South superstar Rajnikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad came from a modest background and worked as a coolie before joining the Bangalore Transport Service as a bus conductor till one fine day his talent was spotted by filmmaker K Balachander.

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Here's a look at your favourite stars, who fought against all odds and rose to fame through the sheer dint of their courage, faith and hard work.

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Rajnikanth: South superstar Rajnikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad came from a modest background and worked as a coolie before joining the Bangalore Transport Service as a bus conductor till one fine day his talent was spotted by filmmaker K Balachander.

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Smriti Irani: Smriti Irani entered Miss India 1997 and faced trails and tribulations in the city of dreams - Mumbai. Fate smiled and Smriti went on to play the once in a lifetime role of Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. (BCCL/Kirti Surve)

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Johnny Walker: Johnny Walker's original name was Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi, who worked as a bus conductor in Mumbai and entertained passengers with his antics. He once caught the eye of actor and script-writer Balraj Sahni and introduced him to Guru Dutt for the role of a comedian. It was Guru Dutt who gave him the screen name Johnny Walker.

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Mehmood: Hindi cinema's most loved comedian Mehmood worked as a driver to director P L Santoshi and sold poultry. He was once hired to teach table tennis to Meena Kumari. He later married Meena’s sister Madhu and only after becoming a father, he started acting to earn a better living.

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Celeb Themes

Rags-to-Riches Celebs

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Celeb Themes

Rags-to-Riches Celebs

About this Gallery

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