The Padma Shri actor who borrowed money from his Miss India girlfriend and left bank job to chase his dreams

There’s a well-known Bollywood actor whose rise to fame wasn’t paved with silver spoons or easy paths. Instead, it was shaped by struggles, risks, and decisions that many would never dare to take. This actor, who once worked in a bank, borrowed money from his then-girlfriend to fund his dreams, and eventually starred in over 200 films, went on to receive the Padma Shri and a National Award for his immense contributions to Indian cinema. And yes, the actor in question is none other than Paresh Rawal.

A Reluctant Banker: The First Step Toward a Film Career
Born in a middle-class Gujarati family in Mumbai, Paresh Rawal wasn’t always destined for the limelight. After completing his education at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce, he joined the Bank of Baroda in hopes of securing financial independence. However, after just a brief stint, Rawal realized the banking profession wasn’t for him.

But it was his then-girlfriend, Swaroop Sampat—who would later become his wife—who supported him during this time. He borrowed money from her to pursue acting, a decision that would prove to be life-changing. Swaroop Sampat, a Miss India 1979 winner, believed in his talent and dreams, and her support helped him take the first steps toward an illustrious career.

The Big Break: Entering Bollywood
Paresh Rawal’s film career began in the early 1980s, with his first role in the Gujarati film Naseeb Ni Balihari (1982), followed by his Bollywood debut in Mira Nair’s Holi (1984). Though these films didn’t bring him instant stardom, they marked the beginning of his cinematic journey.

Rawal truly came into his own with the 1985 film Arjun and the 1986 film Naam, where he portrayed pivotal roles that began to define him as an actor. His breakthrough role, however, came in 2000 with the legendary Hera Pheri, where his portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte—an eccentric garage owner—became iconic. Audiences loved his quirky character, and it helped establish him as one of the finest actors in the industry.

A Career Well-Deserved
Today, Paresh Rawal is an actor who is synonymous with versatile performances. He has acted in over 240 films, showcasing his incredible range, from comedy to intense drama. His contribution to Indian cinema earned him the Padma Shri in 2014, followed by a National Award, affirming his status as one of India’s finest cinematic talents.

Despite his fame, Rawal has remained grounded, often crediting his success to his humble beginnings and the people who believed in him—like his wife, Swaroop, and his theater friends.

A Professional Equation with Akshay Kumar
Rawal’s long-standing professional relationship with Akshay Kumar is another interesting aspect of his career. The two have worked together on several films, including Hera Pheri, Bhaagam Bhaag, and OMG: Oh My God. In a recent interview, Paresh Rawal referred to Akshay Kumar as a ‘colleague’, explaining that relationships in the film industry are professional, whereas true friendships are formed in theater and school. Despite their professional camaraderie, the mutual respect between the two is undeniable, and they are set to reunite in Hera Pheri 3 and Bhooth Bangla.