Bollywood, the ‘dreamland’ where we all, at some point in our lives have aspired to be(Or at least fantasized about it). It’s not easy to make it in an industry where thousands of immensely talented individuals try their luck everyday. While it is comparatively easy to gain entry in Bollywood for “star” kids, it’s really difficult when you don’t have any inside ‘connection’. However, there are always such individuals who with their hard work and perseverance, break all constraints and stereotypes and achieve their goals. Let’s have a look at some of the biggest stars who struggled really hard before establishing their names among all time greats
1. Amitabh Bachchan, the iconic superstar of Bollywood who was once rejected by radio stations for his baritone voice
Struggle story:
- Was once rejected by 2 radio stations due to his baritone voice
- Had to spend a few nights on a bench in Marine drive during his struggling days
- Gave 12 flops before delivering his first hit ‘Zanjeer’
2. Rajnikanth, the ‘Thalaiva’ of cinema, once worked as a bus conductor
Struggle story:
- Did odd jobs in Bangalore & Madras (Now Chennai)
- Worked as a coolie and a carpenter
- Also worked as a bus-conductor for BTS (Bangalore Trasnsport Service)
3. Shah Rukh Khan, the “King” Khan of Bollywood earned his first salary by working as an usher in a concert
Struggle story:
- During his early days, tried his hand at a restaurant business in Dariya Ganj, but failed
- Earned his first salary of Rs. 50 by working as an usher at a concert in Delhi
- Sold his own movie tickets at the day of release of his movie Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
4. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the National award winning actor who once worked as a watchman
Struggle story:
- Born in a farmer’s family and raised along with 8 siblings.
- Worked as a chemist after completing education.
- Also worked as a watchman due to lack of money.
- Made his bollywood debut in 1999 with ‘Sarfarosh’, but had to wait around 10 more years to get a major break in the industry.
5. Boman Irani, got his first ‘major’ break at the age of 44
Struggle story:
- Worked as a waiter at The Taj.
- Used to sell wafers at his mother’s bakery shop.
- Got his first major break at the age of 44.
6. Akshay Kumar, the true “Khiladi” of Bollywood once used to work as a waiter in a restaurant
Struggle story:
- Worked as a chef and a waiter.
- Also worked as a background dancer with dance groups.
- Used to sell clothes bought from Bangkok and Singapore to generate income.
7. Arshad Warsi, the hilarious and talented ‘Circuit’, once worked as a door to door cosmetics salesman
Struggle story:
- Orphaned at the age of 14.
- Left school after 10th standard.
- Worked as a door-to-door cosmetics salesman at the age of 17.
8. Johny Lever, one of the most noted comedians of Bollywood, once sold pens on the streets
Struggle story:
- Had to quit studying post 7th standard.
- Had to take up odd jobs at the age of 12.
- Used to sell pens on the streets.
- Also worked in Hindustan Lever Ltd. plant, where he picked up his last name ‘Lever’.
9. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the star director of Rang De Basanti, used to sell vacuum cleaners
Struggle story:
- Used to sell vacuum cleaners during his early days of career.
- Also worked as a spot boy and used to serve tea on the sets.
- Started his career in Bollywood as an Ad-film director.
These stories are not just to read and forget, we all can learn something from each of them. Doesn’t matter what you haven’t been able to do in the past. Your failures doesn’t matter. What really matters is that you’re here and you’re alive! So never give up on your dreams. “It’s not over until you win”!