The cinematic juggernaut 'Dhurandhar' shows no signs of slowing down, continuing its record-breaking spree even in its sixth weekend since release. This phenomenal box office performance has captivated the nation, turning the spotlight onto the talented ensemble cast that powers this ambitious project. Let's journey back in time and explore the very first steps these stars took on the silver screen.
From Band Baaja Baraat to Rocky: The Veteran Debuts
While 'Dhurandhar' marks Ranveer Singh's first A-rated film, his Bollywood inception was far more romantic. The superstar made his dazzling debut in 2010 with the beloved romantic comedy 'Band Baaja Baaraat'. Singh charmed audiences as Bittoo, a spirited Delhi wedding planner, opposite Anushka Sharma, instantly carving his niche in the industry.
Veteran Akshaye Khanna, whose performance as 'Rehman Dakait' is being widely praised, had a quieter start. He entered Bollywood in 1997 with the romantic drama 'Himalay Putra', co-starring Hema Malini and Anjala Zaveri. Though the film didn't fare well, Khanna found his footing the same year with the war epic 'Border'.
The iconic Sanjay Dutt, who portrays the powerful Pakistani officer SP Chaudhary Aslam, began his storied career much earlier. Dutt's entry into Bollywood was in 1981 with the romantic action film 'Rocky', starring alongside Tina Munim and Reena Roy. The film was a hit, successfully launching his path as a leading man.
Early Beginnings: Child Stars & Breakthrough Roles
The young heroine of 'Dhurandhar', Sara Arjun, who plays Yaalina Jamil, started her career remarkably early. Her first acting gig was a TV commercial when she was just 18 months old. Her proper film debut came at age six in the 2011 Tamil movie 'Deiva Thirumagal'. For Bollywood audiences, she first appeared in the 2013 horror-thriller 'Ek Thi Daayan'.
For R Madhavan, who plays Intelligence Bureau Director Ajay Sanyal, the first film role was in the 1997 English movie 'Inferno'. However, his major breakthrough and first lead role came with the acclaimed Tamil romantic drama 'Alaipayuthey' in 2000. His Bollywood debut followed in 2001 with 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein'.
Supporting Cast's First Foray into Films
Saumya Tandon, delivering a poignant performance as Ulfat Jahan, is widely recognized as the on-screen 'Bhabhiji'. Her big-screen debut was in the fan-favorite classic 2007 rom-com 'Jab We Met', where she played Roop, the sister of Kareena Kapoor's character Geet.
Arjun Rampal, who sends chills as the antagonist ISI Major Iqbal, began his acting journey in 2001. His debut film was the romance 'Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat', where he played Gaurav Saxena. Despite the film's box office performance, Rampal's work was critically acclaimed. The movie also featured Suniel Shetty, Keerthi Reddy, and Aftab Shivdasani.
The sustained success of 'Dhurandhar' is a testament not just to its gripping narrative but also to the depth and experience of its cast. From child prodigies to seasoned veterans, each actor's unique journey from their debut to this blockbuster adds a rich layer to the film's monumental achievement, making its sixth-weekend triumph a true celebration of cinematic talent across generations.
