Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda, and more: The surprising jobs they had before becoming stars

ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jul 24, 2023, 18:55 IST
Comments
Share
1/7

Their Humble Beginnings and Glittering Careers

In the glitzy world of the entertainment industry, our favourite movie stars lead lives of luxury and fame. However, behind their current stardom lies a journey of hard work and determination. Many of these celebrated heroes started their careers with regular jobs before making it big in the movies. Let's take a closer look at the inspiring journeys of some of our beloved heroes and the jobs they pursued before entering the world of Telugu cinema.


Pic courtesy: Twitter


​Prabhas' 'Adipurush' to Sai Dharam Tej's 'Virupaksha': Top 5 highest first day grossing Telugu films of 2023 so far​

2/7

Allu Arjun - The Stylish Star's Journey

Allu Arjun, fondly known as the "Stylish Star," had a unique job before entering the film industry. He worked as an animator, but destiny had different plans for him. His debut in 'Gangotri' (2003) marked the beginning of his rise to fame. The cult classic 'Arya' (2004) earned him a Nandi Special Jury Award and catapulted him to stardom. Allu Arjun's career boasts of several successful films like 'S/O Satyamurthy' (2015), 'Rudhramadevi' (2015), and 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo' (2020). His pan-India appeal was further established with 'Pushpa: The Rise' (2021).


Pic courtesy: Twitter

3/7

Vijay Deverakonda - From Tuition Master to Superstar

Before becoming the charismatic and rowdy persona on the silver screen, Vijay Deverakonda worked as a tuition master. He entered the film industry with his debut in 'Nuvvila' (2011) but gained widespread recognition and acclaim for his role in the coming-of-age drama 'Yevade Subramanyam' (2015). His breakthrough came with 'Arjun Reddy' (2017), which established him as a leading actor. Subsequently, he delivered several box office hits, including 'Geetha Govindam' (2018) and 'Taxiwaala' (2018), solidifying his position as a star hero.


Pic courtesy: Twitter

4/7

​Gopichand - News Reader to Action Star

The towering and handsome Gopichand started his career as a newsreader in a popular TV channel. His debut film 'Tholi Valapu' (2001) didn't make much impact, but he gained recognition playing antagonist roles in films like 'Jayam' (2002) and 'Varsham' (2004). It was the film 'Yagnam' (2004) that gave him the much-needed breakthrough. He earned the monikers "Action Star" and "Macho Star" for his dynamic performances in action-packed roles.


Pic courtesy: Twitter

5/7

Sudheer Babu - From Badminton Champ to Actor

Before setting foot in the film industry, Sudheer Babu excelled as a badminton player. He was ranked Number 1 in both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and even played as a doubles partner alongside the renowned Pullela Gopichand. Sudheer made his debut as a lead actor in 'Shiva Manasulo Shruti' (2012). His talent and dedication were evident in successful films like 'Prema Katha Chitram' (2013) and 'Sammohanam' (2018). He is all set to portray Gopichand's character in the latter's biopic.


Pic courtesy: Twitter

6/7

​Mohan Babu - Gym Teacher to Versatile Actor

Mohan Babu, the versatile actor with a repertoire of over 500 films, had a modest beginning as a gym teacher at the YMCA College of physical education. His introduction to scriptwriter Dasari Narayana Rao marked a turning point in his life. Babu's acting career took off with the film 'Swargam Narakam' (1975), where he portrayed a villain. His exceptional performances in various roles earned him immense fame and respect in the film industry.


Pic courtesy: Twitter

7/7

Brahmanandam - From Telugu Lecturer to Comedy King

One of the most beloved comedians in Indian cinema, Brahmanandam, had a different career path before tickling our funny bones. He worked as a Telugu lecturer after completing his Master of Arts degree. Alongside his teaching job, he pursued theatre and mimicry. His talent caught the attention of director Jandhyala, leading to his breakthrough role in the film 'Aha Naa Pellanta!' (1987). Brahmanandam holds the Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor and has won numerous awards for his impeccable comic timing.


Pic courtesy: Twitter

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In Entertainment
  • Shahid on about the big change he made after O'Romeo and Deva
  • "Not just women, even men spoke up": Prarthana Behere on the ₹370 Biryani Controversy
  • Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet attend NBA Finals games together
  • Shakira shares BTS update for FIFA opening performance
  • Napoleon CLARIFIES on MISSING Bharathiraja's funeral
  • Bobby says his mother Prakash Kaur didn't get into Dharmendra's fame, glory
  • Virat skips photos as daughter Vamika waits in the car sans Anushka
  • Ranvir Shorey defends Pranit More amidst 'Rs 370 Biryani controversy'
  • Isha Rikhi confirms marriage with Badshah, shares FIRST romantic photo
Photostories
  • Lakshadweep ends nearly 47-year old liquor ban in tourism push; what travellers need to know
  • The ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal's best-kept secret
  • From Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive
  • 8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living
  • 5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized
  • 6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in protein
  • From elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai home
  • This toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here's how to check if your cooking oil is safe
  • 6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring
Explore more Stories
  • 12
    All about ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ live-action cast: From Cate Blanchett to Mason Thames
  • 5
    All about Knox and Vivienne: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s youngest 17-year-old twins
  • 5
    Times 'Peddi' star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: 'I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin'
  • 5
    From 'Om Shanti Om', 'Dear Zindagi' to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on life
  • 7
    Rags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Entertainment
  • /
  • Telugu
  • /
  • Movies
  • /
  • Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda, and more: The surprising jobs they had before becoming stars
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © Jun 11, 2026, 05.11PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service