Our society’s idea of success is pretty narrow and old school. For most of the people we ever come in contact with in our lifetime, success consists of a shining report card in school, a ‘valuable’ degree from a top engineering, medical or law college, a dreamy job with a six-figure salary, a swanky home, flashy cars, so on and so forth. 

Miss one of these steps and you’ll be declared an utter disappointment.

However, some of the very well-known personalities we see in our country and admire, did fail to live up to such societal expectations early in their lives, but went on to achieve great success, which shut up the naysayers.

Here is a list of 5 such famous Indian celebrities who may have failed to live up to societal expectations but shut them up by succeeding in life:

© Instagram/Bhumi Pednekar

Bhumi Pednekar is a talented actor who has acted in a number of diverse movies. However, during a recent interview, she revealed that she failed film school and was asked to leave. 

Having been expelled from college for “being undisciplined” Bhumi was left with an education loan of Rs 13 lakh. 

© Instagram/Biswa Kalyan Rath

Who doesn’t know this hilarious man who can make even the mundane seem extremely funny by simply using words to tickle our funny bones?

But did you know that the same guy was once dealing with serious depression after he not only struggled to get a job after graduation, but was also fired from one within three months? Today the name Biswa is a brand in himself.

© Instagram/Kangana Ranaut

The fiery and blunt Kangana Ranaut, who is not only a popular Bollywood actor today but also a successful businesswoman running her own production house in the industry, failed in Chemistry in Class 12th. 

This made her reconsider her initial career choice of becoming a doctor, and she found herself turning to modelling instead.

© Filmfare

Like others on the list, the Khiladi of Bollywood, who is nothing less than one of the biggest stars in Hindi film industry, had also tasted his own share of disappointments. 

Reportedly, Akshay failed an exam in school and was terrified of showing his report card to his parents. Today, he is a National Award winner and no poor marks could have stopped that.

© Instagram/Sandeep Maheshwari

Another renowned persona who didn’t let societal norms and failures dictate his life is the popular YouTuber, motivational speaker and entrepreneur Sandeep Maheshwari. 

When being in a top DU college didn’t cut it for him, Sandeep decided to drop out and set out on his own journey. Not only did he go on to found Images Bazaar, but today, millions of people draw inspiration from his journey.

Who said failing means you can’t succeed?

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