There was a time when Bollywood was ruled by famous families. Families like the Kapoors, Khans and Bachchans dominated the scene. While many of these celebrity families still continue to be powerful, the industry has seen a major change which has allowed talented outsiders to carve a niche from themselves. Here are some celebrities who, despite their humble backgrounds, made it big in tinsel town solely on their talents:
1. Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Before making it big in the movie scene, Nawazuddin spent his first few struggling years as a security guard. Hailing from a humble background, Nawazuddin’s family thought he would like a comfortable life being a pharmacist. But he and his destiny had other plans. After moving out of his village, he worked as a security guard before getting his major breakthrough. Today, he’s one of the most respected actors in the industry.
2. Anushka Sharma
She openly claims that she never had a father figure in the industry and she’s reached where she has, purely on her talent and confidence. Coming from an army background, she’s just another regular person when she’s off the silver screen! Today, apart from being an award-winning performer, Anushka is also a producer, and her first venture was the highly acclaimed crime thriller, NH10!
3. Kangana Ranaut
She’s the perfect example of an empowered Indian woman who broke away from tradition to follow her own dreams. If it was up to her parents, today Kangana would have been a doctor. But she decided to relocate to Delhi at the age of 16 to start a career of her own. She briefly modeled before training under the theatre director Arvind Gaur. Today, with two national awards and Filmfare awards in three categories in her kitty, she’s one of the most talented actors in the industry.
4. Ayushmann Khurrana
Hailing from Chandigarh, Ayushmann got noticed at the age of 17. Before winning Roadies Season 2, Ayushmann auditioned for Channel V’s Popstars where he was the youngest contestant. After completing his graduation in Mass Communication, he went on to become a radio jockey at Big FM and a video jockey at MTV before landing his first major break with the movie Vicky Donor.
5. Priyanka Chopra
Even without a Godfather in the industry, Piggy Chops has managed to reach great heights. Yes, her Miss World title paved the path for her, but she won that title on her hard work, confidence, and intellectual answers. From award-winning performances in 7 Khoon Maaf and Fashion to an International Prime Time TV show, Quantico, Priyanka Chopra proved that you don’t need to be born with a silver spoon to make it big.
6. Randeep Hooda
After completing his schooling from DPS, R.K. Puram, Randeep moved to Melbourne to pursue his MBA degree. While doing his master’s degree, he worked at a Chinese restaurant, a car wash, waited tables and drove a taxi for two years. In 2000, he moved back to the country to work in the marketing department of an Airline company. He subsequently started modeling and working in amateur theatre in Delhi. While rehearsing for his first play, he received a call from director Mira Nair, who wanted him to audition for a part.
7. Sidharth Malhotra
A typical Delhi boy, Sidharth rose to fame after bagging a role in the movie Student of the Year. At the age of 18, Malhotra began modeling. Although he was successful, he decided to quit after four years because he was dissatisfied with the profession. In 2010, he worked as an AD for My Name is Khan post which he was cast in his first movie.
8. Deepak Dobriyal
Just like Kangana, Deepak started his acting career in 1994 with eminent theatre director Arvind Gaur. Dobriyal was born in the Satpul village of hill-flanked Uttrakhand but he moved to Delhi at the age of 5. Despite his humble background, his talent helped him break into the industry. While he’s known for his theater performances, his role in Tanu Weds Manu (1 & 2) and Omkara has given him much recognization.
9. John Abraham
John could possibly have been a high-flying corporate executive if it hadn’t been for his modeling career. He started modeling after appearing in the music video of the song “Surma” by Punjabi singer Jazzy B. After winning the Gladrag’s Manhunt Contest, he paved his way in the industry. Today, he’s not only an award-winning actor but also a film producer, who has produced movies like Vickey Donor and Madras Cafe.
10. Rajkumar Rao
This actor caught the acting bug quite young. He was only in class 10th when he became a part of his school’s theatre club. Later on, he graduated from Film and Television Institute of India, Pune before shifting to Mumbai. In 2010, he got his big break when he was cast in Love Sex aur Dhokha! He was awarded the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Shahid Azmi in the 2013 biographical film Shahid. And In 2014, Rao portrayed the leading man in the box office hit, Queen.
You don’t have to be born with a silver spoon to make it big. As long as you have the talent, you are sure to go places. It’s like saying, “Tu Jaanta nahi mera baap kaun hai, but you’ll know me.” This is exactly what this awesome anthem by #fame is talking about. Check out the video:
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