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Amar Upadhyay, Anita Hassanandani, Karan Singh Grover, and more popular personalities who could not make it big in Bollywood

Entertainment desk | September 22, 2025 / 12:16 IST
1/10
Amar Upadhyay  Amar Upadhyay was well-known for playing Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. After an unsuccessful Bollywood transfer with movies like Dhund: The Fog, he eventually came back to television.
Amar Upadhyay 
Amar Upadhyay was well-known for playing Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. After an unsuccessful Bollywood transfer with movies like Dhund: The Fog, he eventually came back to television.
2/10
Rajeev Khandelwal  Rajeev received great accolades for his Bollywood debut in Aamir after becoming extremely famous for series like Kahiin To Hoga and Left Right Left. He did not, however, find long-term popularity, and follow-up movies like Will You Marry Me? and Table No. 21 did not do well.
Rajeev Khandelwal 
Rajeev received great accolades for his Bollywood debut in Aamir after becoming extremely famous for series like Kahiin To Hoga and Left Right Left. He did not, however, find long-term popularity, and follow-up movies like Will You Marry Me? and Table No. 21 did not do well.
3/10
Karan Singh Grover  His film career never really took off, despite his reputation as a heartthrob in shows like Dill Mill Gayye. Alone, his Bollywood debut, and subsequent films like Hate Story 3, were met with a lackluster reception.
Karan Singh Grover 
His film career never really took off, despite his reputation as a heartthrob in shows like Dill Mill Gayye. Alone, his Bollywood debut, and subsequent films like Hate Story 3, were met with a lackluster reception.
4/10
Aamna Sharif  The star of the hit show Kahiin To Hoga, Aamna left television to pursue Bollywood. However, her films, including Aloo Chaat and Aao Wish Karein, failed to establish her in the industry, leading her back to television.
Aamna Sharif 
The star of the hit show Kahiin To Hoga, Aamna left television to pursue Bollywood. However, her films, including Aloo Chaat and Aao Wish Karein, failed to establish her in the industry, leading her back to television.
5/10
Apurva Agnihotri  Apurva's film career halted after a promising Bollywood beginning in the popular movie Pardes. Later, he achieved considerable reputation and success on television thanks to programs like Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin.
Apurva Agnihotri 
Apurva's film career halted after a promising Bollywood beginning in the popular movie Pardes. Later, he achieved considerable reputation and success on television thanks to programs like Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin.
6/10
Gurmeet Choudhary  The actor, who rose to prominence playing Lord Rama in Ramayana and as the lead in Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi, struggled to make his mark in films. His Bollywood releases, such as Khamoshiyan and Wajah Tum Ho, could not make it big at the box office. He continues to play parts in movies and be seen in the upcoming film, The Battle of Shatrughat. 
Gurmeet Choudhary 
The actor, who rose to prominence playing Lord Rama in Ramayana and as the lead in Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi, struggled to make his mark in films. His Bollywood releases, such as Khamoshiyan and Wajah Tum Ho, could not make it big at the box office. He continues to play parts in movies and be seen in the upcoming film, The Battle of Shatrughat.
7/10
Maniesh Paul Though a popular TV host known for his comic timing, Maniesh's foray into Bollywood as a lead actor did not succeed. His films, including Mickey Virus and Tere Bin Laden 2, failed to impress critics or audiences. He continues to host television shows and award functions. 
Maniesh Paul
Though a popular TV host known for his comic timing, Maniesh's foray into Bollywood as a lead actor did not succeed. His films, including Mickey Virus and Tere Bin Laden 2, failed to impress critics or audiences. He continues to host television shows and award functions.
8/10
Jay Bhanushali  A successful TV actor and host, Jay's film career, which included movies like Hate Story 2 and Ek Paheli Leela, did not match his television popularity.
Jay Bhanushali 
A successful TV actor and host, Jay's film career, which included movies like Hate Story 2 and Ek Paheli Leela, did not match his television popularity.
9/10
Anita Hassanandani  Having established a successful TV career with popular shows like Kavyanjali, Anita appeared in several Bollywood films, but none were able to give her the big break she sought. Her filmography includes Kucch To Hai and a small role in Ragini MMS 2.
Anita Hassanandani 
Having established a successful TV career with popular shows like Kavyanjali, Anita appeared in several Bollywood films, but none were able to give her the big break she sought. Her filmography includes Kucch To Hai and a small role in Ragini MMS 2.
10/10
Barun Sobti  Following his enormous popularity from the serial Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, Barun took a break from TV to pursue Bollywood. His debut film, Main Aur Mr. Riight, was a box-office failure, and he has now returned to web series. 
Barun Sobti 
Following his enormous popularity from the serial Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, Barun took a break from TV to pursue Bollywood. His debut film, Main Aur Mr. Riight, was a box-office failure, and he has now returned to web series.

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