Happy Birthday Sunil Grover: Earning Rs 500 a month to sharing screen space with Salman Khan; interesting facts about the comedian

Today (August 3) is comedian and actor Sunil Grover’s birthday. Known for his perfect comic timing to giving audience some memorable roles like Dr. Mashoor Gulati, Gutthi to name a few, Sunil Grover is a powerhouse of talent. On his birthday, we bring you some lesser-known facts about him.

Sunil Grover was discovered during his college days by the late satirist and comedian Jaspal Bhatti. Sunil revealed that he was studying in Chandigarh when Bhatti came to his college to conduct auctions. He added that he randomly auditioned and thought he did not do well but was selected by Jaspal. Pic: Instagram

Later, Sunil did several stage shows with the satirical comic and his wife Savita Bhatti. He revealed that he also did a few cameo roles in some of Bhatti's serials. The comedian said that Bhatti was a visionary who had the ability to spot talent in people even when they did not believe in themselves. Pic: Instagram

Speaking to social media platform Humans of Bombay, Sunil spoke about his childhood and the harsh reality of Bombay. He says, “I was always good at acting & making people laugh. I remember in 12th grade I took part in a drama competition–the chief guest said that I shouldn’t participate, because it was unfair to the others! After I finished my masters in theatre, I came to Mumbai to act. But for the first year, I only partied. I lived in a posh area, using my savings & some money from home. I’d only earn around Rs.500 a month. But I thought I'd be successful soon.” Pic: Instagram

Recalling his struggle days, Sunil shared, “Eventually I realised that there were many like me, who were ‘superstars’ of their town & ‘strugglers’ here. Soon I had no income & was given a harsh reality check. I was demotivated. But I remembered how my dad wanted to be a radio announcer & even had an offer. But because my granddad was against it, he had to work at a bank & regretted it.” Pic: Instagram

He goes on to say how he landed with his first TV show but soon learnt about being replaced. He adds, “I didn’t want to let my dreams go. So I picked up the pieces & rigorously looked for work. But the road was still rocky. Once I’d been selected to act in a TV show–we’d even shot for a few days. But when I stopped getting my time to come on set, I called the team–they said I’d been replaced.” Pic: Instagram

Actor and comedian Sunil Grover, who is well-known for portraying many amusing characters on television shows to entertain the audience, was a radio jockey RJ Sud before he entered showbiz. The actor said, “I also started getting work in voiceovers. Around that time, I got offered to do a radio show. It was only going to be aired in Delhi, but when that show went live, it went viral! They decided to air it across India!”

Speaking to the same platform he said, “After that, I got work in radio, TV & films. Soon ‘Gutthi’ happened & in no time, became a household name! I remember I was called on a live show & when I went on stage, the audience was roaring for me! I turned to make sure there wasn’t anyone else, whom they were clapping for–but it was all for me. It took several moments like that, to bring back that young boy in me, who used to think that he could conquer the world. The young boy who used to make sure that everyone around him was smiling & entertained. The young boy who didn’t let failures dim his dreams & overpower his need for victory. So even though I’ve come this far... this young boy has a long way to go.” Pic: Instagram

Sunil Grover has starred in several films like Heropanti, Gabbar is back, Baaghi, Coffee with D and also Salman Khan’s Bharat. Working with Big bollywood stars, Sunil has won hearts making impressions of several actors. Pic: Instagram

Sunil Grover is popularly recognised by his character names Gutthi and Dr Mashoor Gulati from Comedy Nights With Kapil and The Kapil Sharma Show. Haryana born Sunil has been a part of shows like Gutur Gu, Kanpur Wale Khuranas, and many more. He was last seen in Gangs of Filmistan, where he played the role of a don. But the show went off-air within a short span of time. Pic: Instagram