Unlike the actresses there were hardly that many stand out male performances this year. We whittled down to six of what were a little out of the box, stood out, were diverse and a little different. Overall though, the actors, we felt, were too busy chasing box office glory to do anything worthwhile in the acting department.

We're hoping though, that 2015 has better things in store and by the look of things that may definitely be the case. Coming back to 2014, the actors that we doffed our hats too this year were: 

AAMIR KHAN – PK

Gotta hand it to Aamir. His versatility knows no bounds, and he went on to prove it yet again in Hirani's well intentioned satire about an extraterrestrial that gets stranded on earth, only to unwittingly uncover that humans are in fact very bitter creatures jut out for their own selfish gains and needs. It was Aamir at his finest especially after last year's ho hum Dhoom:3, and easily one of the better performances this year – one that stood out even more if you pit it against the mediocre acts his contemporaries churned out.

ABHISHEK BACHCHAN – HAPPY NEW YEAR

It could have been very easy to get lost in a sea of characters, especially in a film that toplined Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, but Abhishek, confidently held his own in what was undoubtedly one of the most humorous performances of the year. His quirky Nandu – a character that barfs on unsuspecting victims, was undoubtedly a little over the top, but Abhishek hit the right notes with his impeccable comic timing, and was one of the strongest points in Farah Khan's big budget extravaganza, Happy New Year.

ARJUN KAPOOR – 2 STATES

In a year filled with swagger and wannabe style, Arjun's was a likeable, earnest performance in what was essentially a staple Dharma rom-com. His average Joe, Krish was relatable and his believable down to earth character's love story with Southern sizzler Ananya could well have been anyone's story. Arjun very rightly down played the part and left a lasting impression in what eventually turned out to be one of the year's biggest hits.

RANDEEP HOODA – HIGHWAY

In Imtiaz Ali's Highway, it was Alia that walked away with all the hosannas, but Randeep's performance as a rogue kidnapper stood out too especially in a year filled mostly with nonsensical performances. It was a dark, troubled and complex character which Randeep pulled off with unbridled aplomb and one which laid bare the untapped talent that the man has at his disposal. Isn't it time he got his due?

RITEISH DESHMUKH – EK VILLAIN

The biggest surprise in a film that was banking heavily on its lead pair's chemistry was Riteish's cold blooded, heartless turn as a psychotic serial killer that preys on unsuspecting innocent women. It was completely unlike the silly characters that Riteish has done before, and a performance that made many stand up and take notice of an actor who until now has only been cast in ridiculous slapstick comedies.

SHAHID KAPOOR – HAIDER

Despite some of its difficult underlying Shakespearean subtext, what stood out tall in Vishal Bhardwaj's dark, intriguing Hamlet adaptation Haider were its performances, particularly that of its lead character played with heart wrenching honesty by Shahid Kapoor. Shahid was simply awe inspiring in the film, and never once went overboard, successfully conveying an inner conflict and pathos that he hasn’t brought to any of his recent films. Hands down one of the best performances of this year and undoubtedly Shahid's finest.

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So there you have it. The men that delivered the most notable performances this year, took a chance and did something a little out of the box. It may or may not have resulted in box office returns, but at least they dared to be different. Do you agree with our shortlist? Let us know below!