Bollywood actors who worked in the industry before their acting debut

Worked as a voice narrator for Bhuvan Shome (1969) before his acting breakthrough. His deep baritone later became one of Bollywood’s most iconic voices.

Amitabh Bachchan 

Did behind-the-scenes work and small TV crew jobs before acting in TV serials like Fauji. His early exposure to sets shaped his on-screen confidence.

Shah Rukh Khan

Started as a photographer and theatre backstage worker. He shot portfolio pictures for aspiring models before acting in films.

Boman Irani

Worked as a chemist and also a watchman at a film studio before entering NSD. He did background and extra roles long before becoming a lead actor.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Began as a model and even worked as a travel agency employee. He appeared in advertisements before his first big role in Hero (1983).

Jackie Shroff

Did small, uncredited parts and crowd scenes in films before getting his break in Love Sex Aur Dhokha. He observed film sets closely to learn the craft.

Rajkummar Rao 

Entered the industry as a model walking for major designers. She was spotted during a commercial shoot before being cast in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

Anushka Sharma

Worked as a radio jockey and TV host (MTV Roadies winner) before acting in films. His communication skills and spontaneity came from those days.

Ayushmann Khurrana

Bhumi worked as an casting assistant in Yash Raj Studio before making her debut in the Bollywood film Dumm Lagake Haisha.

Bhumi Pednekar