Actors who started their careers as models
From Zeenat Amaan to Deepika Padukone, the modelling industry has churned out many stars for Bollywood. While many reached stardom, others vanished soon after their debut. It may not be a fair race, but starting out as a model has helped many achieve their dream. Here is a list of those actors who started out as a model and now are some of the biggest names in Bollywood.
Salman Khan: Salman Khan appeared in a soft drink commercial made by veteran ad filmmaker Kailash Surendranath at the age of 15. In 1988, after his debut in Biwi Ho Toh Aisi in a supporting role, he got his breakthrough in Sooraj R. Barjatya's romantic family drama Maine Pyar Kiya. It also became one of the highest grossing films of that time in Bollywood.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: It is hard to put her beauty in words. Before her win in the Miss World pageant in 1994, she established herself as a successful model. Though her acting debut in 1997 with Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar was not as successful, she still worked harder and made a breakthrough with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999.
John Abraham: John Abraham was a famous name in the modelling industry. His fame amplified after he won the Gladrags Manhunt in 1999. Following which he made his debut in 2003 with Jism, earning a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut nomination. He later stepped into film production with Vicky Donor in 2012 under his production house J. A. Entertainment.