Bollywood Actors Who Were Engineers: 10 Academic Whiz Kids Turned Bollywood Stars in 2024
10 Bollywood actors who were engineers: Bollywood is often seen as a world of glitz, glamour, and endless creativity. However, some Bollywood actors have had surprising beginnings beneath the glamorous facade. It’s fascinating to learn that several of these stars were once engineers, balancing the rigors of academic life before switching to the dazzling world of cinema. In this article, we explore the journeys of 10 Bollywood actors who were engineers before making their mark in the film industry.
Born: 21 January 1986, Patna
Died: 14 June 2020 (age 34 years), Bandra West, Mumbai
Siblings: Shweta Singh Kirti, Priyanka Singh, Mitu Singh, Neetu Singh
Education: Delhi Technological University, Kulachi Hansraj Model School, St. Karen’s High School
Height: 1.83 m
Sushant Singh Rajput was not only a phenomenal actor but also a bright student. He was a National Physics Olympiad winner and ranked seventh in the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE). He pursued mechanical engineering at Delhi College of Engineering. However, his passion for acting eventually led him to drop out of college and follow his dreams in Bollywood. His journey is a testament to how talent and passion can lead to success in unexpected ways.
2. R. Madhavan
Born: 1 June 1970 (age 54 years), Jamshedpur
Upcoming movie: De De Pyaar De 2
Spouse: Sarita Birje (m. 1999)
Children: Vedaant Madhavan
R. Madhavan’s portrayal of Farhan Qureshi in “3 Idiots” as an anguished engineer who dreams of becoming a photographer resonated with many. Interestingly, Madhavan himself has an engineering background. He holds a degree in Electronics Engineering from Rajaram College, Kolhapur. Much like his character in the movie, he chose to follow his passion for acting instead of engineering, proving that it’s never too late to pursue what you love.
3. Kriti Sanon
Born: 27 July 1990 (age 34 years), New Delhi
Height: 1.74 m
Parents: Rahul Sanon, Geeta Sanon
Education: JAYPEE INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, Delhi Public School R.K.Puram
Siblings: Nupur Sanon
Kriti Sanon, known for her beauty and acting prowess, is also academically gifted. She graduated with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida. Kriti’s academic excellence proves that one can excel in both academics and the arts. Despite her engineering background, she chose the path of acting and quickly became a sought-after actress in Bollywood.
4. Taapsee Pannu
Born: 1 August 1987 (age 37 years), New Delhi
Spouse: Mathias Boe (m. 2024)
Education: Guru Tegh Bahadur Institute of Technology (2009)
Height: 1.65 m
Siblings: Shagun Pannu
Before captivating audiences with her powerful performances, Taapsee Pannu worked as a software engineer. She holds a degree in Computer Science Engineering from Guru Tegh Bahadur Institute of Technology in New Delhi. Taapsee’s analytical skills as an engineer have undoubtedly contributed to her ability to understand and portray complex characters on screen.
5. Sonu Sood
Born: 30 July 1973 (age 51 years), Moga
Spouse: Sonali Sood (m. 1996)
Children: Ishant Sood, Ayaan Sood
Parents: Shakti Sood, Saroj Sood
Height: 1.88 m
Siblings: Malvika Sood, Monika Sood
Sonu Sood, one of Bollywood’s most recognized antagonists, is not just skilled in acting but also academically accomplished. He earned a degree in Electronics Engineering from Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering in Nagpur. Initially set to join his family business, Sonu chose to pursue acting instead, carving out a successful career in the film industry.
6. Vicky Kaushal
Born: 16 May 1988 (age 36 years), Mumbai
Upcoming movies: Chhaava, Singham Again
Spouse: Katrina Kaif (m. 2021)
Parents: Sham Kaushal, Veena Kaushal
Height: 1.83 m
Siblings: Sunny Kaushal
The charismatic Vicky Kaushal worked as an engineer before stepping into Bollywood. He has a degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Mumbai. His engineering background may have contributed to his methodical approach to acting, allowing him to deliver nuanced performances.
