Many popular and famous Bollywood actors started from humble beginnings and had started their career in the entertainment profession with modelling and jingle work to transitioning to successful acting careers. They appeared in some prominent brand advertisements. Some of the most successful film stars of Bollywood have transitioned from modelling or jingle work to successful career in acting in films .To state a few examples have gained popularity and recognition in the fashion and advertising before they made a mark in the film industry.
Runway to Bollywood
Deepika Padukone started off as a fashion model and was the calendar girl for Kingfisher before she made her debut in her first Bollywood film ‘Om Shanti’ starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan . Her first television commercial was for Close-up toothpaste.
Aishwarya Rai before winning the Miss World title in 1994, had a successful modelling career. She had appeared in many commercials and one of the notable and iconic was her appearance in the Pepsi Ad alongside of Aamir Khan
From Ads to Blockbusters
John Abraham modelling career began much before he had made his debut in the 2003 film ‘Jism’ . He was the model for the Glad Rags Manhunt Contest which had served as his launchpad for his career in modelling. He featured in music videos including ‘ Jhanjar’ by Hans Raj Hans and ‘Surma’ by Jazzy B. Modelling was a stepping stone for John to transition into acting.
Arjun Rampal started his modelling journey when he was spotted by designer Rohit Bal. He soon became one of the most sought-after models and had won the ‘Society’s Face of Year’ Award. Thereafter he appeared in several music videos and few more brand advertising films. His transition from modelling to film acting came with his debut in the film, Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat in 2001. While the film didn’t too well, Arjun Rampal was here to stay in the Bollywood film industry. He gained significant recognition with his role in Rock on in 2008.
Modelling to Stardom
Dino Morea started with his journey in the entertainment industry by winning the Glad rags Manhunt Contest in 1995. He was the runner up at the international competition held in Singapore. He was then a prominent model for India Fashion Scene and has endorsed several brands such as Bisleri Vedica, 7 Up, Colgate Fresh . His transition from modelling to acting in films marked with his significant role in the film, Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi.
Milind Soman career began with modelling. He had achieved a significant success particularly after his appearance in the music video, ‘ Made In India’ . Milind is passionate about fitness and advocated fitness programs. Actor co-authored a book titled, ‘Keep Moving’ and got himself involved with film production . Model has acted in several films and television series such as Bajirao Mastani, Captain Vyom and A Mouthful of Sky.
The Journey Begins
Priyanka Chopra had appeared in music videos at the age of 17 including ‘Sajan Mere Satrangiya’. She started with modelling career with local pageants and did a few photoshoots in Bareilly. She participated and won the Femina Miss India and the doors opened for her after she had won the Miss World in 2000 . She had got the widespread recognition. Bollywood Hindi film , ‘The Hero : Love Story of a Spy in 2003 was her debut in the Hindi film industry after which she had not looking back.
Katrina Kaif began her career in modelling from the age of 14 in London. She had appeared in several brand commercials before she did her debut in the film, Dhoom in 2003. Katrina was discovered by Gustad at a fashion show held in London. Prior to the film Boom, she has had a successful career in modelling though the film marked the beginning of her career in acting in Bollywood films.
Modelling Their Way to Success
Shahid Kapoor worked as a model since he was a teenager. He also had appeared in music videos, ‘Aankhon Mein Tera Hi Chehra which was by the band Aryans. He was the kid in the Complan Ad and the Pepsi Ad with the cast of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Shahid Kapoor did his Bollywood debut with Ishq Vishk in the year 2003 and had won the Filmfare Award for the Best Male Debut .
Anushka Sharma started her career as a model and had appeared in various commercial including that of a skincare product. She did her debut in ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’
Glitz, Glamour, and Stardom
Preity Zinta was the face of many commercial ad films such as Perk Chocolates . She debuted with the film Dil Se, followed by the film Soldier in 1998. The role she played in Kya Kehna in 2000 as the teenage single mother became the turning point in her film career in Bollywood.
Bipasha Basu became a model after she had won the Ford Supermodel Contest.She had appeared in Sonu Nigam’s music video , ‘Tu Kab Ye Janegi. Bipasha was spotted at a hotel in Kolkata by the model Mehr Jesia Rampal who had suggested to her to take up modelling. Actress participated in Godrej Cintho Supermodel contest . She appeared in Calida commercial which had received a protest for her sultry context with her then boyfriend Dino Morea. Bipasha had continued to pursue her career in fashion modelling until her late teens . She had finally after a few stints in the film industry had debuted with her Bollywood in a negative role in the Abbas – Mastan action film Ajnabee in 2001 opposite Akshay Kumar.
Catwalk to Silver Screen
Sushmita Sen an Indian model from Hyderabad, at the age of 18 made history by becoming the first Indian woman to have won the Miss Universe International Beauty Pageant in the 1994. After she had reigned as Miss Universe, Sushmita ventured into the Bollywood film industry in her debut film, a thriller named Dastak in which she plays the victim of a stalker played by Sharad Kapoor.
Sidharth Malhotra modelled for various brands until he ventured in acting in Bollywood films. He had begun his career as a fashion model but had left to pursue acting in films. He assisted director Karan Johar in the film My Name is Khan and eventually he had his first debut in acting in films with the coming-of-age teen film Student of the Year.
Many other actors of the yesteryears and more have modelled for commercial advertisements and have experienced modelling before or after they have entered the film industry. Highlighting the background of modelling, which is a stepping stone to a successful film career.
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