Deepika Padukone, Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon: 6 outsiders who made it big in Bollywood

In an industry often defined by lineage, these six stars carved out their own paths—armed not with connections, but with conviction. From Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Kriti Sanon to Kartik Aaryan, these outsiders rewrote Bollywood’s rules. Their stories are fuelled by resilience, self-belief, and relentless hustle—each proving that you don’t need a famous surname to leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Take a look...

When Siddhant first appeared on screen as MC Sher in the film 'Gully Boy,' Siddhant caught the audience's attention and stole much screen time with his truly charming persona. A small-town boy from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, it took him through rejections, self-doubt, and the pressure of the glamour world in Mumbai. One of his most quoted lines on nepotism, "Jahaan humare sapne poore hote hain, wahi inka struggle shuru hota hai," became a pivotal point of the argument between insiders and outsiders.

It was 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama' that led Kartik's fame into the limelight, with his now-iconic monologue making him a viral sensation. Hailing from Gwalior, without any sort of backing, he struggled with innumerable rejections and unequal opportunities. But his persistence paid off he’s now one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, with hits like ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2,’ ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha,’ and ‘Chandu Champion.’

Deepika transitioned from Bengaluru's modelling circuit to Bollywood royalty with ‘Om Shanti Om’ without even auditioning. Though she’s often labeled an outsider, she’s said she never felt like one, thanks to her dedication and clarity of purpose. From ‘Padmaavat’ to ‘Gehraiyaan,’ she’s balanced commercial success with artistic depth. Globally, she’s made history as the first Indian actress to present at the Oscars, unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy, and receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In the short span of 'Laila Majnu,' 'Bulbbul,' and 'Animal,' Triptii has showcased depth and intensity in her performances. Although 'Animal' made her a household name, 'Dhadak 2' stamps her placement as a leading lady with emotional depth. She has spoken candidly about her feeling cornered in her early years, unable to comprehend the ways of the industry, and crying through workshops.

An engineer by education and with no filmy connections, Kriti made her debut with ‘Heropanti’, gradually and steadily crafting a versatile and patient career. Long gaps in between projects, discrimination in opportunities, and getting back on her feet have never stopped her. Among her films, she won the National Award for Best Actress on her performance in ‘Mimi’ and is now producing her own movies like ‘Do Patti’ to create opportunities for herself and other people.

Ranveer's shimmering journey from being rejected to superstardom is the real stuff of legends. He was once referred to as "too average"- by the big Bollywood producers; but after the release of his first film, 'Band Baaja Baaraat', everything changed. With no godfather, no shortcut, he hustled his way into the industry by often saying, it's like I forced the universe to make it happen. Playing underdogs, rebels, and icons roles that mirror his own journey have challenged and changed his life with movies like 'Gully Boy,' 'Padmaavat,' and '83.'