Odd Jobs to Stardom: 13 South Indian actors who worked as Taxi driver, barber to backstage worker

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The artists from Southern cinematography have consistently exuded an air of grandeur, elegance, and wealth. They’ve truly mastered their skills and scaled the heights of achievement, not just symbolically but also in tangible terms.

Interestingly enough, you might not realize that numerous stars we admire today originated from simple beginnings and held down ordinary jobs prior to their acting careers. Here are some examples of actors who got their start in a more modest fashion:

1. Tom Hanks – worked as a cab driver and carried out various odd jobs to make ends meet before breaking into the entertainment industry.
2. Sandra Bullock – worked as a bartender, cocktail waitress, and even a dancer at a German disco before her acting career took off.
3. Sylvester Stallone – struggled to find work in the film industry and had odd jobs such as being a truck driver, a steelworker, and even a janitor while trying to get his big break.
4. Jim Carrey – worked as a janitor at an Ontario factory to support himself before he became famous for his comedic roles.
5. Jennifer Lawrence – worked in a variety of jobs, including waiting tables, babysitting, and even being a billboard model, before landing her first major acting role.

South Indian celebs and their odd jobs

1. Rajinikanth

  • Known for: Jailer, Sivaji, Enthiran, Baashha, Coolie
  • Before fame job: Bus conductor
  • Industry: Tamil
  • Current fame level: Superstar

There’s no need for an introduction when it comes to Thalaivar, also known as Rajinikanth. With a remarkable career that stretches over several decades, he has truly set the bar high. Interestingly, before making his mark in the acting world, this senior superstar had a different role – as a bus conductor.

In addition to working for the Bangalore Public Transit System along bus route 10A, he also found time to take part in numerous theatrical productions, fostering his love for acting.

Following his achievement, there was a time when he unexpectedly paid a visit to the bus station, a place where he had worked prior to becoming a renowned actor.

2. Ajith Kumar

  • Known for: Vidaamuyarchi, Good Bad Ugly, Valimai, Vedalam, Billa
  • Before fame job: Apprentice mechanic
  • Industry: Tamil
  • Current fame level: Padma Bhushan awardee

As a devoted admirer, I can attest that Ajith Kumar has skillfully crafted a multifaceted reputation for himself. Beyond his undeniable acting talents, this veteran star demonstrates exceptional skills on the racetrack as an accomplished motor racing driver. He deftly juggles these two passions with remarkable equilibrium.

After completing the tenth grade, Ajith decided to leave school and started working as a trainee mechanic at Enfield, due to his strong enthusiasm towards automobiles, he embraced this job wholeheartedly.

Six months later, his dad motivated him to try a desk job initially, serving as a foundation for his eventual acting career.

3. Vijay Sethupathi 

  • Known for: Merry Christmas, Ace, Maharaj, Jawan, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan
  • Before fame job: Accountant
  • Industry: Tamil
  • Current fame level: National film award recipient

Without a doubt, Vijay Sethupathi stands as a prominent figure in the Tamil film industry (Kollywood), continually setting new standards through his captivating performances. Lately, he was honored with a National Award for his exceptional work within the realm of cinema.

Prior to launching a prosperous acting career, Vijay spent time working as an accountant in Dubai and later moved back to India. Subsequently, he handled the financial matters for the theater troupe named Koothu-P-Pattarai.

During that time, his love for acting really took root, and ever since, he’s been highly valued as one of the top actors in the Tamil film industry.

4. Yash

  • Known for: KGF series, Toxic, Mr and Mrs Ramachari, Rocky
  • Before fame job: Backstage worker
  • Industry: Kannada
  • Current fame level: Filmfare award recipient

Yash is known for his abundant talent in the Kannada film industry. Prior to his cinematic success, he honed his skills behind the scenes with a local theater troupe, receiving only Rs. 50 per day as compensation.

He remained devoted to his acting aspirations, continually trying out for roles. Eventually, he secured smaller parts in TV movies and series, creating a solid base for the thriving career that awaited him.

5. Dulquer Salmaan

  • Known for: Lucky Baskhar, Sita Ramam, King of Kotha, Kurup, Mahanati
  • Before fame job: IT worker
  • Industry: Malayalam
  • Current fame level: Kerala State Film award recipient

Dulquer Salmaan started out with humble beginnings, spending a substantial amount of time working for an IT company based in Dubai. Even though he had earned a degree in corporate management and maintained a regular 9-to-5 job, he grew tired of the mundane and repetitive nature of his work.

Choosing to emulate his dad, Mammootty, he opted for a film career. Subsequently, Dulquer Salman quit his job and joined an acting institute in Mumbai.

He made his acting debut in 2012 with the film Second Show.

6. Rishab Shetty

  • Known for: Kantara, Bell Bottom, Mishan Impossible, Hero, Jai Hanuman
  • Before fame job: Taxi driver
  • Industry: Kannada 
  • Current fame level: National film award recipient

Rishab Shetty is a formidable presence in the Kannada movie scene. This talented actor, who achieved tremendous success with the film “Kantara”, has already amassed three National Awards within a brief period of time.

Before embarking on his actions, Rishab had previously held several diverse roles. He operated as a taxi driver, sold water containers, dabbled in the real estate sector, and even delved into hotel work.

These positions allowed him to generate sufficient income to sustain himself, all the while chasing his dream in cinema and waiting for his major film opportunity.

