Bollywood’s star kids may be born into fame but some choose to start their journey behind the scenes to get some experience of the film industry before stepping into the limelight. Working as assistant directors (ADs) provides an invaluable opportunity to understand the technical side of filmmaking, develop discipline and gain experience in front of the camera.
Here’s a look at 6 star kids who began their careers as assistant directors before making their debut in acting:
1. Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir Kapoor, one of the most acclaimed actors of Hindi Cinema of the present times, he took his first steps in the film industry as an assistant director. After completing his acting training at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, Ranbir worked as an AD for his father Rishi Kapoor on “Aa Ab Laut Chalen” (1999). Later, he assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the critically acclaimed film “Black” (2005). Bhansali’s meticulous approach to filmmaking helped Ranbir learn the finer aspects of cinema, preparing him for his acting debut in “Saawariya” (2007).
2. Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor, known for her stylish persona and choice of diverse roles, also began her Bollywood journey behind the camera. She worked as an assistant director to Sanjay Leela Bhansali on “Black” (2005), the same film where Ranbir Kapoor served as an AD. Sonam’s experience under Bhansali, known for his attention to detail and artistic vision, taught her the rigors of filmmaking and the importance of hard work. This experience was pivotal before her debut as an actress in “Saawariya” (2007), opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Sonam has since carved her own niche with roles in films like “Neerja” (2016) and “Raanjhanaa” (2013).
3. Varun Dhawan
Before becoming one of the most popular young stars of Bollywood, Varun Dhawan worked as an assistant director on Karan Johar’s “My Name is Khan” (2010). Working under Karan Johar, one of Bollywood’s most famous directors, provided Varun with valuable insights into filmmaking and discipline, teaching him about scene construction, shot breakdowns and set management. Varun’s experience as an AD prepared him well for his debut in “Student of the Year” (2012) and helped him develop the skills to perform various roles, from comedies like “Main Tera Hero” (2014) to intense performances in films like “Badlapur” (2015).
4. Ibrahim Ali Khan
Son of actor Saif Ali Khan and actress Amrita Singh, Ibrahim Ali Khan is another star kid who chose to work behind the scenes before taking up acting. He worked as an assistant director for Karan Johar’s film “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani”, starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. As per the reports, Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut movie will be “Sarzameen” which will also star some big names of the industry such as Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mihir Ahuja and Rohed Khan.
5. Shanaya Kapoor
Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor, also started her journey as an assistant director. She worked as an AD on “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl” (2020), which starred her cousin Janhvi Kapoor. Shanaya Kapoor was supposed to make it to the movie industry with Dharma Productions’ “Bedhadak” but it got shelved and now it is being said that she will debut with pan-India Telugu-Malayalam movie which has been titled as “Vrushabha” and it will also star Mohanlal in an important role.
6. Arjun Kapoor
Arjun Kapoor, known for his roles in films like “Ishaqzaade” (2012) and “2 States” (2014), worked as an assistant director before becoming an actor. He assisted Nikhil Advani on “Kal Ho Naa Ho” (2003) and later on “Salaam-e-Ishq” (2007). His early years as an AD gave him a solid foundation in cinema and strengthened his resolve to pursue acting, despite initially struggling with weight issues and self-confidence.
These star kids may have had the advantage of a famous last name but their choice to work as assistant directors highlights their dedication to understanding the intricacies of filmmaking. As they transition from ADs to actors, their behind-the-scenes experience continues to influence their approach to acting, helping them shine on the silver screen.
