By Kashvi Raj Singh,News18

Copyright news18

These actors, now Bollywood stars, were not born into film royalty, yet today they are setting trends, breaking box office records and rewriting the script for every talent who dreams of stepping into the industry. With their dedication, art and passion for films, they have proved one does not need to be Kapoor or Khan to make it big in the industry. As they continue to redefine cinema, let’s take a look at the top Bollywood stars who began their journey as an outsider.
Kartik Aaryan
From being rejected for his unconventional looks to becoming Bollywood’s heartthrob, Kartik Aaryan’s rise is nothing short of a true underdog story. His unforgettable monologue in Pyaar Ka Punchnama shot him to fame and it was followed by hits like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Luka Chuppi and Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019). After delivering an impressive performance in Chandu Champion and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, he is now set to star alongside Ananya Panday in Tu Meri Mai Tera, Mai Tera Tu Meri.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Hailing from a small village in Uttar Pradesh, Nawazuddin Siddiqui began her career with tiny roles in films like Sarfarosh and Munna Bhai MBBS. He finally got his breakthrough in Gangs of Wasseypur and later on, his authentic performances in Sacred Games, Manto and Haddi have made him one of India’s most respected actors.
Radhika Apte
Starting with theatre, Radhika transitioned to films and became a global name through independent cinema and OTT hits. From Parched and Phobia to Andhadhun and Sacred Games, she has proven that powerful storytelling doesn’t need commercial additions.
Pankaj Tripathi
Before becoming a powerhouse performer, he worked as a chef in Bihar and trained at the National School of Drama. His career took off after Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) and he has since become a household name with projects like Mirzapur, Mimi, Stree and Stree 2. Tripathi’s nuanced acting style and grounded persona have made him one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.
Rajkummar Rao
A graduate of FTII, Rajkummar Rao made his debut with Love Sex Aur Dhokha but gained prominence with Shahid which won him a National Award. Since then, his performances in Trapped, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Newton and Stree have cemented his status as one of India’s finest talents.
Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu is known for picking unconventional, challenging roles that make a statement. After starting her career in South Indian cinema, she made her Bollywood mark with Pink (2016) and went on to impress with Thappad, Badla and Saand Ki Aankh. Not to miss gems like Haseen Dillruba. She is now set to feature alongside Ishwak Singh in Gandhari.
Ayushmann Khurrana
Ayushmann Khurrana has mastered the art of mixing entertainment with social relevance. From a reality show winner to a star, his Bollywood journey kicked off with Vicky Donor. The actor hasn’t looked back since, delivering critically acclaimed films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Article 15 and Badhaai Ho.
Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon’s journey from modeling to Bollywood success has always piqued fans’ interest. She started with Heropanti where she proved her acting prowess with Bareilly Ki Barfi and Mimi. For Mimi, she was even presented with a National Award and deservingly so.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra’s journey is a depiction of resilience and hard work. A National Award winner in India, she made her mark in Hollywood with Quantico and big-budget films, becoming a global star. Priyanka is now happily married to Nick Jonas and is a proud mother to Baby Malti Marie. Fans are eagerly waiting for her return to Indian cinema with the much-anticipated project of SS Rajamouli, co-starring Mahesh Babu.
Shah Rukh Khan
No list of Bollywood outsiders is complete without Shah Rukh Khan. From TV serials to becoming the King of Bollywood, SRK’s journey is one for the books. His anti-hero roles in Baazigar and Darr changed the game and DDLJ made him a global icon. Decades later, Pathaan and Jawan proved he is far from stopping and we couldn’t be happier.