It is often said that success is not earned overnight and there are many examples in Bollywood that prove how true this statement is. There are many actors who worked hard and did common jobs like anyone else to make things work. Check out this list of 10 actors who had completely different careers before acting.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui: Chemist, Watchman
Born into a family of farmers and being the eldest of his eight siblings, Nawazuddin worked as a chemist in Vadodara for a year, before leaving for Delhi in search of a new job. He was drawn towards acting in Delhi and joined NSD. He even worked as a watchman to make ends meet. (Nawazuddin Siddiqui facts)
Boman Irani: Waiter
Boman completed his polytechnic diploma course from Mithibai College and then he joined the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower and worked there as a waiter and room service staff. He later turned to photography in 1987 and continued with it until he became an actor.
Ranveer Singh: Copywriter
Though Ranveer was always fascinated with cinema, he focused on creative writing. After completing his studies, Ranveer Singh worked in advertising as a copywriter, with agencies like O&M and J. Walter Thompson. He then worked as an assistant director but left it to pursue acting.
Amitabh Bachchan: Shipping Executive
Big B’s first-ever job was with a shipping firm as an executive. He later worked as a freight broker for another shipping firm. He even tried being a radio announcer but was rejected by All India Radio due to his baritone.
Akshay Kumar: Chef and Waiter
Khiladi Kumar always wanted to do something on his own. After obtaining a black belt in Taekwondo in India, he moved to Bangkok to learn Muay Thai. He had to work as a chef and waiter there. When he returned to India, he started working as a martial arts teacher and eventually got a modelling assignment from one of his students who was an aspiring photographer.
John Abraham: Media Planner
John started his career as a model but then started working with a media firm as he was an MBA. He then worked as a media planner for Enterprises-Nexus. This was before he won the Gladrags Manhunt Contest and appeared in many music videos too.
Arshad Warsi: Salesman
Orphaned at the age of 14, Arshad struggled for a living in Mumbai. Due to the financial crisis, Arshad Warsi was forced to work as a door to door cosmetic salesman. Later he worked in a photo lab. He always had an interest in dancing and when he received an offer from Akbar Sami’s Dance group in Mumbai, he joined them immediately.
Randeep Hooda: Waiter, Taxi Driver
Randeep Hooda enjoyed appearing in front of people since his school days. But due to his family’s pressure, he pursued studies. He completed his graduation and post-graduation in Australia and while he was there, he worked in a Chinese restaurant, a car wash, as a waiter and for two years as a taxi driver. On his return to India, he worked in the marketing department of an airline before taking up modelling.
Kay Kay Menon: Advertising
This talented actor has a major in Marketing. His initial focus was working in the advertising industry including Kinetic Honda and Marlboro cigarette advertisements in India. But things changed when he met his now-wife Nivedita Bhattacharya and got into theatre.
R. Madhavan: Public Speaker
Ranganathan Madhavan was a studious chap while in school. He had a degree in Electronics and also got to travel abroad frequently due to his involvement in NCC cadets. He wanted to join the Royal Air Force at one point but could not do so and began teaching courses on public speaking and personality development skills. This was before he came to Mumbai.
Aren’t these stories inspiring?