Vipin Sharma Opens Up About Struggles Before His Breakthrough in Taare Zameen Par

Actor Vipin Sharma, who played the role of Ishaan’s unsupportive father in Taare Zameen Par (2007), has opened up about his early days in the entertainment industry and the personal struggles he faced before landing any major roles. In a recent interview on Lallantop’s YouTube channel, Sharma shared some incredibly raw and honest stories from his past, showing just how far he’s come since those tough days.

Taare Zameen Par is known as the film that made us rethink the education system, but behind the scenes, the co-star Vipin Sharma’s journey to success was anything but easy. Before he became a household name, Vipin Sharma faced one setback after another, with many moments of doubt and hardship. One particularly eye-opening story he shared was about a time when he couldn’t even afford a basic train ticket.

Vipin Sharma shared a humiliating experience when he was traveling and couldn’t afford the Rs 10 required for a sleeper berth. The train officials informed him that if he couldn’t pay the fare, he didn’t deserve to travel by train.

How Vipin Sharma Overcame Struggles to Become a Taare Zameen Par Icon

Vipin Sharma’s anger and frustration were clear at that moment. Coming from a slum background, he was already feeling the weight of society’s unfair treatment of people like him. “I was rebellious. I didn’t like the way things were, the way society worked. I often argued with people, and once I even pulled the emergency chain on a train,” he confessed. His actions led to a tough consequence—he was kicked off at a random station in the middle of the night. It was a moment that made him question everything, but it was also a turning point, ultimately leading to his breakthrough role in Taare Zameen Par (2007).

At one point, Vipin Sharma gave up on acting entirely and decided to leave for Canada, hoping for a more stable life. But even there, his love for acting wouldn’t let him go. “I was living in Toronto when I attended an acting workshop. That experience changed everything for me. I realized that acting was the only thing I wanted to do. I threw all my belongings on the street and bought a one-way ticket back to India. I knew I had to pursue my passion,” he recalled.

Before he could make it back into the acting world, Vipin Sharma had to make ends meet in ways that most people would never expect. He worked in multiple restaurants, including an Irish one, where he had to cut and clean raw meat—something that was particularly difficult for him since he’s a vegetarian. Vipin Sharma recalled that he had no other option but to continue working in difficult conditions. He even prayed, questioning if this was the path laid out for him. The following day, his persistence paid off when he secured his first editing job at a major channel in Toronto.

Vipin Sharma’s persistence eventually paid off. Since returning to acting, he has built a solid career, with roles in Taare Zameen Par (2007), Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Hotel Mumbai (2018), and Paatal Lok (2020). He is also set to be seen in the upcoming film Monkey Man (2024). His story is a true testament to resilience, showing that no matter how tough things get, staying true to your passion can lead to incredible opportunities.

What stands out the most about Vipin Sharma’s story is his unwavering belief in himself. From being a young man with no money for a train ticket to becoming a respected actor in Taare Zameen Par and beyond, he proved that it’s possible to make your dreams come true, even when the odds seem stacked against you.