Rejections never sit well with anyone. No matter what you tell the world or what others tell you, no one is ever prepared to face rejection. Why? Because we always set out with a mindset of ‘making it’ instead of setting ourselves up for failure. Right?

Now while rejection may mean different things for different people, many rejections can also decide the course of one’s career and eventually what the future might hold for them. Now, at a time when most Indians have come to have a take on the nepotism debate and how it functions within Bollywood, here is something many of us may have overlooked in our disgruntled agitation.

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Many Bollywood superstars we know today have also had a taste of rejection before the world even considered them as ‘stars’ and here are a few of them you may want to know about, because we believe credit must be given where it’s due and these stars have proven that they have come a long way in their respective journeys.

1. Ranveer Singh

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The man who charmed the audience with stellar performances in movies such as Padmaavat, Simmba, Gully Boy and others had a rough start in the industry. It was director Anurag Kashyap who had recently revealed during an interview that Ranveer had been rejected during the audition for Shaitaan. Reportedly, he was also rejected from Bombay Velvet because nobody wanted to put their money on him.

2. Alia Bhatt

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She is being called one of the rising stars of Bollywood who has proven her merit as an actor with great performances in films like Udta Punjab, Raazi and Gully Boy amongst others. However, not many are aware that Alia had reportedly auditioned for Wake Up Sid at the age of 17, but failed to make the cut. A clip from the audition had leaked online a few years ago.

3. Vicky Kaushal

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Another rising star of Bollywood who has made his way into people’s hearts through sheer passion and hard work is Vicky Khausal. We loved him in Masaan, he was endearing in Raazi, convincing in Manmarziyaan and superb in Uri, but did you know that one of Vicky’s earliest auditions had been for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag where he was rejected during the auditions?

4. Ranbir Kapoor

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Ranbir needs no introduction as an actor today. The guy has entertained scores of fans with his highly colourful performances over the years and made a name for himself in the industry with striking deliveries in films such as Barfi, Tamasha and Sanju amongst others. However, not many are aware that Ranbir had auditioned for the critically acclaimed film The Reluctant Fundamentalist but was rejected by director Mira Nair because he didn’t fit the bill.

5. Deepika Padukone

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Deepika Padukon is recognised as an excellent artist not only in Bollywood but even Hollywood has gotten a taste of her great acting chops. Be it Chhapaak, Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani or Piku, Deepika has given her fans enough reasons to cheer for her. However, her massive popularity and potential didn’t help her bag the critically acclaimed film Beyond The Clouds, wherein Deepika failed to make the cut during audition.

6. Varun Dhawan

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Varun Dhawan also enjoys a massive fan following in the country and people seem to genuinely like his brand of entertainment. From Badlapur to the ABCD franchise, Badrinath Ki Dulhania and October, Varun has given many memorable performances. But even this guy had faced rejections before he bagged his debut movie. Varun was rejected after auditioning for Suraj Sharma’s role in Life of Pi and Prateik Babbar’s role in Dhobi Ghat. 

7. Sara Ali Khan

© Facebook Sara Ali Khan

Although fairly new to the industry, Sara still enjoys great popularity in India. Though we are yet to see her iconic performances, Sara too has seen rejection in her field of work in the short time she has been active in the industry. Reportedly, Sara had auditioned for Fatima Sana Shaikh’s role in Thugs Of Hindostan but had apparently failed the look test and was rejected by Aditya Chopra.

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