Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui: Celebrities who once appeared as junior artists before making it big

Before becoming a household name with her debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Om Shanti Om’, Deepika Padukone was primarily known as a model. The actress appeared in Himesh Reshammiya's popular 2006 music video 'Naam Hai Tera' from his album 'Aap Kaa Surroor'.

When audiences were mesmerised by Aishwarya Rai’s performance in ‘Kahin Aag Lage Lag Jaye’ from ‘Taal’, very few noticed a young dancer performing in the background. That dancer was Shahid Kapoor, making his first on-screen appearance as part of Shaimak Davar’s troupe. Though uncredited, the film marked his earliest step into cinema, showcasing his natural flair for dance.

Much before earning acclaim for ‘Haasil’, late actor Irrfan Khan had already appeared on the big screen in a minor role in the Oscar-nominated ‘Salaam Bombay’. In the film, he portrayed a man who earns money by writing letters, a small yet telling glimpse of the talent that would later redefine parallel and mainstream cinema alike.

Prior to winning praise for ‘Iqbal’, Shreyas Talpade featured in a blink-and-you-miss-it role in ‘Aankhen’. He played a tea seller at a railway station in a scene involving Amitabh Bachchan and Paresh Rawal. Though minor, the appearance was part of his gradual climb toward more substantial roles.

Few actors have enjoyed a career as long and varied as Mithun Chakraborty’s. Before finding his footing in films, his life could have taken a very different turn altogether. Even after entering the industry, success didn’t come instantly, and he spent years navigating smaller roles and struggles before establishing himself as a leading star.