Ranbir Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra To Varun Dhawan: Bollywood Actors Who Worked As Assistant Directors Before Their Movie Debuts

Several actors in Bollywood started off from the scratch, learning what happens behind the camera. The transition from BTS roles to the big screens has been a giant leap for many including A-listers like Ranbir Kapoor and Varun Dhawan. Today, let's take a look at those male stars who started off as Assistant Directors in some of Bollywood hits before donning the actor's hat full-time. Take a look: 

Veer Pahariya is all set to make his big Bollywood debut with 'Sky Force'. Before stepping onto the big screens, the emerging actor worked behind the lens for Varun Dhawan's 'Bhediya', where he gained valuable experience as an Assistant Director. 

Before emerging as an in-demand actor, Varun Dhawan showcased his skills as an Assistant Director for Shah Rukh Khan's 'My Name Is Khan'. The actor absorbed key filmmaking skills and also developed a keen eye for substantial films.

Sunny Kaushal, one of the most sought-after actors in Bollywood, has demonstrated his acting chops in 'Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba' and 'Shiddat'. However, the actor has previously donned the hat of an Assistant Director for 'Gunday', which added substance to his fine craft of acting.

Sooraj Pancholi rose to fame with his blockbuster 'Hero'. At 17 he worked as an Assistant Director in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Guzaarish'. Later on, he stayed on the AD route for director Kabir Khan’s actioner 'Ek Tha Tiger'. The actor is all set to be back on the big screens with his maiden biopic, which is currently untitled. While the details of the film are kept under wraps, it is currently in its production stage.

Sidharth Malhotra enriched his acting capabilities by previously working as an Assistant Director in 'My Name Is Khan'. With this, Sidharth established a solid foundation in storytelling and character development.

Ranbir Kapoor worked as an assistant director on his father Rishi Kapoor's debut directorial film 'Aa Ab Laut Chalen' featuring Aishwarya Rai and Bobby Deol. He then was an assistant on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black'.

Hrithik Roshan started his film career as an assistant director for films like 'Karobaar' and 'King Uncle'. He worked as an assistant director on his father Rakesh Roshan's 'Karan Arjun' and reportedly was trained by none other than Salman Khan before making his acting debut in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai.

Before making his acting debut in Habib Faisal's 'Ishaqzaade' alongside Parineeti Chopra in 2012, Arjun Kapoor worked as an assistant director in filmmaker Nikkhil Advani's maiden movie Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), starring Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta. He also worked with him as an AD in Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love (2007). He also worked as an associate producer on two of his father's productions—No Entry (2005) and Wanted (2009).