Bollywood stars who overcame their debut box office failure and rose to stardom

Sep 16, 2024

By: Ayush Mehrotra

Amitabh Bachchan

Even the Shahenshah of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan, faced a setback with his debut film Saat Hindustani (1969), which failed to make a mark at the box office. However, he later soared to stardom with iconic films like Zanjeer (1973), Sholay (1975), and Deewaar (1975).

Credit: BCCL

Ranbir Khan

His debut Saawariya (2007) was a commercial failure as it also clashed with Deepika and SRK starrer Om Shant Om, but he bounced back with hits like Wake Up Sid (2009), Rockstar (2011), and Barfi! (2012).

Credit: BCCL

Katrina Kaif

She debuted with Boom (2003), which bombed, but she gained success with Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005) and Namastey London (2007).

Credit: BCCL

Akshay Kumar

Although Akshay Kumar's recent films haven’t been performing well at the box office, facing tough times is not new for him. His debut film, Saugandh (1991), also failed to make an impact. Nevertheless, he quickly rose to fame as an action hero with Khiladi (1992) and solidified his status as a major star with hits like Hera Pheri (2000), Rowdy Rathore (2012), and Sooryavanshi (2021).

Credit: BCCL

Salman Khan

His first film, Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), didn’t make a mark, but his breakthrough came with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). He is now one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, with blockbuster hits like Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), and the Tiger franchise.

Credit: BCCL

Shraddha Kapoor

Her debut in Teen Patti (2010) went unnoticed, but she gained stardom with Aashiqui 2 (2013) and later solidified her position with hits like Ek Villain (2014), Chhichhore (2019) and Stree franchise.

Credit: BCCL

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Bebo, too, had a rocky start, with her debut film Refugee (2000) failing to impress at the box office. However, she rose to stardom with iconic films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Jab We Met (2007), and Good Newwz (2019).

Credit: BCCL

Madhuri Dixit

Her debut film Abodh (1984) went largely unnoticed, but she gained massive popularity with Tezaab (1988). She continued her reign with hits like Dil (1990), Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), and Devdas (2002).

Credit: BCCL

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

The Miss World titleholder had a failed start in Bollywood with her debut film Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997), which underperformed at the box office. However, she found success with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Devdas (2002), and Jodhaa Akbar (2008), cementing her place as one of Bollywood’s top actresses.

Credit: BCCL

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