10 Bollywood outsiders who made it big in the film industry

 India is a country of business families where lineage is paramount in their line of work. Bollywood held a similar pattern for the longest time. Bollywood was seen as a bastion of star kids and insiders with the impression that outsiders couldn't flourish. Fast forward to many years later, and the way a star is born has changed drastically. Without Bollywood "godfathers", these stars have single-handedly defied the odds and changed the narrative of what it means to be a star.

10 STARS WHO MADE IT BIG WITHOUT BOLLYWOOD GODFATHERS 

1. Kartik Aaryan

Kartik Aaryan was an outsider who conquered Bollywood with his quick wit and charm. But before he made it big, he was rejected for his unconventional looks. He made his big break with Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011), where he stole the show with a 5-minute monologue that left the audience hooked at first sight. He proved his mettle with films like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), Luka Chuppi (2019), and Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019) over the years. Kartik's rags-to-riches story from a small-town boy to one of the leading stars of Bollywood is a testament to his hard work, determination, and natural on-screen presence.

2. Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Hailing from a village in Uttar Pradesh, Nawazuddin Siddiqui probably never imagined he'd become one of India's most acclaimed actors for his raw and authentic roles. Having studied at the National School of Drama, he toiled for years to land more than a cameo in films such as Sarfarosh (1999) and Munna Bhai MBBS (2003). His big moment arrived with Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), where his raw and gritty performance as Faizal Khan left viewers agog. Since then, he has made a mark with the Netflix series, Sacred Games (2019-2019), Manto (2018) and Haddi (2023).

3. Pankaj Tripathi

Pankaj Tripathi's journey to success in Bollywood was slow but remarkable. Before he became a popular household name, he was a Bihar-based chef. After he joined the National School of Drama, he worked in small roles in films like Omkara (2006) and Run (2004). But it was only until his raw talent in Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) was discovered that he became a force to be reckoned with as a powerhouse performer. The success of Mirzapur (2018), Mimi (2021), Stree (2018) and Stree 2 (2024) took him places and he is far from hitting the stop button on his success. 

4. Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao is admired for his versatility and transformative performances. He honed his craft at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) before making his Bollywood debut in Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010). His breakthrough came with Shahid (2013), earning him a National Award and setting the stage for an illustrious career. Since then, he has delivered remarkable performances in films like Trapped (2016), Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), Newton (2017), and Stree (2018). Whether portraying a romantic lead, a small-town everyman, or a psychologically complex character, Rao’s ability to adapt effortlessly has cemented his place as one of the industry's most celebrated actors.

5. Radhika Apte

Radhika Apte has carved a unique space for herself by consistently choosing unconventional and powerful roles. Born in Pune, she began her journey in theatre before transitioning to the screen. While she had brief stints in Bollywood with films like Shor in the City (2011), it was through independent cinema and web series that she gained international recognition. With standout performances in Parched (2015), Phobia (2016), Andhadhun (2018), and acclaimed web series like Sacred Games (2018-2019) and Ghoul (2018), Apte has proven her ability to take on complex, impactful characters. Unlike many in mainstream cinema, she has built a diverse career spanning multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and even international films.

6. Ayushmann Khurrana

Ayushmann Khurrana’s journey began with his win on Roadies Season 2, followed by a stint as a radio jockey before he made his Bollywood debut with Vicky Donor (2012). With no industry connections, he took a leap of faith by choosing unconventional roles—an approach which proved to be a game-changer. From addressing sperm donation in Vicky Donor (2012) to body image in Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015) and social issues in Article 15 (2019), he has built a career on films which blend entertainment with meaningful narratives. His bold choices have paid off, cementing his place as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars today.

7. Vicky Kaushal

An engineering graduate turned actor, Vicky Kaushal made his Bollywood debut with Masaan (2015), earning critical acclaim right from the start. Unlike many who chase commercial success early on, he built his reputation with powerful performances in films like Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016), Raazi (2018), and Sanju (2018). His breakthrough into mainstream stardom came with Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), which not only won him a National Award but also cemented his place as a leading man. Today, Vicky is one of Bollywood’s most sought-after actors, proving that talent and perseverance can carve a path in an industry often dominated by legacy names.

8. Taapsee Pannu

Taapsee Pannu started her career in South Indian cinema before making her mark in Bollywood. With no industry connections, she relied solely on her talent to stand out—and she did just that with Pink (2016), where her powerful portrayal of a sexual harassment survivor earned widespread acclaim. She has since taken on impactful roles in films like Badla (2019), Thappad (2020), and Saand Ki Aankh (2019), challenging gender norms and societal narratives. Her sharp eye for meaningful scripts has solidified her place as one of Bollywood’s most formidable female performers.

9. Kriti Sanon

Kriti Sanon stepped into Bollywood without any industry connections, beginning her journey as a model before making her debut with Heropanti (2014). While her early films leaned towards commercial entertainers, she proved her acting mettle with Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) and delivered a career-defining performance in Mimi (2021), where she portrayed a surrogate mother. Her evolution from a glamorous lead to a performer known for depth and versatility showcases her determination to carve a lasting legacy beyond mainstream stardom.

10. Shah Rukh Khan

What can be said for the Badshaah of Bollywood that hasn't been said already? Shah Rukh Khan’s journey from a middle-class boy in Delhi to Bollywood's biggest superstar to a globally-renowned legend is the ultimate tale of perseverance and ambition. With no industry backing, he took a bold route early on, playing anti-hero roles in Baazigar (1993) and Darr (1993) before redefining romance with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). Beyond acting, he has built Red Chillies Entertainment, co-owns the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, and became one of the world’s richest stars. His global influence and record-breaking comebacks with Pathaan (2023) and Jawan (2023) prove that his legacy isn’t just about stardom—it’s about inspiring millions to dream big and achieve the impossible.

The success stories of these Bollywood stars prove that no dream is too large when you have the determination to turn dreams into reality. 

Text by Divya Batra

Edited by Sabrina Mathews, Dayle Pereira