Bollywood actors who did small roles before becoming stars
Before becoming a star with films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Lunchbox, Nawazuddin did many small parts. His first noticeable role was in Aamir Khan starrer Sarfarosh.
Source: Instagram/Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Shahid Kapoor made his lead debut in 2003 with Ishk Vishq. However, the actor can be seen as a background dancer in films like Dil to Pagal Hai and Taal.
Source: Shahid Kapoor/Instagram
Before becoming Miss Asia-Pacific in 2000 and making Bollywood debut in 2001, Dia Mirza appeared as a junior artist in the Tamil film En Swasa Kaatre.
Source: Dia Mirza/Instagram
Irrfan Khan became a star in 2003 with his villain's role in Haasil. However, his career trajectory goes way back to late 80s when he appeared in Mira Nair's Oscar nominated film Salaam Bombay.
Source: Irrfan Khan file photo
Pankaj Tripathi: Gangs of Wasseypur catapulted Pankaj Tripathi to stardom. However, the actor appeared in small parts in many films like Run, Omkara among others.
Source: Instagram
Shreyas Talpade's first lead role was in Iqbal, which was a sleeper hit. However, the actor can be seen in a blink-and-miss appearance in the 2002 thriller Aankhen.