Rajinikanth to Nayanthara: South Indian stars and their jobs before acting

South Indian stars and their jobs before acting

By Entertainment Desk | July 14, 2025

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Nayanthara was a model and host of TV shows like Chamayam prior to her film debut in Manassinakkare (2003).

Nayanthara – Model and  TV Host

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Son of Mammootty, Dulquer graduated from Purdue University with a degree in business management. Prior to entering the film industry, he worked for an IT company in Dubai and even in the automobile industry.

Dulquer Salmaan – Business Manager

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Superstar Rajinikanth was a bus conductor for Bangalore’s KSRTC service prior to his illustrious acting career.

Rajinikanth – Bus Conductor

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Well-known actor Before switching to acting in the early 1970s, Mammootty was a licensed attorney and practiced law.

Mammootty – Lawyer

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Before taking a break from acting in 2009, Nivin Pauly, who is best known for movies like Thattathin Marayathu, worked at Infosys in Bangalore.

Nivin Pauly – Software Engineer

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Rakshit Shetty, a Kannada celebrity, started his career as a software engineer before deciding to follow his love for movies.

Rakshit Shetty – Software Engineer

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Actor Tovino Thomas worked in business and helped with film directing prior to joining the Malayalam industry.

Tovino Thomas – Assistant Director

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Vijay Sethupathi, who is popularly called as Makkal Selvan worked as an accountant before he made his acting debut.

Vijay Sethupathi – Accountant

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Before becoming an actor, Nani worked as a Radio Jockey and also as an assistant director. He is now called a Natural Star.

Nani – Radio Jockey

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Rishab worked in several odd jobs like selling water cans, real estate and did hotel work while also parallelly trying his chances in movies.

Rishab Shetty – Several odd jobs

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