Today, actor Harshavardhan Rane has become the talk of the town due to the success of his latest on-screen outing, the romantic drama Ek Deewana Ka Deewaniyat. However, like any outsider (with no ties to Bollywood), his journey towards success has been anything but a bed of roses.
The Early Struggles of a Dreamer
Rane’s journey to success was far from easy. Hailing from Gwalior and with no family connections in Bollywood, he had to carve his path entirely on his own. According to The Free Press Journal, he left home at the young age of sixteen, carrying only ₹200 in his pocket and a heart full of ambition. Inspired by Sharad Kelkar, another actor from his hometown, Rane dreamt of becoming a performer. He took a train to Delhi, determined to find a way into the entertainment industry, even if it meant starting from the very bottom.
His early days in the city were marked by survival struggles. To afford his daily meals, Rane took up whatever work came his way.
He told IANS: "No one gave me any work. In the beginning, the easiest job you can get is a waiter's job. You don't need any qualification for that; you just have to serve the table. That started with Rs. 10 per day and a plate of choley rice. That was my salary."
He also found odd jobs in STD booths, cyber cafés, and delivery services. Despite the hardships, his determination never wavered.
Learning English at a Call Centre
One of the most defining choices Rane made in his early years was to improve his English. Speaking to The Free Press Journal, he revealed that he joined a call centre not for money, but to learn the language. He couldn’t afford coaching classes, so he used the opportunity to learn soft skills and communication through his job. For him, every experience, even in a corporate cubicle, became a stepping stone towards his dream of becoming an actor.
A Chance Encounter with John Abraham
During his delivery boy days, fate gave Rane a memorable experience. As he shared in an interview with Zoom, he once delivered a helmet to actor John Abraham at an event in Delhi back in 2004. Nervous yet excited, Rane waited outside, expecting there might be a complaint about the product. Instead, John came out personally to thank him for the delivery. That simple gesture left a lasting impact on Rane, teaching him that true success is rooted in humility and humanity.
The Leap from Television to Telugu Films
Rane’s first significant break came through television, which served as his training ground before he transitioned to cinema. He then moved to Hyderabad to explore opportunities in the Telugu film industry. His debut Telugu film earned him recognition, but soon after, he was only being offered negative roles. As he told The Telegraph, he chose not to compromise on his creative principles, even if it meant facing financial instability.
For nearly three years, he remained unemployed because he refused to play stereotypical villains. There were times when he couldn’t even afford his meals, and his assistant, whom he had hired during better days, ended up feeding him for six months. Yet, Rane stayed resilient, believing that the right opportunity would eventually find him.
Carpentry: A Survival Skill Turned Passion
When acting jobs became scarce, Rane turned to carpentry—a skill he inherited from his father. He started refurbishing old furniture from Nampally Station in Hyderabad, retexturing and restoring pieces to earn some income. In his interview with The Telegraph, Rane spoke fondly of those days, calling carpentry his “part-time career.” Working with wood not only helped him survive financially but also provided mental peace during difficult times.
Breakthrough in Bollywood
Rane finally made his Bollywood debut in 2016 with Sanam Teri Kasam, starring opposite Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane. Though the film didn’t perform well commercially upon its release, it later found immense popularity on streaming platforms during the Covid-19 lockdown, transforming into a cult romantic favorite. The movie gave Rane a renewed presence in the industry and introduced him to a nationwide audience.
A Well-Earned Success
Today, Ek Deewana Ka Deewaniyat has become a major turning point in Rane’s career. With glowing reviews and impressive box office numbers, it marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Ek Deewana Ka Deewaniyat has emerged as a surprise hit. As per a Sacnilk report, the romantic drama has amassed Rs 94 crore so far at the box-office.
The Early Struggles of a Dreamer
Rane’s journey to success was far from easy. Hailing from Gwalior and with no family connections in Bollywood, he had to carve his path entirely on his own. According to The Free Press Journal, he left home at the young age of sixteen, carrying only ₹200 in his pocket and a heart full of ambition. Inspired by Sharad Kelkar, another actor from his hometown, Rane dreamt of becoming a performer. He took a train to Delhi, determined to find a way into the entertainment industry, even if it meant starting from the very bottom.
His early days in the city were marked by survival struggles. To afford his daily meals, Rane took up whatever work came his way.
He told IANS: "No one gave me any work. In the beginning, the easiest job you can get is a waiter's job. You don't need any qualification for that; you just have to serve the table. That started with Rs. 10 per day and a plate of choley rice. That was my salary."
He also found odd jobs in STD booths, cyber cafés, and delivery services. Despite the hardships, his determination never wavered.
Learning English at a Call Centre
One of the most defining choices Rane made in his early years was to improve his English. Speaking to The Free Press Journal, he revealed that he joined a call centre not for money, but to learn the language. He couldn’t afford coaching classes, so he used the opportunity to learn soft skills and communication through his job. For him, every experience, even in a corporate cubicle, became a stepping stone towards his dream of becoming an actor.
A Chance Encounter with John Abraham
During his delivery boy days, fate gave Rane a memorable experience. As he shared in an interview with Zoom, he once delivered a helmet to actor John Abraham at an event in Delhi back in 2004. Nervous yet excited, Rane waited outside, expecting there might be a complaint about the product. Instead, John came out personally to thank him for the delivery. That simple gesture left a lasting impact on Rane, teaching him that true success is rooted in humility and humanity.
The Leap from Television to Telugu Films
Rane’s first significant break came through television, which served as his training ground before he transitioned to cinema. He then moved to Hyderabad to explore opportunities in the Telugu film industry. His debut Telugu film earned him recognition, but soon after, he was only being offered negative roles. As he told The Telegraph, he chose not to compromise on his creative principles, even if it meant facing financial instability.
For nearly three years, he remained unemployed because he refused to play stereotypical villains. There were times when he couldn’t even afford his meals, and his assistant, whom he had hired during better days, ended up feeding him for six months. Yet, Rane stayed resilient, believing that the right opportunity would eventually find him.
Carpentry: A Survival Skill Turned Passion
When acting jobs became scarce, Rane turned to carpentry—a skill he inherited from his father. He started refurbishing old furniture from Nampally Station in Hyderabad, retexturing and restoring pieces to earn some income. In his interview with The Telegraph, Rane spoke fondly of those days, calling carpentry his “part-time career.” Working with wood not only helped him survive financially but also provided mental peace during difficult times.
Breakthrough in Bollywood
Rane finally made his Bollywood debut in 2016 with Sanam Teri Kasam, starring opposite Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane. Though the film didn’t perform well commercially upon its release, it later found immense popularity on streaming platforms during the Covid-19 lockdown, transforming into a cult romantic favorite. The movie gave Rane a renewed presence in the industry and introduced him to a nationwide audience.
A Well-Earned Success
Today, Ek Deewana Ka Deewaniyat has become a major turning point in Rane’s career. With glowing reviews and impressive box office numbers, it marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Ek Deewana Ka Deewaniyat has emerged as a surprise hit. As per a Sacnilk report, the romantic drama has amassed Rs 94 crore so far at the box-office.
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