Dictionary defines hero as 'a person, typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities.' Bollywood defines him as a person who loves to make a grand, action-packed entry, beat the villain into pulp, romance the heroine over a bunch of songs and dance, wear leather jackets and fancy aviators. And, lately, also ensure every new release garners a 100 crore opening.

At the same, there are gifted character actors demonstrating their mettle in films that doesn't require them to play a secondary protagonist around the afore-mentioned hero but play one themselves. Here's a look at this unconventional strain of leading men in Hindi films.

Boman Irani, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi

He's played the hysterical funnyman in hits like Main Hoon Naa, Munnabhai films, 3 Idiots and the not-so-nice fella in Don, Khosla Ka Ghosla and Veer Zaara. And while these films earned him suitable acclaim, the 52-year-old actor was never quite considered for the male lead's post until Bela Bhansali Sehgal cast him as a lonely lingerie salesman who finds true love in choreographer turned director turned actress Farah Khan in the upcoming comedy, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi.

Image: Poster of Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi