MUMBAI: Sunil Grover is one of the most popular comedians. The actor is popular for his performance as Gutthi and Mashoor Gulati in popular comedy series The Kapil Sharma Show. He also entertained audience with his film work. He recently won hearts as Vilayati in Ali Abbas Zafar’s film Bharat.

The actor-comedian has shared his struggle story in a heartwarming post. Talking to a social media platform, Sunil spoke about his childhood and the harsh reality of Mumbai. He said, “I was always good at acting and making people laugh. I remember in 12th grade I took part in a drama competition–the chief guest said that I shouldn’t participate, because it was unfair to the others! After I finished my masters in theatre, I came to Mumbai to act. But for the first year, I only partied. I lived in a posh area, using my savings and some money from home. I’d only earn around Rs.500 a month. But I thought I'd be successful soon.”

He added, “Eventually I realised that there were many like me, who were ‘superstars’ of their town and ‘strugglers’ here. Soon I had no income and was given a harsh reality check. I was demotivated. But I remembered how my dad wanted to be a radio announcer and even had an offer. But because my granddad was against it, he had to work at a bank and regretted it. I didn’t want to let my dreams go. So I picked up the pieces and rigorously looked for work. But the road was still rocky. Once I’d been selected to act in a TV show–we’d even shot for a few days. But when I stopped getting my time to come on set, I called the team–they said I’d been replaced.”

He soon found a foothold when a radio show happened. He shared, “At the same time I also started getting work in voiceovers. So when I’d be rejected from TV and films, I had a cushion to fall back upon–something that most didn’t have. I realised how fortunate I was and regained my strength bit by bit. Around that time, I got offered to do a radio show. It was only going to be aired in Delhi, but when that show went live, it went viral! They decided to air it across India!”

Sunil then revealed how Gutthi happened. He said, “After that, I got work in radio, TV and films. Soon ‘Gutthi’ happened and in no time, became a household name! I remember I was called on a live show and when I went on stage, the audience was roaring for me! I turned to make sure there wasn’t anyone else, whom they were clapping for–but it was all for me. It took several moments like that, to bring back that young boy in me, who used to think that he could conquer the world. The young boy who used to make sure that everyone around him was smiling and entertained. The young boy who didn’t let failures dim his dreams and overpower his need for victory. So even though I’ve come this far... this young boy has a long way to go.”