Bollywood which looks all glamorous is not an easy place to be. One has to fight tooth and nail to survive and make a mark in the industry. Some manage to achieve success in their first film while there are plenty who fall from grace after being a big shot. Superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif are industry’s biggest names today, but did you know they all have starred in B-grade movies to prove their mettle in Bollywood? That’s right.
Bollywood is a breeding ground for smashing success and many have had to strive hard for it. Here is a list of top 10 celebs who were part of B-grade films.
Bollywood celebrities in B-grade films
Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar is currently one of the most bankable actors in the Indian film industry. The Khiladi actor made his debut in Saugandh (1991). One of the most respected and highly sought after actor, most of Akshay’s movies are part of the 100 crore club.
However, people who know him as the ultimate Khiladi today do not know that he had a string of flops early on in his career. In 1992 just before Khiladi hit the screens, Akshay starred in a B-grade film titled Mr. Bond. Akshay played the role of a police officer in the film. The film was a smashing flop at the box office and was criticized by the audience and critics alike.
Amitabh Bachchan B-grade film
Amitabh Bachchan is the epitome of stardom in Bollywood today. The Shahanshah of the film industry is nothing short of a legend. However, not many people know that the most respected actor in the industry was once bankrupt. The actor in 2003 suffered a huge loss due to which he had to mortgage all his property. Amitabh was in dire need of money back then so he took up a B-grade film Boom. The film starred Padma Lakshmi, Katrina Kaif, and Gulshan Grover in titular roles.
Rajesh Khanna
Bollywood’s golden actor Rajesh Khanna is the only actor to give 17 consecutive hits in his career. A record that remains unbroken to date. The actor has starred in at least 103 movies in his career. The late actor made his comeback in Bollywood with the 2008 B-grade drama Wafaa- The Deadly Love Story. The film tanked at the box office and is rated 3.8 in IMDb.
Manyata Dutt
Known today as Bollywood’s Khalnayak Sanjay Dutt’s wife, Manyata Dutt was a well-known B-grade film actress. Born in Dilnawaj Shaikh, Manyata was born in 1979 in Dubai. She came to Mumbai to pursue her dreams as a successful actress. However, her luck didn’t push through and she started working in B-grade films. Manyata starred in a film called ‘Lovers Like Us.’ It was later reported that Sanjay Dutt bought all the rights of the film.
Katrina Kaif B-grade film
One of Bollywood’s sexiest A-list actress, Katrina Kaif is today number one on every director’s list. But before making her big Bollywood splash, Katrina starred in B-grade film Boom. The movie revolves around supermodels’ involvement with big shot gangsters. Katrina had to do intimate scenes with Gulshan Grover which are still considered one of the controversial scenes in Bollywood.
Archana Puran Singh
Famous for her unapologetic belly laughter, Archana Puran Singh became a well-known name as a judge on comedy shows like Comedy Circus. What many might be unaware of is her history as an actor with leading men of Bollywood. Before being Miss Braganza in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, the reality Tv judge was part of B-grade films like Jalwa and Raat Ka Gunah. The movies failed to make a wave in Bollywood.
Manisha Koirala B-grade film
Manisha Koirala is one of the famous actresses of the 90s. Having starred with all the leading men in the industry, Manisha managed to make a mark for herself. In her long career till the 2000s, Manisha starred in a B-grade film called ‘Choti si love story‘. The film revolved around a mature lady’s forbidden romance with a young boy.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is Bollywood’s most respected and talented actors. Known for his versatility and charm onscreen, Nawazuddin can play any character to perfection. Many in Bollywood take inspiration from his early year’s struggle. Nawazuddin, who is currently a well-known actor had to star in a B-grade film called Miss Lovely. Critics bashed the film for its soft porn type treatment of actors and naked exploitation of the movie mafias with gangsters.
Govinda
Govinda was Bollywood’s ultimate ‘Hero No. 1’ in the 90s. The actor was part of some of the biggest blockbusters in the 90s. His pair with Karishma Kapoor was one of the most talked-about in the tinsel town. Known for his roles in Raja Babu, Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare, the actor had impeccable comedic timing. However, ultimately his popularity began fading away and he accepted roles in B-grade films like Ssukh, Naughty @ 40 to keep his career going.
Sunil Shetty
No one can forget Sunil Shetty’s classic performances in films like Border and Mohra. The actor became the most rooted forlorn lover in Dhadkan. His superb comical performances in Gopi Kishan and Hera Pheri made him the ultimate all-rounder in Bollywood. However, in his impressive string of films, Sunil has also been involved in B-grade films like Mera Dost Picture Abhi Baaki Hai. The actor is currently one of the hot looking actors in their late 50s.
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