Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

The Real Mountain Man Short, lean, dark-complexioned Nawazuddin Siddiqui is truly an antithesis of a Bollywood hero. It took him 14 years to get recognized in Bollywood.

By Punita Sabharwal

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Entrepreneur

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is truly an antithesis of a Bollywood hero. It's not just his appearance that lets you decide his fate but his background of coming from a poor family from aUP village. It took him 14 years to get recognized in Bollywood.

The rags-to-riches story of Siddiqui is soon coming out in the form of a book. At the recent Spring Fever 2016 by Random House, he spoke about his struggles. Entrepreneur features a few learnings he has to offer.

Giving up is not an option

When asked after all struggles and disappointments why he didn't go back, Siddiqui answers, "This fear ensured that I never returned. The struggle is for everyone. Even star kids have to struggle. Their dads can make just one movie for them."

Persistence pays

He went through a lot of struggles before he got the opportunity to prove his mettle in Gangs of Wasseypur. From a village to Bollywood was not an easy road. Success eluded him for many years but it was his persistence that actually paid off. Lessonlearnt: keep knocking the door until you get an answer.

Pursue your dreams

His life has all been about pursuing your dreams relentlessly. "I never wanted to prove anything to anyone. I worked very hard – more than any other actor. I was happy to do even one. I wasn't aiming to become a star I wanted to be honest with the scene," he says.

This article first appeared in the Indian edition of Entrepreneur magazine (April 2016 Issue).

Punita Sabharwal

Entrepreneur Staff

Managing Editor, Entrepreneur India

Side Hustle

At 16, She Started a Side Hustle While 'Stuck at Home.' Now It's on Track to Earn Over $3.1 Million This Year.

Evangelina Petrakis, 21, was in high school when she posted on social media for fun — then realized a business opportunity.

Business News

Remote Work Enthusiast Kevin O'Leary Does TV Appearance Wearing Suit Jacket, Tie and Pajama Bottoms

"Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary looks all business—until you see the wide view.

Health & Wellness

I'm a CEO, Founder and Father of 2 — Here Are 3 Practices That Help Me Maintain My Sanity.

This is a combination of active practices that I've put together over a decade of my intense entrepreneurial journey.

Growing a Business

Why 'Founder Mode' is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution to Leadership

The founder-driven approach can boost a business's growth, but transitioning from "founder mode" to a balanced leadership style is essential for sustained success and scaling.

Growing a Business

PR vs. Marketing — Which One Delivers Better ROI for Your Business?

PR builds trust and credibility over time, while marketing drives short-term sales through targeted campaigns, making both essential for business success, depending on goals and budget.

Business News

San Francisco's Train System Is Still Run on Floppy Disks. It May Finally Get an Upgrade.

Officials approve a $212 million plan to replace its wildly outdated train control system.