8 film stars who had unusual jobs before hitting stardom

Aug 21, 2024

By: Ayush Mehrotra

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar worked as a waiter and chef in Bangkok, Thailand. He also worked as a martial arts instructor before entering Bollywood.

Credit: TOI

Rajinikanth

The superstar of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth, worked as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service before he joined the Madras Film Institute.

Credit: TOI

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Before his acting career took off, Nawazuddin Siddiqui worked as a chemist and later as a watchman in Delhi.

Credit: TOI

Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar started as a canteen owner and dry fruit seller in Pune before actress Devika Rani discovered him, casting him in his debut film, Jwar Bhata.

Credit: TOI

Boman Irani

Boman Irani worked as a waiter at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. He later joined his family business before he found his calling in acting.

Credit: TOI

John Abraham

Before becoming an actor, John Abraham worked as a media planner for an ad agency. He also modelled and appeared in music videos.

Credit: TOI

Arshad Warsi

Arshad Warsi started his career as a door-to-door cosmetics salesman and later became a choreographer before his acting career took off.

Credit: TOI

Randeep Hooda

Randeep Hooda worked as a waiter and taxi driver in Australia while studying before he returned to India to pursue acting.

Credit: TOI

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