The 1993 film “Baazigar,” starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, was a massive hit, raking in impressive box office numbers. The movie’s success also catapulted its cast, including Shah Rukh, Kajol, and Shilpa Shetty, to stardom. However, one actor, Adi Irani, who played the role of Vicky Malhotra in the film, faced significant struggles and endured tough times. In a recent interview, Adi revealed that despite being part of hit films like “Anari” and “Baazigar,” he didn’t have enough money to buy milk for his newborn child.
Adi shared his story with “Filmi Tantara Media,” recounting the challenges he faced. He said, “My first daughter was born in 1995, and at that time, milk cost 5 rupees, which I often couldn’t afford. I had to travel to the city every day to meet people for work and auditions, and I would borrow my friend’s scooter to get around.” The struggles were real, and Adi’s financial situation was dire, making everyday tasks a challenge.
Walking to the Bus Stop, Hiding the Truth
Adi continued, “Sometimes, I didn’t even have enough money to fill up the scooter’s tank. I would walk to the bus stop, and when people asked me what I was doing there, I would lie, saying I was waiting for a friend. They would ask me why I needed to take the bus, and I would quietly slip away.” The actor’s situation was a far cry from the glamorous life of a Bollywood star, and he often found himself hiding the truth from those around him.
A Sister’s Offer of Help, A Brother’s Pride
Adi also shared that his home didn’t have a phone, and he would often visit the nearby PCO to receive messages or make calls. He would pay the phone booth owner 1 rupee for each message. When asked if his sister, Aruna Irani, was aware of his struggles, Adi replied, “My sister knew about my situation, and she offered to help me many times, but I refused. As her brother, I didn’t want to be a burden on her. I had to fight my own battles, and besides, she had her own family to take care of.” Adi’s pride and determination to make it on his own are a testament to his resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges he faced, Adi Irani has come a long way, and his story serves as a reminder that success is not always immediate and that struggles are a part of the journey to stardom.