International Men’s Day 2025: Ali Fazal, Paradox, Randeep Hooda To Abhishek Banerjee, 10 Self-Made Artists Who Are Ruling The Industry

In a film industry often shaped by lineage and legacy, it takes extraordinary courage to dream without a safety net. The journey of the self-made actor is a journey of grit, persistence, and an unshakeable belief in one’s craft. And while Shah Rukh Khan remains the greatest example of an outsider who conquered Bollywood against all odds, this generation has produced its own formidable line-up of self-made stars. This International Men’s Day, we celebrate artists who entered Bollywood without connections, godfathers, or privilege and yet, through talent alone, reshaped the landscape of Indian cinema.

10 Self-Made Artists Who Are Ruling The Industry

Ali Fazal

Ali Fazal’s journey is a rare blend of global vision and Indian storytelling. What began as a small part in 3 Idiots has grown into an international career that includes acclaimed performances in Victoria & Abdul and Death on the Nile. Today, Ali stands tall among the few Indian actors with a consistent global footprint. With multiple projects lined up, he is a true example of how outsiders can rise beyond borders.

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Randeep Hooda

Randeep Hooda has always been an actor who disappears into his characters with fearless conviction. Whether it’s Highway, Sarabjit, Jaat or Veer Savarkar, he has consistently delivered intensely transformative performances. Completely self-made, he remains one of Bollywood’s most respected method actors, a man who redefined perseverance in an industry that doesn’t always reward late bloomers.

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Adarsh Gourav

Adarsh Gourav became a global name with The White Tiger, earning BAFTA recognition and universal acclaim. But what makes his journey even more historic is his casting in the iconic Alien franchise, now adapted into a series for the first time. As the first Indian actor to join this legendary universe, Adarsh has marked his place not only in Bollywood but also on the global sci-fi stage, a testament to pure talent crossing continents.

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Adivi Sesh

Adivi Sesh is a writer-actor whose rise has been fueled by intelligence, precision, and relentless hard work. After earning national praise for Major, he is now riding on immense pre-release buzz for his upcoming films G2 (Goodachari 2 ) and Dacoit. Both projects have already sparked excitement across industries, signalling a new high in his career. His long years of crafting his own path are finally receiving the celebration they deserve, proving that persistence pays off.

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Pankaj Tripathi

Pankaj Tripathi’s journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming one of India’s most beloved actors is the definition of self-made success. With unforgettable performances in Gangs of Wasseypur, Mirzapur, Ludo and Metro In Dino, he has become synonymous with honesty and depth. He now gears up for two highly anticipated releases, Mirzapur: The Movie and Parivarik Manu Ranjan opposite Aditi Rao Hydari, reaffirming his standing as an actor whose stardom is powered entirely by authenticity and unmatched craft.

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Kartik Aaryan

Kartik Aaryan’s rise from modelling auditions and engineering classrooms to superstardom is a story that resonates with millions. His iconic Pyaar Ka Punchnama monologue became a generational moment, and with hits like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 & 3, Kartik has cemented his place as one of Bollywood’s youngest self-made success stories. He represents the everyday boy who dared to dream and made the world take notice.

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Gulshan Devaiah

For years, Gulshan Devaiah has been the industry’s best-kept secret, an actor of extraordinary range shaped by theatre discipline and craft. Films like Hunterrr, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, Metro 8 AM and Dahaad showcased his brilliance, but it is the blockbuster success of Kantara Chapter 1 that has finally placed him in the national spotlight. The film’s roaring success has become a milestone in his career, proving that perseverance always finds its moment. After years of quietly delivering powerful performances, Gulshan is finally receiving the recognition he has long deserved.

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Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao has become one of the most iconic outsiders of modern Bollywood. From struggling to find auditions to becoming a National Award winner, his filmography, Shahid, Newton, Stree, Trapped, speaks of an actor committed to excellence over glamour. His craft continues to inspire a generation of actors who aspire to make it on pure merit.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Abhishek Banerjee’s journey is one of Bollywood’s most inspiring transitions, from being a casting director shaping other people’s careers to becoming a full-time actor with a powerful screen presence of his own. He became a household name after winning hearts as Jana in Stree, and his critically acclaimed performance in Stolen has been celebrated as a gem of Indian indie cinema. With multiple releases slated for the upcoming year and a strong foothold in both films and OTT, Abhishek’s hard-earned success is a story every aspiring outsider looks up to.

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Jaideep Ahlawat

Jaideep Ahlawat’s climb to success took years of unwavering discipline, rejections, and theatre roots. His breakout in Paatal Lok changed the trajectory of his career, and today, with acclaimed roles in Raazi, Jaane Jaan, and Gangs of Wasseypur, he stands as one of India’s most powerful performers.
Without any backing, he has built a journey defined by patience and extraordinary craft.

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King

King is renowned for his unconventional and daring fashion choices. He has always used fashion as a means of expression and has established himself as a fashion icon with his extravagant and eccentric outfits. Whether it’s stylish suits, washed denim, or his rugged jackets, King effortlessly pulls off any outfit. His bold silhouettes, unique accessories, and love for dramatic details make him one of the most fearless dressers in the music industry today.

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Paradox

True to his name, Paradox brings mystery, unpredictability, and contrast into his fashion game. He loves to style himself in a way that confuses people, in the best and most intriguing way possible. For instance, he might dress head-to-toe in extremely affordable pieces, but anchor the look with one single accessory or garment that is exceptionally expensive. This deliberate imbalance is his signature Paradox. Whether it’s mixing streetwear with luxury watches or pairing thrift finds with high-end jewellery, Paradox turns contradictions into his personal style language, making him one of the most distinctive style personalities online.

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Also Read: International Men’s Day 2025: Manoj Bajpayee, Karan Tacker To Hrithik Roshan, Bollywood Actors Who Stand By Their Values No Matter What Life Throws At Them

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.