Bollywood without a doubt is an aspiration of every actor and a dream to join the world of entertainment. Television has been the stepping stone for many such aspiring artists. From television to films, it has not been an easy transition but many famous actors and actresses have inched their way from the small screen to the silver screen. The television industry over the years has become a powerhouse while its popularity is lower than the big screen that churns out a greater number of films every year. But television actors do have their share of exceptional talent after proving themselves on a small screen. Over the years, television served as their launchpad to showcase their talents and become a household name and they went on to leave a remarkable imprint on the big screen as well.
We now take a look at the journey of some of the popular stars who decided to move from television to cinema.
1. Shah Rukh Khan began his journey with the television serial Fauji. He became so popular and was soon seen in many other shows such as Circus, Wagle Ki Duniya, etc. But the young actor then aspired to join the film industry. He debuted in Deewana in 1992 and the film Darr, and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge the great actor that he is has had a great run and is called the King Khan or the Badshah of Bollywood. It’s over three decades the superstar still is loved by the audience for his charm and acting prowess which has put him in the big league as he stands out as one of the most successful actors not just in Bollywood but across the globe.
2. Irrfan Khan did several shows on the small screen and he was featured in serials like Chandrakanta, Chanakya, Bharat Ek Khoj, etc. He not only proved his worth on the big screen thereafter but also went on to establish himself overseas. He made his debut with Salaam Bombay in 1988 and gained popularity with his films such as Namesake, Piku, Angrezi Medium and many more.
3. Vidya Balan came a long way from being Radhika Mathur, as one of the adorable sisters of the Hum Paanch serial on television, to becoming the sizzling hot Silk Smitha in the film Dirty Picture. She rose from television to Bollywood with her performances in Kahaani, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Tumhari Sulu which were a highlight of her career.
4. Ayushmann Khurrana rose to fame after he became popular on television. He hosted several shows and was also a part of the soap opera Ek Thi Rajkumari. In 2012, Ayushmann got his debut film with Vicky Donor produced by John Abraham. The whacky concept won him his popularity and he achieved his dream of becoming a film actor.
5. Sushant Singh Rajput was a very popular star with his serial Pavitra Rishta on television. He had won the hearts of millions as Manav in the serial. He also participated in many dance shows and was often seen with his girlfriend Ankita Lokhande. Both had an onscreen chemistry. Sushant Singh made his debut in the 2013 film Kai Po Che produced by Abhishek Kapoor. Thereafter he became so popular for his cute looks and his acting talent. He did the biopic on M.S. Dhoni and Kedarnath which won him a lot of appreciation. Alas, he had a very short stint in the film industry with his untimely death.
6. Yami Gautam started her career with the television shows. She acted in serials like Paar Chalo, Yeh Pyar na Hoga Kam and Rajkumar Aaryyan. She then got into films and shot to fame with her debut film in 2012 Vicky Donor followed by Bhoot Police and Kaabil.
7. R Madhavan, prior to joining the film industry was spotted by a television executive in Mumbai and he was hired to appear in many ventures such as Zee TV’s Banegi Apni Baat in 1993, Ghar Jamai gained popularity he portrayed in many other television serials like Yule Love Story etc. He got his breakthrough with the Tamil films by Mani Ratnam to feature in a leading role. He did many Tamil and regional films and subsequently went on to debut in Hindi films. He did some super hit films such as 3 Idiots, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, Tanu Weds Manu, Nishabdh, Shaitaan, Rang De Basanti and Hisaab Barabar was his latest released in 2024.
8. Prachi Desai gained popularity on the small screen with the serial Kasam Se. She then transitioned from television to Bollywood with the film Once Upon a Time in Mumbai and the film Bol Bachchan.
9. Mona Singh who played the role of Jassi in the popular television serial Jassi Jassi Koi Nahin. She gained popularity as one of the finest actresses on television. She joined the film industry in films like 3 Idiots with, Laal Singh Chaddha and a few others.
10. Vikrant Massey’s journey from the television industry to Bollywood is a testament to his unmatched talent. He did not so a significant role in the popular serials Balika Vadhu and Dharam Veer but his performance was much appreciated and it propelled him to expand his horizon to films with supporting roles in Lootera in 2013, Dil Dhadakne Do in 2015. He is one of the most versatile actors of Bollywood and in the 2023 film 12th Fail, he made a significant impact on his audience and gave rise to his career.
