Bollywood industry is known for its glittering lights and larger-than-life personas, but the journey to stardom is often paved with surprising humble beginnings. A case in point is the narrative of Aayush Sharma, renowned actor Salman Khan’s brother-in-law, who had quite an unexpected start in the industry. Aayush has recently been in the limelight while engaged in promotions for his upcoming film, ‘Ruslaan,’ during which he has shared compelling anecdotes about his early days in Bollywood.
In a candid exchange with Bollywood Bubble, Aayush disclosed that he once danced in the background during the filming of the hit song “Dilliwali Girlfriend” from the critically acclaimed movie ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’. This blockbuster featured prominent stars such as Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Kalki Koechlin. The revelations included a reflection on a period in his life when he didn’t have sufficient funds to even purchase breakfast.
The now well-established actor reminisced about his initial visit to the famed Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai. “I came to Mehboob Studios for the first time for ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’s’ shoot and a lot of people asked me why I was working as a background dancer. I was not getting work as an assistant director. I wanted to become a casting director so that I could reach a film set that way”. On set, alongside the effervescent 300 to 400 background dancers, Aayush was one among them. He recalled the moments he first saw Bollywood heavyweights Manish Malhotra, Ranbir Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone in person. “We were given a step for ‘Dilliwali Girlfriend.’ I was trying to hide in the back so that I wouldn’t get seen in the camera, but they kept calling me ahead.” His curiosity to know how he appeared on camera led him to a craving: to sneak a peek behind the monitor.
But the journey was not without its share of struggles. A poignant memory Aayush shared involved a time when he had a mere 20 rupees to his name, not enough to afford the next day’s breakfast. Standing outside a small Bandra eatery, he pondered his predicament when fate intervened in the form of a job offer for a stock images shoot in Navi Mumbai. This serendipitous opportunity would be a turning point. “And when I got that call about ‘Antim’s satellite being sold, I was again in front of that food joint and wondered that from 20 rupees to so many crores,” recalls Aayush, reflecting on his rags-to-riches progression in Bollywood.
Such early experiences underscore Aayush Sharma’s persistence and resilience, qualities that are often overshadowed by the glamor typically associated with the life of a Bollywood star. Before claiming his space in the spotlight, Aayush’s initial roles were far from the lead parts he would later be known for.
Now, with the impending release of ‘Ruslaan’, Aayush Sharma is poised to solidify his presence in the Bollywood sphere further. His account of humble beginnings, earnest hard work, and eventual triumphant ascendancy serves as a powerful testament to the fact that success in the film industry is sometimes the result of an unexpected dance in the background, a moment of financial uncertainty, and the continued pursuit of dreams despite countless obstacles.
From being an unknown background dancer to a celebrity with significant projects, Aayush Sharma’s transformation is an inspiring narrative of determination, a reminder that before the accolades and adulation, there can be anonymity and testing trials. As audiences await his next big-screen appearance, Aayush’s story stands as proof that with perseverance, the journey from the periphery to the center stage is indeed possible in the mesmerizing world of Bollywood.
