Bollywood is an industry that is often criticized for camps and its insider favorite. But there are some artists who made their own place in this industry only on the basis of their true talent and hard work.
These five magnificent artists started their career without any family connection or Godfather and started from zero to fame. His journey is a true example of struggle and confidence in Indian cinema.
Manoj Bajpayee
Born at a farmer in Bihar, Manoj Bajpayee had to face rejection four times in the National School of Drama before stepping into the theater. After many years of struggle and small roles, Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya in 1998 gave him a chance to show his extraordinary talent on the big screen.
Manoj received his first National Film Award for the role of Bhiku Mhatre. Today, actor Gangs is known for his acting in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, The Family Man, Aligarh, who has strengthened his legacy as an actor that gives more arts to art than commercial appeal.
Rajkumar Rao
Rajkummar Rao has been fond of acting since childhood and he used to participate in many school plays along with studies. He said that actor ‘Manoj Bajpayee’ had a big hand behind adopting acting as a profession, inspired by him, he enrolled in Rao FTII.
After acting in films like Love, Sex and Cheat, Ragini MMS and Shaitan, she got success and fame from the role of Govind Govi Patel in Kai Po Che! In a very short time, Rajkummar Rao became an actor who emerged as an actor who is capable of filling different colors in each character.
Vineet Kumar Singh
Despite being a qualified doctor, Vineet’s first love has always been acting, for which he has tolerated rejection and small roles for almost two decades. He finally got success from Mukkabaz in 2018, which was a story written by Vineet himself and for which he trained as a boxer for more than two years.
His recent performance in Chhawa, Superboys of Malegaon and Jat reflect his extraordinary range and commitment to versatility and even love for the art of acting. Which makes him one of the most respected, underaced artists of cinema.
Jaideep Ahlawat
Even though Gangs of Wasseypur gave Jaideep Ahlawat an initial identity, the streaming series Patal Lok, in 2020, gave this FTII graduate a proper identity about a decade after his introduction. Which finally demonstrated his unprecedented talent as a lead actor. Late success in Ahlawat’s career proves that every obstacle of the industry can be overcome on the strength of patience and dedication.
Randeep Hooda
Randeep Hooda, who made her debut with Meera Nair’s monsoon wedding, had to wait for 4 years before getting her second film. His career began again from Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, but his brilliant performance in the Highway and Sarabjit established him as one of the most dedicated actors in India. He also proved himself at a global level by working in an international film like Extraction starring Chris Hemsworth for Hooda’s roles.
These actors not only share the absence of industry connections – but also show that Bollywood is now beginning to give importance to skills and struggle. He has opened the way not only for himself, but also for all outsiders who come to Mumbai with dreams. His journey proves that true art can never remain hidden – she makes her own place.
