In the glitzy, high-stakes world of Bollywood, we often only talk about the superstars who made it or the tragic stories of those who vanished. But there is a middle ground—a place inhabited by actors like Jugal Hansraj. Known for his sea-green eyes and “chocolate boy” looks, Jugal’s story isn’t just about the films he did; it’s about the dozens of films that never saw the light of day and the quiet dignity he maintained through decades of rejection.
Jugal’s entry into cinema was legendary. As the little boy in Shekhar Kapur’s Masoom (1983), he captured the heart of the entire nation. Even veteran actors like Dharmendra reportedly cried after watching his performance. But as Jugal transitioned into adult roles, the road became unexpectedly rocky.
While most actors struggle to find work, Jugal’s struggle was unique: he had the work, but it kept disappearing. In recent years, he opened up about a staggering statistic—he signed nearly 35 to 40 films that were eventually shelved or never took off. Imagine the psychological toll of preparing for a role, signing the contract, and attending the Mahurat (launch ceremony), only for the project to vanish weeks later.
The film industry can be incredibly cruel to those who don’t fit the “hit” formula. Because so many of his projects fell through, people in the industry actually began calling him “jinxed.” Jugal admitted that in his late teens and early twenties, this broke him. He recalled moments of sitting at home, crying after receiving phone calls that yet another project had been canceled. The same industry that once treated him like a wonder child began to mock him.
People would make snide comments when they saw him at events, asking if he was there to attend a Mahurat for a film that would actually be made for once.
Despite the heartbreak, Jugal didn’t let the bitterness consume him. He credits his family and a few close friends for keeping him grounded. He realized early on that success and failure in Bollywood are often out of an individual’s control—especially for an “outsider” without a godfather to navigate the politics of shelved projects.
He eventually found his breakthrough again with Aditya Chopra’s Mohabbatein (2000), which gave him a second lease on fame. However, instead of chasing the “hero” tag indefinitely, Jugal pivoted. He explored writing, directed the National Award-winning animated film Roadside Romeo, and eventually moved to the US to focus on a new chapter as an author. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
