Lessons from 18 Bollywood Star's Struggle Stories

Who fought a  deadly struggle for stardom

Can you wait for 5 to10 years for a break? Can you arrange sufficient money for living in Mumbai for long periods without a job?

There is no arguing the fact that behind every successful man, there is a woman. But a lesser known fact is that behind every success story there is a period of hardships, failure and misery.

Fame never comes easy, especially for stars. Contrary to popular belief, not all Bollywood stars were served fame and money on a silver platter.

Many biggies like Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Dharmendra faced failure, disapproval and the wrath of sadists but what makes their story worth giving a read is that they went against all odds and came out winners.

The struggle period was long and frightening! Many of them had no house, not even a morsel of food and survived on a petty amount. They never gave up! Just went on kicking with sheer grit and incredible determination.



1. Amitabh Bachchan 
After being rejected by a radio company many times, Amitabh Bachchan used to sleep on a bench on Marine drive during his struggling days. Struggled for 8 years before he was an established star.

2. Madhuri Dixit
She never got positive reviews as a newcomer in Bollywood. People never thought that she would become this big in the industry. Struggled for 5 years before a true break.

3. Boman Irani 
Munnabhai MBBS fame Boman Irani used to work as a waiter at the Taj hotel! Struggle period to be in Bollywood-5 years.

4. Jackie Shroff 
Before becoming a star, Jackie Shroff used to live in a Chawl in Teen Batti, Mumbai and use to walk longer or travel by local train for a role for 6 years.

5. Shah Rukh Khan
The Badshah slept on roads near the Oberoi hotel for many days before he got a role in Deewana opposite Divya Bharti. Struggled for 20 years before his film was a hit- "DDLJ"

6. Dev Anand
This legendary actor worked as a clerk before he became a star. He earned Rs 85 per month for 5-7 years.

7.  Dilip Kumar
During struggling days, Dilip Kumar had no money to shuffle between home and film studios. Former BCCI president PM Rungta would give him money to travel. A story of 7 year struggle.

8. Neha Dhupia
The former Miss India Neha Dhupia used to help models with their shoes backstage for a long period.

9. Akshay Kumar 
Would shuffle between Bangkok, Singapore and India and sell clothes and other products. The Khiladi also tried his hands at aiding people to buy and sell flats, he would cut his
commission in between. Struggled for 5 years before a true break.

10. Dharmendra 
It has been reported that there were times when Dharmendra didn’t even have a morsel of food. Had to face a terrible struggle for years.

11. Manoj Kumar
He made a living as a ghostwriter. He was paid Rs 11 per scene. Struggled for 5 years before a true break
12. Rajnikanth
The God of the south, Rajinikanth was a bus conductor in Bangalore. Struggled for 9 years before was established as a star.

13. Zeenat Aman
Before Hare Rama Hare Krishna happened for Zeenat Aman, she was all packed to return to Germany with her mother as all her movies had failed miserably. Struggled for 4 years before a true break.
14. Johnny Lever 
13. Before Getting His Big Break, Johnny Lever Was A Part Of Kalyanji-Anandji’s Group, But Was Hardly Getting Any Work. In Those Days, One Of The Comedian’s Friends Gave Him A Musical Instrument. Lever Did Not Know Much About It And Gave It To Kalyanji-Anandji. The Duo Started Using The Instrument In Their Compositions And Paid Lever Rs 1,000-1500 Per Month For The Same. Struggled for 9 years before recognition.

15. Irrfan Khan
Early In His Career, The Versatile Irrfan Khan Wasn’t Paid For Some Of The Movies In Which He Acted. The Producers Bluntly Told Him That His Work Doesn’t Merit Any Pay. Struggled for 6 years for a true break

16. Sonu Sood 
While Shooting At Filmcity, Sonu Sood Recently Tweeted That As A Struggler He Once Had A Pay A Bribe To Get An Entry Into The Studio. Struggled for 8 years before a true break.

17. Govinda
Who Used To Stay In A Chawl In Virar, Would Go To Rajshri Studio Everyday, But Was Rejected On The Basis Of Being Too Young. Not Disheartened, Govinda Even Made A Show Reel In Which He Was Seen Acting And Dancing, And Showed It To The Production House. Struggled for 8 years before a true break.

18. Manoj Bajpai
At A Time When Manoj Bajpai Had No Money At All, He Agreed To Do The Serial Swabhimaan For A Mere Fee Of Rs 2,000. Struggled for 7 years.
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Author's comments:

The Success Requirements for An Actor in Today's Competitive Envirnment

1. Learning contemporary acting techniques
2. Developing your acting instrument (body and mind)
3. A first grade knowledge of the entertainment industry
4. To be an excellent public relations man or a woman
5. Developing a thick skin to face rejections, sarcasm and insult
6. Excellent command of Hindi and English
7. Knowledge of computers and to be an internet research freak
8. To be a great marketing and promotional guy
9. An access to sufficient financial resources for a long time
10. And finally, an ability  to struggle for years would be a key factor for your success or failure as an actor.

Do you fulfill the above requirements or ready to learn and develop till your death?

Do you have the determination, dedication and persistence for long periods? 

If Yes, then don't lose Hope! Because