The disappearing acts

From Timetable Subodh in Dil Chahta Hai to Willy Wonka’s OG Charlie, here are 10 actors who did only one iconic role

- Taranna Khetpal

Asad Dadarkar’s character has been living in our heads rent-free since the film’s 2001 release, The walking, talking, heart-shaped-balloon-giving nitpicker is what made the friendship seem real.

IRL, Dadarkar wasn’t an actor, just a friend who once didn’t let Farhan Akhtar stay a night in Vegas, because it didn’t fit the itinerary. Akhtar cast him as Subodh in revenge. Dadarkar came, delivered comedy gold, and disappeared.

Sgt Bob Johnson, from A Canterbury Tale

John Sweet, an actual US Army sergeant, was spotted in a military play while stationed in England during WWII. Director Michael Powell liked his soulful, unpolished authenticity, and gave him the role of the earnest Johnson. Sweet's role anchored the 1944 masterpiece. After the war, he returned to America to become a teacher.

Geeta, from Swades

Ashutosh Gowariker cast Gayatri Joshi because he wanted someone unfamiliar to Bollywood audiences. She was a beauty-pageant winner, and had turned down several roles before the 2004 film. She acted opposite Shah Rukh Khan, earned critical praise

and multiple Best Female Debut awards. Then she walked away, to wed businessman Vikas Oberoi in 2005. She is a rare case of Bollywood's most graceful one and done.

Joan of Arc, from The Passion of Joan of Arc