brand, was originally an unscripted moment. Similarly, his ad-libbed dialogues in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge have become timeless quotes in Bollywood history. Improvisation is not limited to dialogue alone. Physical gestures and non-verbal communication are also integral to the process. Actors like Rajkummar Rao are known for their ability to use body language and silence to express more than words could, often making their scenes more potent through these subtle improvisations.  

The power of improvisation also lies in its unpredictability. For instance, during the filming of Kapoor & Sons, Rishi Kapoor improvised several of his lines, particularly in scenes where his character was meant to display emotional vulnerability. His impromptu additions made his character more multi-dimensional, adding an emotional layer that was not in the script. Moreover, Bollywood actors who have a theatre background, such as Naseeruddin Shah, often bring improvisation to the forefront of their performances. Theatre encourages actors to react spontaneously, which has translated well into film. Shah's acting is often described as "in the moment," and his improvisational skill sets him apart as one of the most natural performers in the industry. Improvisation is not just a technique but a crucial element in creating authentic cinema.

The ability to improvise separates good actors from great ones, as it requires an intuitive understanding of the character and the emotional beats of a scene. As Bollywood continues to experiment with new genres and storytelling techniques, improvisation is becoming an increasingly important tool for actors to connect with their audience on a deeper, more authentic level. In recent Bollywood releases, films like Jawan and Gully Boy exemplify how actors have used improvisation to add depth to their characters. In Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan improvised several moments in the film, particularly in the scenes involving high-intensity action and dialogue delivery, where his spontaneous additions helped accentuate his character's complex personality.

Similarly, Ranveer Singh in Gully Boy used improvisation to bring authenticity to his role as a street rapper, often infusing his own life experiences into the character of Murad. The film's rap sequences, particularly the freestyle battles, allowed Singh to creatively improvise his performance, making the scenes feel more organic and engaging for the audience. Another recent example comes from Badhaai Do, where Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar were given the freedom to improvise in several scenes, particularly those involving family dynamics and humor. Their off-script exchanges added to the comedic timing and realism of the characters, making their interactions feel more relatable and heartfelt. These examples highlight how Bollywood actors continue to push the boundaries of their craft, utilizing improvisation to enhance storytelling and make their performances resonate more deeply with audiences.