Actors who worked as background dancers and extras

Bollywood's shine and glamour usually conceal the modest origins of its brightest stars. Several of Bollywood's top actors began their careers far from the limelight, toiling as background dancers or extras on blockbuster film sets. Their early struggles paved the way for their journey to fame, showing that hard work and determination can convert even minor roles into stepping stones to a sparkling career. Here are such actors whose stories from the side to the limelight are as motivating as their performances on screen.

Shahid Kapoor started his Bollywood career with Shiamak Davar's dance company, working as a background dancer in cult movies such as ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ (1997) and the song ‘Kahin Aag Lage’ from ‘Taal’ (1999). With his passion for dance and performance, he was able to make the switch to acting and enjoyed a successful launch in ‘Ishq Vishk’ (2003). Shahid is now one of Bollywood's top-rated actors, famous for his versatility in movies such as ‘Haider,’ ‘Kabir Singh,’ and ‘Jersey.’

Prior to becoming one of Bollywood's most vibrant leading men, Ranveer Singh worked as a background dancer for five years. He featured in numbers like ‘It's Magic’ from ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ and ‘Bole Chudiyan’ from ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.’ Ranveer's tireless work and relentless energy bore fruit with his starring turn in ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ (2010). Presently, he is acclaimed for starring in blockbusters like ‘Gully Boy,’ ‘Padmaavat,’ and ‘Simmba.’

Dia Mirza's journey to fame started as an extra and background dancer. She featured in the ‘Jumbalakka’ song from the Tamil movie ‘En Swasa Kaatre’ (1999) and used money from the same to pay for her first modeling portfolio. Dia's breakthrough was ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ (2001), and thereafter she has acted in well-received movies such as ‘Parineeta’ and ‘Sanju.’ She remains a noted actress and producer, with her elegance and work as an advocate.

Arshad Warsi’s early career was shaped by financial hardship, leading him to join Akbar Sami’s dance group in Mumbai. He worked as a dancer and choreographer, eventually choreographing the title track for ‘Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja’ (1993). His acting debut came with ‘Tere Mere Sapne’ (1996), and he later gained widespread recognition as Circuit in the ‘Munna Bhai series.’ Today, Arshad is a respected actor and television personality.

Deepika Padukone started out as a model and background dancer, prominently featuring in Himesh Reshammiya's music video ‘Aap Kaa Surroor’ and as a young dancer in some movies. She made her breakthrough with ‘Om Shanti Om’ (2007), and she has since grown to be among Bollywood's largest stars, with award-winning performances in ‘Piku,’ ‘Padmaavat,’ and ‘Pathaan.’ Deepika is today a global icon, recognized for her talent and influence.

Daisy Shah began as a choreographer Ganesh Acharya's assistant and was a background dancer in several films, such as the song ‘Bolo Bolo Kya Baat Hui’ in ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ (2001). She transitioned to modeling and item numbers gradually before getting lead roles in movies like Jai Ho with Salman Khan. Daisy continues working in cinema and reality television shows, most recently in ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13.’