7. Kartik Aaryan
Born: 22 November 1990 (age 33 years), Gwalior
Upcoming movie: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Education: DY Patil College of Engineering
Parents: Mala Tiwari, Manish Tiwari
Height: 1.83 m
Siblings: Kritika Tiwari
Kartik Aaryan, famous for his charming on-screen presence, was balancing his acting aspirations while studying Biotechnology Engineering at D.Y. Patil College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai. Despite the challenges of juggling studies and auditions, Kartik managed to establish himself as a popular actor, showcasing that determination and hard work can help achieve dreams.
8. Nagarjuna
Born: 29 August 1959 (age 65 years), Chennai
Upcoming movie: Coolie
Spouse: Amala Akkineni (m. 1992), Lakshmi Daggubati (m. 1984–1990)
Children: Naga Chaitanya, Akhil Akkineni
Height: 1.78 m
Nagarjuna, a veteran actor in Indian cinema, holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University in Chennai. He further pursued a Master’s in Automobile Engineering from Eastern Michigan University. Despite his technical background, Nagarjuna followed his passion for acting and became a leading figure in the industry.
9. Kader Khan
Born: 22 October 1937, Kabul, Afghanistan
Died: 31 December 2018 (age 81 years), Toronto, Canada
Spouse: Azra Khan (m. ?–2018)
Children: Quddus Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Shahnawaz Khan
Grandchild: Hamzaa
Height: 1.72 m
The legendary Kader Khan earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Ismail Yusuf College in Mumbai. He even worked as a professor of civil engineering before venturing into Bollywood. Kader Khan’s engineering discipline may have influenced his meticulous approach to acting and screenwriting, making him a respected figure in Indian cinema.
10. Riteish Deshmukh
Born: 17 December 1978 (age 45 years), Latur
Upcoming movie: Raid 2
Spouse: Genelia (m. 2012)
Parents: Vilasrao Deshmukh, Vaishali Deshmukh
Height: 1.76 m
Siblings: Dhiraj Deshmukh, Amit Deshmukh
Riteish Deshmukh, known for his comedic roles, holds a degree in Architectural Engineering from Kamla Raheja College of Architecture in Mumbai. Before entering Bollywood, he practiced architecture in New York City. Riteish’s transition from architecture to acting showcases his versatility and willingness to explore diverse career paths.
Conclusion
The stories of these Bollywood actors who were engineers reveal that pursuing a career in the arts doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning an academic background. These stars demonstrate that it’s possible to excel in more than one field, and their journeys from engineering to acting serve as an inspiration for many. Whether it’s balancing technical expertise with artistic flair or taking the leap from a secure career to follow a passion, these actors have shown that the path to success can take many forms.
FAQs
Q1. How did engineering help these actors in their acting careers?
Ans: Engineering teaches problem-solving, analytical thinking, and perseverance. These skills can be valuable in an acting career, helping actors analyze scripts, understand complex characters, and approach their roles with a methodical mindset.
Q2. Is it common for Bollywood actors to have academic backgrounds?
Ans: While not all Bollywood actors have academic backgrounds, there are several who have pursued higher education before entering the film industry. This trend shows that talent can come from diverse backgrounds and educational experiences.
Q3. Can an engineering degree be beneficial in a creative field like acting?
Ans: Yes, an engineering degree can be beneficial as it provides a strong foundation in discipline, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills can enhance an actor’s ability to understand scripts, characters, and the technical aspects of filmmaking.
Q4. Why did these actors leave engineering for acting?
Ans: Many of these actors had a passion for acting that outweighed their interest in engineering. Despite having stable and promising engineering careers, they chose to follow their dreams and pursue a career in the film industry.
Q5. Are there other Bollywood actors with unique academic backgrounds?
Ans: Yes, Bollywood has actors with diverse academic backgrounds, including law, medicine, and literature. This diversity enriches the industry and brings different perspectives to storytelling and character portrayal.
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