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From Sunil Grover to Rupali Ganguly: This is what your favorite TV actors did before getting limelight

TOI Entertainment Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Dec 20, 2025, 20:07 IST
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From Sunil Grover to Rupali Ganguly: This is what your favorite TV actors did before getting limelight

Before stepping into the limelight with lights, camera, and action, many TV actors had a different life altogether. From being a corporate fellow to not predicting how life changed, the artists led mundane days before their passion won over the hearts. Living a lavish life, they are now household names, inspiring with grandeur. Let’s take a look at the TV actors who had jobs before sharing frames on television.

2/5

Sunil Grover

Sunil Grover, the actor-comedian who often makes the viewers laugh uncontrollably with his bits and mimicking acts, has had a prolific career in Bollywood. Even with his acts that last for a couple of minutes, he never forgets to steal all the spotlight. Before taking over the stage, Grover worked as an RJ and a voice-over artist, according to Pinkvilla. Being a prominent figure, Sunil Grover has worked in ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil,’ ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show,’ ‘The Kapil Sharma Show,’ ‘Gutur Gu,’ and many more.

3/5

Rupali Ganguly

Rupali Ganguly, the actress who is renowned for her characters in ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’ and ‘Anupamaa,’ tried her hand in different fields before someone special suggested that she take the road of TV serials. The 48-year-old worked in a boutique, catering, and waiting tables, as per Pinkvilla. She even served at a party that was attended by her father. Then Ganguly went into the realm of advertisements, where she met her husband, Ashwin K Verma. Ultimately, he suggested leaping into the television industry, and she became iconic as ever.

4/5

Jay Bhanushali

Jay Bhanushali, the actor-anchor who charms the screen with his presence, worked as a salesman for shoe brands and even sold books. He was advised by his father to take on part-time jobs after 10th grade, instead of spending time with friends. Realising that it was not what he wanted to do for the rest of his life, Bhanushali dived into modelling and soon became an actor. Now, he even impressed the social media users after posting hilarious yet adorable clips with his daughter, Tara.

5/5

Divyanka Tripathi

Divyanka Tripathi, the artist who excelled in reality shows like ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ and fictional dramas like ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein,’ is one of the highest-paid actresses, earning awards and accolades along the way. Before diving into the television industry, Tripathi won a gold medal with her expertise in rifle shooting. Moreover, she worked as an anchor for All India Radio, gaining access to her passion.

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