7. Suriya

  • Known for: Retro, Kanguva, Jai Bhim, Soorarai Pottru, Ghajini
  • Before fame job: Garment factory worker
  • Industry: Tamil
  • Current fame level: Highest paid Tamil actors

Over time, Suriya has been highly admired among Tamil film actors, receiving numerous awards and amassing a large fan base not just within the country but nationwide.

Prior to launching his movie career, Suriya spent several months in a garment export company, keeping his identity as the son of famous actor Sivakumar hidden while doing his work quietly and unassumingly.

Later on, he started trying out for roles and eventually got cast in the 1997 movie “Nerukku Ner,” which was helmed by director Mani Ratnam.

8. Sivakarthikeyan

  • Known for: Amaran, Maaveeran, Doctor, Remo, Parasakthi
  • Before fame job: Stand-up comedian
  • Industry: Tamil
  • Current fame level: Kalaimamani award (Highest civilian award in TN)

Sivakarthikeyan has solidified his position among top actors in Tamil film industry. Moreover, he’s expanded his acting repertoire to various Southern languages, making him a highly demanded star.

Even before achieving fame, SK’s journey began modestly as he dabbled in mimicry and stand-up comedy not long after graduating from college. Fueled by his love for cinema, he would occasionally pause his academic pursuits to try out for reality television contests.

Currently, this actor is enjoying a series of blockbuster films that have raked in huge sums at the box office, and they have an exciting array of future projects lined up.

9. Nani

  • Known for: HIT 3, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, Hi Nanna, Dasara, Jersey
  • Before fame job: Radio jockey
  • Industry: Telugu
  • Current fame level: Highest paid and most popular Telugu actor

Nani’s charisma and ability have captivated countless fans, demonstrating genuine artistry and devotion towards filmmaking.

Prior to becoming well-known as an actor, Nani had a short stint as a radio host at World Space Satellite. He secured this position through the help of a friend.

He hosted the popular show Non-Stop with Nani for about a year, quickly gaining a loyal audience.

10. Kamal Haasan

  • Known for: Vikram, Indian 2, Vishwaroopam, Anbe Sivam, Thug Life
  • Before fame job: Barber at a salon
  • Industry: Tamil
  • Current fame level: Padma Bhushan recipient

Kamal Haasan’s influence on Tamil cinema serves as an inspiration for countless others. This gifted veteran actor consistently enchants viewers with his performances throughout his long and illustrious career.

In his past, before achieving fame with films, Kamal Haasan used to work at a hair salon. This unusual occupation was also a way for him to playfully taunt his mother.

Currently, at the age of 70, Kamal Haasan is preparing for his next major premiere, titled “Thug Life.” This forthcoming film promises excitement and suspense as an action-packed thriller.

Or, more informally:
Kamal Haasan, who’s now 70 years old, is getting ready to launch his new movie, Thug Life, which is a thrilling action flick!

11. Mohanlal

  • Known for: Merry Christmas, Ace, Maharaj, Jawan, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan
  • Before fame job: Accountant
  • Industry: Tamil
  • Current fame level: Padma Bhushan recipient

Without a doubt, Mohanlal stands as a legendary presence within the Malayalam movie scene. Over many years, this seasoned performer has produced numerous blockbusters that continue to resonate with audiences.

Fun fact, did you realize that prior to his film career, he was actually a state champion wrestler? That’s correct! After graduating from college, he chose to focus on wrestling professionally instead.

Following his victory at the state tournament, Mohanlal found himself preparing for a national wrestling competition in New Delhi. However, an unexpected film audition on the exact same day forced him to drop out of the championship at the last moment.

12. Mammootty 

  • Known for: Agent, Kannur Squad, Turbo, Ozler, Rorschach
  • Before fame job: Practicing lawyer
  • Industry: Malayalam
  • Current fame level: Leading superstar of Malayalam cinema

In the world of Malayalam films, Mammootty is another highly respected figure, recognized for a long and illustrious career that has captivated audiences for many years. He boasts an enormous fan base in Kerala and is one of the most revered actors in the Southern Indian film industry.

Prior to embarking on a film career, Mammootty dedicated his time to legal practice as a lawyer. He earned his law degree (LLB) from Government Law College located in Ernakulam, and subsequently spent two years practicing law in the region of Manjeri.

When he was twenty years old, he first appeared in a movie called Vilkkanundu Swapnangal, which came out in 1980, and his part was relatively small.

13. Jr NTR 

  • Known for: Devara, RRR, Janatha Garage, Yamadonga, War 2
  • Before fame job: Trained Kuchipudi dancer
  • Industry: Telugu
  • Current fame level: Biggest actors of Telugu cinema

I can’t help but be utterly captivated by none other than Jr NTR! Today, he stands as one of the most revered Telugu stars, gracing our screens with his exceptional talent in blockbuster movies such as the critically acclaimed RRR, masterfully directed by the legendary SS Rajamouli.

In my past, I was a diligent pupil of the captivating Kuchipudi dance, long before stepping into the realm of films. At the tender age of thirteen, I embarked on this enchanting journey, honing my skills over the subsequent years to a point where I could grace stages not only in India but across the globe as well.

Instead, it was filmmaking that ultimately captivated him, and Jr NTR gradually built an extremely prosperous acting career within the Telugu film industry.

Conclusion

It’s undeniable that no well-known Southern actors found success effortlessly. Instead, they put in the hard work, took on various jobs, and frequently chose to prioritize their livelihood over their love for filmmaking.

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2025-05-29 14:38