During a recent episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show, actors Jaideep Ahlawat, Jitendra Kumar, and Pratik Gandhi candidly shared their challenging early days in the film industry.
Jaideep Ahlawat’s Crowded Mumbai Apartment
Jaideep Ahlawat revealed how he lived with five other people in a tiny 1BHK apartment when he first moved to Mumbai. What started as two residents soon grew to six as friends and acquaintances needed a place to stay.
He humorously recalled that the bedroom was so packed with clothes that everyone slept together in the open kitchen and hall area. Despite the tight quarters, Ahlawat emphasized that they had a lot of fun and never felt sad about their circumstances.
Jitendra Kumar’s Near Departure from Acting
IIT graduate and “Panchayat” star Jitendra Kumar shared a surprising moment from his early career. He actually quit acting and left Mumbai just three months after arriving, feeling discouraged.
Before his return, he even applied to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) but faced rejection. However, a strong resolve brought him back to the city, and thankfully, his talent was eventually recognized by audiences.
A Memorable Encounter with Naseeruddin Shah
Jitendra also recounted an amusing story from his IIT Kharagpur days, where he was working on a short film with a senior. Upon spotting veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah on campus, Jitendra became overly excited, inadvertently annoying the senior actor.
His senior quickly intervened, asking Shah to bless their film script. Shah, ever the pragmatist, dismissed the idea, advising them instead to focus on extensive rehearsals if they wanted to create a truly good film.
Pratik Gandhi’s Role Cut from a Big Film
Pratik Gandhi, known for “Scam 1992,” also shared a tough experience from his struggling days. He had secured a small role in Ajay Devgn’s film “Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji” and even auditioned for it.
However, upon the film’s release, he discovered that his entire role had been cut. Thankfully, Pratik had not told anyone about his involvement in the film, saving him from potential embarrassment.
Key Takeaways from Their Journeys
- Living in cramped spaces and facing financial hardship is a common part of early struggles in the industry.
- Rejection, like roles being cut or applications being denied, is a frequent hurdle for aspiring artists.
- Persistence and a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity, are crucial for success.
- Veteran advice often emphasizes hard work and practice over mere blessings.
These candid confessions from the actors highlight the immense perseverance required to make a mark in the demanding world of entertainment, reminding us that success often comes after a long and challenging journey.
