Vipin Sharma, a prominent actor in Bollywood, has carved a niche for himself in the industry, with his noteworthy performances in multiple films. However, it was his role in the Salman Khan-starrer Kick that significantly catapulted his career to new heights. Released in 2014, Kick was a massive commercial success, offering Sharma a platform to showcase his exceptional acting skills to a broader audience.
Despite Sharma’s success today, his entry into the industry was far from smooth. His journey began with a struggle that tested his resilience and determination. Initially appearing in Krishna in 1996, Sharma had to wait until his role in Aamir Khan‘s Taare Zameen Par to gain widespread recognition. His portrayal of Darsheel Safary’s father struck a chord with audiences, providing the breakthrough he needed to open new doors in the film industry.
Even before his career-defining roles, Sharma was no stranger to hardship. He began with Doordarshan’s Bharat Ek Khoj in 1989 and eventually made a temporary exit from acting, seeking a fresh start in Canada. During a candid interview, he shared that his displeasure with societal injustices and his rebellious nature led him to leave India. Sharma revealed, “I was a highly dissatisfied person, and I used to argue a lot. I did not like giving a bribe to reserve seats on a train… and having grown up in a slum made it very difficult.”
In Canada, Sharma’s survival meant taking on unconventional jobs. Despite being a vegetarian, he worked as a butcher in restaurants to make ends meet. He recounted, “I even worked in an Irish restaurant where I had to cut and clean raw meat… I had no other prospects, and I had no money, so I remember praying to God.” However, fate smiled upon him when he secured his first editing job in Toronto, marking a turning point in his life.
Returning to India, Sharma’s passion for acting was reignited. Participating in an acting workshop in Canada was a pivotal moment for him, as it re-established his commitment to the craft. “After attending the workshop… I realised that there is nothing else in my life except acting,” he said. His decision to return marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
With Kick, Sharma shared the screen with Salman Khan—an opportunity that bolstered his status in Bollywood. The film’s success demonstrated Sharma’s versatile talent, and he subsequently appeared in critically and commercially acclaimed projects like Anurag Kashyap‘s Gangs of Wasseypur, Akshay Kumar‘s Special 26, and Irrfan Khan’s Paan Singh Tomar. Each role added depth to his growing repertoire, cementing his place in the industry.
In recent years, Sharma has continued to captivate audiences on various platforms, appearing in films like Monkey Man and web series such as Paatal Lok, The Family Man, and Guns & Gulaabs. His commitment to his craft and ability to adapt to different roles underline his enduring appeal. Moreover, his journey from slums to stardom showcases an inspiring narrative of grit and perseverance.
The influence of Kick on Sharma’s career is undeniable, propelling him from obscurity to fame. His story exemplifies not only the unpredictable nature of success in Bollywood but also the profound impact of perseverance in the face of adversity. As Sharma continues to contribute to the film industry, his remarkable journey inspires not only aspiring actors but anyone who dares to dream.
