Introduction
Bollywood has always been a land of dreams, attracting thousands of aspiring actors, directors, writers, and technicians every year. The glitz, the glamour, and the aura of stardom pull people toward Mumbai, the city that never sleeps—fondly known as 'Mayanagri'. But beneath the dazzling lights lies a harsh and often painful reality that only those who become a part of the industry truly understand.
While issues like casting couch, depression, nepotism, and mental health continue to surface in media reports, there are many more undercurrents that often go unnoticed. We remember stories of many artists who ended their lives due to work deprivation or mental stress. Then there are some who got entangled in self-destructive paths out of despair. But what about those who work consistently, appear in hundreds of films, earn fame and appreciation, and yet remain outsiders in the very industry they serve?
Sharad Saxena: The Unsung Hero of Indian Cinema
Veteran actor Sharad Saxena is one
such name. Despite acting in over 250 films across multiple languages including
Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Punjabi, he still feels like an outsider.
In a heartfelt video interview, Sharad Saxena recently opened up about the
bitter truth of being excluded from the so-called ‘inner circle’ of Bollywood.
Sharad Saxena, who began his Bollywood journey with Amitabh Bachchan’s 1974 film ‘Benaam’, has worked with leading actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, and Shahid Kapoor. Yet, he revealed:
“Nobody invites me to parties.
Those are only for stars. Stars talk to stars and party with stars. We are a
different part of the film industry. It’s a part that the world doesn’t know.
We meet during the shooting and leave once it’s over. That’s the truth.”
His emotional disclosure reveals the silent divide between mainstream stars and character actors who are integral to films but are never given equal recognition. This is the unspoken class divide in Bollywood, where stardom defines social circles, access, and relevance.
Work Without Acknowledgement
Despite being a part of iconic films
like ‘Mr. India’, ‘Ghulam’, ‘Gupt’, ‘Tridev’, and ‘Baghban’, Sharad Saxena
often remained under the shadow of leading actors. His acting range is wide,
and he has performed in action-packed, villainous, and even comic roles with
great ease.
His Memorable Role in ‘Soldier’
One of Sharad Saxena’s unforgettable
performances came in the 1998 Bobby Deol starrer ‘Soldier’. He played a villain
with a comic twist, a role that struck the perfect balance between menace and
humor. His unique screen presence, deep voice, and perfect comic timing made
the character memorable. ‘Soldier’ was a commercial success and continues to be
loved by fans, with Saxena’s performance being one of its highlights.
A Simple Life Beyond Stardom
In the same interview, the ‘Hera Pheri 2’ actor also shared how he spends his free time, far from the limelight.
“The furniture in my house has
remained the same for 40 years. From my table to other wooden items—you’ll be
surprised to know, I made them all myself,” he said with pride. “I am a common
man and I live like a common man.”
He added that he even polishes his own shoes. “Yes, when I have free time, I polish my shoes. I don’t have the mindset of a star. I’m a simple man with simple habits.”
Early Life and Background
Sharad Saxena was born on August 17, 1950, in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. Most of his early life was spent in Bhopal. He did his schooling at St. Joseph’s Convent School in Bhopal and completed his 11th and 12th in Jabalpur. He pursued higher education at Jabalpur Engineering College. But the passion for acting led him to Mumbai in 1972.
His personal life is equally grounded.
He is married to Shobha Saxena and has always kept his family life away from
the media glare. Despite his towering screen presence and powerful voice, he
never let fame take over his personality.
Fitness at 75: An Inspiration
Even at the age of 75, Sharad Saxena
is known for his fitness. A few months ago, a video of his workout went viral
on social media. “Staying fit is something I truly enjoy,” he said. And indeed,
his muscular build and active lifestyle are a testament to his discipline and
dedication.
Conclusion
While he may not be on the A-list
invitee roster of glamorous Bollywood parties or high-profile award shows,
Sharad Saxena remains a beloved figure for countless movie lovers across
generations. His humility, honesty, and immense talent speak far louder than
red carpet appearances ever could.
His journey is a reminder that fame does not always translate into acceptance, and consistent hard work does not always get the limelight it deserves. But people like Sharad Saxena redefine what it means to be a star—not just in films, but in life.
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