KATHMANDU: Stars Rajinikanth, Ranveer Singh, Johnny Lever, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Akshay Kumar are household names today with immense popularity worldwide. Their performances on the big screen and charm have landed them among one of the industry’s finest. But before their stardom, these actors walked a tough path, undertaking regular jobs to eke out a living. From security guards to copywriters, waiters to conductors on buses, their past struggles are as captivating as their rise to fame. A look at what these stars did before venturing into the movies.

Rajinikanth – From Bus Conductor to a Living Legend

Rajinikanth is not merely a superstar—he’s a deity in South India, with temples being built in his name. But before he became the “Thalaiva” of Indian cinema, he used to be a bus conductor. His unique style and demeanor caught the attention of a filmmaker, who provided him with a break in movies. Now, his offbeat mannerisms and way of uttering lines make him one of India’s most iconic actors.

Akshay Kumar – From Washing the Dishes to Bollywood’s Khiladi

Someone popular for his energetic acts and perseverance, Akshay Kumar struggled at first to survive. The martial arts artist moved to Bangkok and worked as a waiter at a hotel. Besides serving customers, he did utensil washing and table cleaning as well. He also got skills in cooking, an aspect which continues to wow his supporters up to now.

Johnny Lever – The Born Entertainer Who Sold Pens

Comedy icon Johnny Lever was a born performer long before he stepped into the Bollywood scene. Selling pens on the street corner, he entertained people with his imitations and jokes. People laughed so much that they actually bought more pens than his boss could have ever dreamed of! The same comedic talent would later make him one of India’s most beloved comedians.

Parineeti Chopra – A Banker Who Found Her Destiny in Cinema

Unlike her cousin Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti never dreamed of becoming an actress. She dreamed of becoming a banker and actually worked with the Public Relations department at Yash Raj Films. It was only later that she realized her love for acting and found her niche in Bollywood.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui – From Factory Worker to a Highly Acclaimed ActorOne of Bollywood’s finest actors, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, struggled before becoming an overnight sensation. Pivoting between being a theatre actor, he sometimes couldn’t afford to pay rent or purchase food. He did what he could simply to live, performing tasks from working as a security guard and even taking up a job at a chemical factory before finally being noticed in the film industry.

Ranveer Singh – The Copywriter Turned Superstar

Ranveer Singh was previously a copywriter in an advertisement agency. Before that, although he had been doing a reasonably good job in his life and profession, somehow it was satisfying. A close friend suggested acting to him one day, that nudge would change his whole life. Thereafter, that boy is also one of the most vibrant, lively actors at present.

R. Madhavan – the engineering graduate with an English lesson

Millions know R. Madhavan from 3 Idiots, but very few know that his life itself is a reenactment of the character he played in the movie. He has an Electronics Engineering degree, but he always wanted to be an actor. He took up English teaching jobs, where he taught spoken English to survive. Hard work brought him to Bollywood, and now he’s making waves in Hollywood too.
All these stars started from nothing, proving that hard work, perseverance, and passion are sufficient to achieve one’s aspirations. Their lives are a source of inspiration for everyone trying to achieve anything despite all obstacles.