Vicky Kaushal For Gangs Of Wasseypur To Varun Dhawan For My Name Is Khan, 10 Stars Who Worked Behind The Camera Before Making It Big In Bollywood

Before making it big, actors like Vicky Kaushal and Varun Dhawan honed their skills off-screen. Here’s a look at 10 Bollywood stars who worked behind the camera in the industry. Read on!

Before lighting up the big screen, several of Bollywood’s biggest stars began their journeys behind the camera, working as Assistant Directors (ADs) and learning the craft from the ground up. From carrying props and managing continuity to observing legendary actors in action, these future stars gained invaluable experience that shaped their careers and acting choices. From Shanaya Kapoor to Vicky Kaushal, here’s a look at the talented actors who started their careers behind the scenes and went on to win the hearts of Bollywood.

10 Stars Who Worked Behind The Camera Before Making It Big In Bollywood

Ranbir Kapoor – Black

Ranbir Kapoor with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Before he became the poster boy of romance in Saawariya, Ranbir was busy running around on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black. Watching Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji perform while learning Bhansali’s eye for detail gave him a masterclass in storytelling.
Today, his powerhouse performances whether it’s the passionate musician in Rockstar or the free-spirited lover in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

Shanaya Kapoor – Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl

Shanaya Kapoor

Unlike many star kids who jump straight to acting, Shanaya Kapoor started her journey behind the camera, assisting on Gunjan Saxena. Closely observing Janhvi Kapoor and the crew at work, Shanaya soaked in the nuances of filmmaking. This experience laid the foundation for her debut a career she’s building with craft and credibility, not just her surname.

Varun Dhawan – My Name is Khan

Varun Dhawan

Before becoming Bollywood’s ultimate entertainer, Varun Dhawan was running errands as an AD for Karan Johar on My Name is Khan. Watching Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol perform up close taught him discipline, timing, and sheer dedication. Whether it’s a full-on masala blockbuster like Judwaa 2 or a nuanced performance in October, Varun’s early lessons are visible in his diverse filmography.

Sharvari Wagh – Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2

Sharvari Wagh

Sharvari’s journey began with quirky rom-coms, assisting Luv Ranjan on Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2. This gave her a front-row seat to understanding youth-driven storytelling and comic timing.
Years later, she translated that knowledge into impactful roles in Bunty Aur Babli 2 and Maharaja, carving a niche as one of Bollywood’s freshest and most promising talents.

Sidharth Malhotra – My Name is Khan

Siddharth Malhotra

Before he was breaking hearts in Student of the Year, Sidharth Malhotra was sweating it out as an AD on My Name is Khan.Coming from a non-filmy background, this role was his gateway into Bollywood. From fixing props to managing chaos on set, Sidharth learned the discipline that now fuels powerful performances in films like Shershaah and Ek Villain

Vicky Kaushal – Gangs of Wasseypur

Vicky Kaushal

Before winning National Awards and headlining blockbusters, Vicky Kaushal was a quiet, hard-working AD on Anurag Kashyap’s cult classic, Gangs of Wasseypur. He spent hours observing powerhouse actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, and Pankaj Tripathi, learning the subtleties of layered performances That very balance has powered some of his most celebrated roles, from the fiery commando in Uri: The Surgical Strike to the deeply nuanced freedom fighter in Sardar Udham.

Ahaan Panday – The Railway Men

Ahaan Pandey

Before stepping into the limelight, Ahaan Panday honed his skills behind the scenes, working as an Assistant Director (AD) on films like Rock On 2 and the acclaimed series The Railway Men. With this hands-on experience and dedicated acting training, he built a strong foundation to carve his own path in the industry. Now, with his highly anticipated debut film Saiyaara (2025), Ahaan has officially stepped into the spotlight winning hearts and quickly becoming a fan favorite.

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