Actor,Harshavardhan Rane whose film is about to enter Rs 100-crore club, once earned Rs 10 per day as a waiter, also worked as a carpenter. The actor’s film Ek Deewane Ka Diwaniyat earned ₹ 94 crore so far
Harshavardhan Rane’s journey from Gwalior to Bollywood stardom, marked by early struggles and survival jobs, highlights his unwavering determination. Despite facing financial instability and refusing stereotypical roles, Rane’s resilience, including a stint in carpentry, eventually led to his breakthrough. His latest film, ‘Ek Deewana Ka Deewaniyat,’ is now a major box-office success.
Today, Harshavardhan Rane has emerged as the talk of the town following 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.
Rane’s journey to success was far from easy. Gwalior based and with no family connect in Bollywood, he had to carve his path entirely on his own. As per media reports 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 emerging as a performer. He boarded 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 a news agency that no one gave him any work. In the beginning, the easiest job you can get was a waiter’s job for which no educational qualification was required. Just have to serve the table. That started with Rs. 10 per day and a plate of choley rice. That was his salary.
He also took up odd jobs in STD booths, cyber cafés, and delivery services. Regardless the hardships, his determination never wavered.
One of the most defining choices Rane made in his early years was to improve his English. He revealed to the media 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 came. Amidst his delivery boy days, fate gave Rane an unforgettable experience. As he shared in an interview he once delivered a helmet to actor John Abraham at an event Delhi way 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.
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.
When acting jobs were scarce, Rane took up 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 another interview 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.
Eventually Rane made his Bollywood debut in 2016 with Sanam Teri Kasam, featuring 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.
Today, Ek Deewana Ka Deewaniyat has turned out to be 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.
Harshavardhan Rane’s journey from Gwalior to Bollywood stardom, marked by early struggles and survival jobs, highlights his unwavering determination. Despite facing financial instability and refusing stereotypical roles, Rane’s resilience, including a stint in carpentry, eventually led to his breakthrough. His latest film, ‘Ek Deewana Ka Deewaniyat,’ is now a major box-office success.
Today, Harshavardhan Rane has emerged as the talk of the town following 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.
Rane’s journey to success was far from easy. Gwalior based and with no family connect in Bollywood, he had to carve his path entirely on his own. As per media reports 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 emerging as a performer. He boarded 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 a news agency that no one gave him any work. In the beginning, the easiest job you can get was a waiter’s job for which no educational qualification was required. Just have to serve the table. That started with Rs. 10 per day and a plate of choley rice. That was his salary.
He also took up odd jobs in STD booths, cyber cafés, and delivery services. Regardless the hardships, his determination never wavered.
One of the most defining choices Rane made in his early years was to improve his English. He revealed to the media 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 came. Amidst his delivery boy days, fate gave Rane an unforgettable experience. As he shared in an interview he once delivered a helmet to actor John Abraham at an event Delhi way 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.
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.
When acting jobs were scarce, Rane took up 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 another interview 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.
Eventually Rane made his Bollywood debut in 2016 with Sanam Teri Kasam, featuring 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.
Today it has turned out to be well-earned success
Today, Ek Deewana Ka Deewaniyat has turned out to be 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.
News Edit KV Raman
