Updated on: 24 September, 2026 08:22 PM IST |Kavya Agarwal
Before the cameras rolled and Bollywood lights dazzled, these actors were mastering their craft under the raw, unforgiving spotlight of the stage. From powerful monologues to packed theatre halls, their journey began far away from the glamour of films. Check out the 7 actors who did theatres before entering Bollywood.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
After watching a live theatre play, Nawaz grew deeply inspired and quit his regular job. He started out doing regional plays, including Gujarati theatre productions. He moved to Delhi and joined the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), graduating in 1996. To survive financially during his rigorous Delhi theatre days, he worked odd jobs, including serving as a night watchman.
After watching a live theatre play, Nawaz grew deeply inspired and quit his regular job. He started out doing regional plays, including Gujarati theatre productions. He moved to Delhi and joined the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), graduating in 1996. To survive financially during his rigorous Delhi theatre days, he worked odd jobs, including serving as a night watchman.
Pankaj Tripathi
He spent years doing active theater in Patna and graduated from the National School of Drama before entering films.
He spent years doing active theater in Patna and graduated from the National School of Drama before entering films.
Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher built a strong foundation in stage acting through formal training at the Department of Indian Theatre at Panjab University starting in July 1974, followed by graduating as a gold medalist from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1978.
Anupam Kher built a strong foundation in stage acting through formal training at the Department of Indian Theatre at Panjab University starting in July 1974, followed by graduating as a gold medalist from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1978.
Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan originally wanted to be a cricketer before finding his passion for theatre and acting. He had to drop out of the tournament because he could not afford the travel expenses. Inspired by his maternal uncle, who was a theatre artist in Jodhpur, Irrfan developed a deep fascination for acting. While completing his Master of Arts (MA) degree in Jaipur, he connected with local theatre artists and began performing in stage plays. His dedication to the stage led him to win a scholarship at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1984, paving the way for his legendary career in television, theatre, and cinema
Irrfan Khan originally wanted to be a cricketer before finding his passion for theatre and acting. He had to drop out of the tournament because he could not afford the travel expenses. Inspired by his maternal uncle, who was a theatre artist in Jodhpur, Irrfan developed a deep fascination for acting. While completing his Master of Arts (MA) degree in Jaipur, he connected with local theatre artists and began performing in stage plays. His dedication to the stage led him to win a scholarship at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1984, paving the way for his legendary career in television, theatre, and cinema
Shah Rukh Khan
King Khan first gained attention through school plays at St. Columba's School, famously playing the lead in The Wizard of Oz.He performed in several prominent stage productions in Delhi, including Tom Stoppard's Rough Crossing, Whose Life Is It Anyway?, and Lend Me A Tenor. His stage foundation directly paved the way for his screen career when he transitioned to television, making his acting debut in the 1989 series Fauji, and the REST IS HISTORY!
King Khan first gained attention through school plays at St. Columba's School, famously playing the lead in The Wizard of Oz.He performed in several prominent stage productions in Delhi, including Tom Stoppard's Rough Crossing, Whose Life Is It Anyway?, and Lend Me A Tenor. His stage foundation directly paved the way for his screen career when he transitioned to television, making his acting debut in the 1989 series Fauji, and the REST IS HISTORY!
Naseeruddin Shah
Naseeruddin Shah began his serious engagement with theatre long before his professional film debut, performing in school plays as a teenager around age 14. He refined his craft by graduating from prestigious institutions including the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
Naseeruddin Shah began his serious engagement with theatre long before his professional film debut, performing in school plays as a teenager around age 14. He refined his craft by graduating from prestigious institutions including the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
Rajkummar Rao
Rajkummar Rao built his foundational acting skills through intense stage work with prominent Delhi-based theater groups like Kshitij Repertory and the Shri Ram Centre (SRC) simultaneously completing his graduation at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College (ARSD) under Delhi University.
Rajkummar Rao built his foundational acting skills through intense stage work with prominent Delhi-based theater groups like Kshitij Repertory and the Shri Ram Centre (SRC) simultaneously completing his graduation at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College (ARSD) under Delhi University.
