He makes the nation laugh week after week on The Kapil Sharma Show, but behind the comedy lies a story of quiet defiance. Kiku Sharda may belong to a well-to-do Marwari business family, yet his journey into acting wasn’t as easy as it may seem. From being pushed into finance and office work by his father to earning just Rs 700 per show in theatre, Kiku carved his path in entertainment before landing big-screen roles, including a blockbuster with Shah Rukh Khan.

Kiku has often spoken about how his background didn’t exactly allow for creative pursuits. At a TedX Talk, he recalled that coming from a Marwari business family meant one thing: “your father’s business is your business.” His father, who worked in corporate finance, tried to involve him in balance sheets, funding, and office files, but Kiku admitted he never understood any of it. “I still don’t understand balance sheets,” he laughed, describing those early days as “disguised unemployment,” when his main tasks at the office were managing stationery or doing odd jobs just to keep his father happy.

He earned only Rs 700

But while the family expected him to take up finance, Kiku’s real love was acting. From his school days, he was deeply involved in dramatics and debates, and theatre became his true training ground. He performed in plays like All the Best, which ran for nearly 400 shows. Despite the grind, he earned only Rs 700 per performance, something his father didn’t see as practical. “My dad used to ask, why do you want to do this? But he never stopped me,” Kiku shared, crediting the theatre as the place where he polished his craft.

Kiku Sharda's career

That dedication eventually opened doors in television, starting with a show called Hakim. From there, he became a household name with hit comedy shows like F.I.R., Comedy Nights with Kapil, and later The Kapil Sharma Show. His comic timing and quirky characters, especially “Palak,” won him fans across the country.

Theatre and TV soon led to Bollywood. Kiku has starred in several films, including Shah Rukh Khan’s Happy New Year, which grossed nearly Rs 397 crore worldwide. His film credits also include Phir Hera Pheri, Dhamaal, Race, Jawaani Jaaneman, Angrezi Medium, and Thank God. Next, he will be seen in Welcome To The Jungle, adding yet another feather to his cap.