Bollywood’s renowned action director Sham Kaushal overcame extreme poverty and unpaid work, starting from a spot boy to become one of the industry’s most respected figures.
From Academia to Mumbai’s Streets
Sham Kaushal initially envisioned a career in academia, holding an MA in English Literature and aspiring to become a lecturer. However, the lack of funds for an MPhil degree shattered his educational dreams.
Facing limited opportunities in his hometown of Punjab, Sham borrowed Rs 3000 from his father and made the pivotal move to Mumbai in 1978. His immediate goal was to repay that crucial loan.
Battling for Survival
Life in Mumbai was an immediate challenge. Sham found a job as a salesman, earning a meager Rs 350 a month, which barely covered his extensive commute across the city.
He often had just Re 1 left for both lunch and dinner, surviving on affordable street food like misal pav and batata vada. Unable to afford deposit money, he eventually had to live in his office, walking daily to a friend’s place to change clothes.
After a year, Sham was laid off due to a perceived lack of confidence and communication skills. This setback, however, ignited a fierce determination: he vowed never to take another job and, crucially, never to leave Mumbai.
A New Path Emerges
During these tough times, serendipity struck. While staying at a PG, Sham befriended other Punjabi men who worked as stuntmen in the film industry. This connection became his gateway.
In 1980, with a borrowed Rs 1000 from friends, Sham became a member of the Stuntman Association. This marked his official entry into the world of films, offering a glimmer of hope for daily sustenance.
Learning from the Legends
His journey quickly led him to the legendary action director Veeru Devgan, father of actor Ajay Devgn. Veeru, impressed by Sham’s MA degree, offered him a job in his office.
Sham dedicated himself to the role, acting as Veeru’s “spot boy,” carrying bags, and bringing tea. Initially, this work was unpaid, but it provided invaluable exposure and a foot in the door.
Driven by his burgeoning ambition, Sham later moved on to work with another new action director, Pappu Varma, to further hone his skills. This period also saw him working for two years without pay, absorbing every aspect of the craft.
The Rise to Prominence
By 1983, Sham began working as a stuntman and even as a duplicate for actors. A pivotal moment came during the outdoor shoot for Sunny Deol’s film ‘Betaab’ in Mysuru.
Despite his initial uncertainty about performing stunts, a successful scene impressed his boss, earning him five times his usual daily rate. This boost in confidence, coupled with his unwavering commitment to his parents, propelled him forward.
Sham Kaushal finally made his mark as a stunt director in the 1990s, transforming from a struggling newcomer into one of Bollywood’s most sought-after action choreographers, proving that resilience truly pays off.
- Sham Kaushal initially dreamed of an academic career but moved to Mumbai due to lack of funds.
- He survived on just Re 1 for meals daily during his early struggles as a salesman.
- Laid off from his first job, he vowed never to leave Mumbai or work for anyone again, setting his own path.
- He worked unpaid for significant periods under mentors like Veeru Devgan and Pappu Varma to learn the ropes.
- His unwavering dedication allowed him to repay his father’s loan and rise to become a leading action director.
