[3][4] In 1994, Kumar featured in 14 releases, including the successful Elaan, Mohra, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Suhaag and the romantic drama Yeh Dillagi, which earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Actor nomination.
He played a negative role in the latter, winning the Filmfare Best Villain Award and then appeared in Andaaz (2003), Aitraaz (2004), Khakee (2004) and Aan: Men at Work (2004) and Waqt (2005).
[2][12] In this period, Kumar also proved himself as a great comic actor when he featured in financially successful comedies like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Garam Masala (2005), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Namastey London (2007), Heyy Babyy (2007), Welcome (2007), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Singh Is Kinng (2008), Housefull (2010) and Tees Maar Khan (2010).
[14][15] In 2008, he founded the Hari Om Entertainment production company,[16] and hosted the reality shows Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and MasterChef India in 2010.
[18] Kumar again conquered the domestic box office in 2012 with his hit masala film Rowdy Rathore, the comedies Housefull 2 and Khiladi 786, and the satire OMG – Oh My God!