Despite the Indian film industry being dominated by insiders and star kids, there are many self-made actors who have made a name for themselves in Bollywood. These individuals are shining examples of how hard work, determination, and sheer talent can take you to great heights in the entertainment world. While names like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, and Anushka Sharma often come to mind when discussing self-made stars, there are many other actors who have proven themselves on their own merit. Here are seven such actors who have achieved great success in Bollywood without any support, proving that anything is possible if you have the drive and dedication to make it happen. These talented individuals have become some of our favourite stars, and they continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting the odds may seem.
Here is a list of 7 actors who made it big into Bollywood on their own!
1. Ayushmann Khurrana
Ayushmann Khurrana’s journey to Bollywood stardom was far from ordinary. He didn’t make his grand entrance to the big screen right away; instead, he ventured into the entertainment industry through the airwaves as a radio jockey. His undeniable talent and ambition led him to conquer yet another arena, as he emerged victorious in ‘Roadies 2’, a popular reality show. However, it was his first film, ‘Vicky Donor,’ that catapulted him into the limelight and cemented his position as a household name. The unconventional storyline, centred around sperm donation, showcased Ayushmann’s impressive acting skills and boyish charm, which the audience found irresistible. Since then, Ayushmann has become a sought-after actor in Bollywood, with numerous awards and accolades under his belt, including a prestigious National Film Award. His spot on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list in 2019 was a testament to his growing popularity and influence. Not only an actor but he is also a singer with a voice so heavenly!
2. Siddhant Chaturvedi
Siddhant Chaturvedi’s rise to fame is a story of serendipity. The world almost missed out on his incredible talent had he followed his father’s path and pursued a career as a Chartered Accountant. Fortunately, he chose to take a leap of faith into the world of acting, and the rest is history. Audiences were spellbound by Siddhant’s captivating performance as MC Sher in the hit movie ‘Gully Boy.’ He left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, who eagerly waited for more of his exceptional acting. It’s no surprise that his performance earned him accolades, including the best debut and best support actor awards. Siddhant’s innate ability to bring his characters to life and make them relatable is what sets him apart from his peers. He has cemented his position as a rising star in Bollywood, and his fans can’t wait to see what he has in store for them next.
3. Kartik Aaryan
Back in 2011, a relatively unknown actor made his debut in Luv Ranjan’s comedy film ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’ and stole the show with his viral monologue. Little did anyone know that this actor was destined for greater heights in the Hindi film industry. Fast forward a few years, and this actor has become a force to be reckoned with, delivering one blockbuster hit after another. From ‘Sonu Ki Titu Ki Sweety’ to ‘Pati, Patni Aur Woh’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2,’ he has proven time and again that he is a versatile actor with a bright future ahead of him. It’s hard to believe that this multi-talented celebrity was once on the path to becoming an engineer. But fate had other plans for him, and now he’s counted among the most talented actors in the industry. With more exciting projects in the pipeline, there’s no stopping this rising star from reaching even greater heights of success.
4. Rajkummar Rao
Rajkummar Rao, the undisputed dark horse of Bollywood, has undoubtedly earned his stripes in the Indian film industry. Despite being a recipient of numerous accolades, including the esteemed National Film Award, the journey to success wasn’t without its share of hardships. A recent report by NDTV revealed a time when Rajkummar Rao had a mere Rs 18 in his account, a true testament to his perseverance and determination to achieve greatness. With his debut in Dibakar Banerjee’s ‘Love, Sex Aur Dhokha,’ Rajkummar Rao embarked on a remarkable journey of establishing himself as one of the most versatile and brilliant actors of his generation. From uproarious comedies to brooding, complex characters, he has taken on every role with aplomb, leaving audiences awestruck with his powerful performances.
5. Sayani Gupta
Sayani Gupta, a hidden gem in the world of acting, is long overdue for the recognition she truly deserves. While it’s no easy feat to stand out in a cast of powerhouse performers like Ayushmann Khurrana, Nassar, Manoj Pahwa, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Kumud Mishra, Sayani Gupta made an indelible mark on audiences with her stunning portrayal in ‘Article 15’. But that was just the tip of the iceberg for this multi-talented artist, who has proven her mettle time and again with an impressive body of work. From her captivating performance in ‘Jolly LLB 2’ to her poignant role in ‘Parched,’ her impressive range is on full display. With ‘Axone,’ ‘Posham Pa,’ ‘Margarita with a Straw,’ and ‘Four More Shots Please!’ among her other notable works, it’s clear that Sayani Gupta is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
6. Vikrant Massey
It was in 2019 that Vikrant’s incredible talent was truly recognized when he was offered the lead role in the critically acclaimed web series ‘Criminal Justice.’ The following year, he starred opposite Deepika Padukone in ‘Chhapaak’ and showcased his versatility yet again in ‘Haseen Dillruba,’ alongside Taapsee Pannu. Vikrant Massey’s journey to success in the acting industry is a testament to his unwavering determination and hard work. Before discovering his passion for acting, the versatile artist tried his hand at several odd jobs, including cleaning tables at a café in Versova, according to a report by the Mumbai Mirror. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Vikrant recently played one of the lead roles in ‘Gaslight’ opposite Chitrangda Sigh and Sara Ali Khan.
7. Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu’s journey to becoming a celebrated actress in Bollywood is nothing short of inspiring. As an outsider, she had to work harder than most to prove her worth in an industry known for its nepotism. Despite facing rejection and being spoken about in a “weird manner,” Taapsee never gave up on her dreams. Her hard work paid off when she made her debut in Bollywood with the critically acclaimed film ‘Chashme Baddoor’ in 2013. Since then, she has delivered remarkable performances in movies like ‘Pink,’ ‘Naam Shabana,’ ‘Mulk,’ ‘Badla,’ and ‘Thappad.’ She has also showcased her versatility as an actress, effortlessly transitioning from romantic roles to action-packed movies. Taapsee’s dedication to her craft has earned her a spot in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list for four consecutive years, starting in 2018. She continues to challenge herself with every new project, and her upcoming film ‘Dunki’ alongside Shah Rukh Khan promises to be another addition to her impressive body of work.
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