These young actors learnt how to make films from the ground up before dazzling audiences on screen.
Before Fame: Getting to Know the Ropes Behind the Camera
Many new Bollywood actors started their careers on film sets, but not as actors. Instead, they worked as assistant directors (ADs). They learnt how to direct, work as a team, and tell stories by working with some of the best filmmakers. This early exposure helped them understand movies and set them up for their acting careers.
### 🌟 Akshun Mahajan: Trained While Doing Big-Budget Action
Before he was on screen, Akshun Mahajan worked on big YRF films like Tiger 3 (2023) with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. He also worked on Shamshera (2022) with Ranbir Kapoor.
He learnt how intense action filmmaking is by doing things like managing complicated stunts. He also figured out how to run a big production. So, this hands-on training gave him a strong creative base before he started acting.
### 🎥 Ibrahim Ali Khan: Discipline Meets Direction
Ibrahim Ali Khan, who is the son of Saif Ali Khan, worked as an assistant director for Karan Johar on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (2023).
Ibrahim learnt about discipline, direction, and technical accuracy on set by working closely with stars like Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Because of this, his work behind the camera should show in his future performances on screen.
### 🎞 Ishaan Khatter: A Movie Buff Before He Became Famous
Ishaan Khatter helped director Abhishek Chaubey with Udta Punjab (2016) before winning hearts with Beyond the Clouds (2017) and Dhadak (2018).
He learnt a lot about storytelling and ensemble drama from the experience. Also, seeing his brother Shahid Kapoor on set gave him a lot of valuable information. He understood more about how to play a character and how to act.
### 🎬 Veer Pahariya: Getting a Technical Advantage
Veer Pahariya, the grandson of former Union Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, worked as an assistant director on Bhediya (2022) before making his first appearance.
He learnt about the creative and technical challenges of storytelling with a lot of VFX under Amar Kaushik’s direction. So, this experience will definitely help him combine creativity with accuracy when he gets in front of the camera.
### 🎤 Ahaan Panday: The YRF Protégé With Strong Groundwork
Ahaan Panday worked as a assistant director on Rock On 2 (2016) before his highly anticipated YRF debut.
The musical drama taught him how to work with others and how to manage his time. He learned how important rhythm is, both on set and on screen. This training behind the scenes helped him get ready to perform with confidence over time.
### 🎭 From Behind the Camera to the Stage
These actors show that great performers are often made behind the scenes. Their time as assistant directors taught them discipline and creativity. It also gave them a filmmaker’s point of view. As they step in front of the camera now, they bring both vision and experience. This is a rare combination in today’s changing film industry.
