In the late 1970s a young Sham Kaushal arrived in Mumbai with a borrowed Rs 3000 a Master’s degree in English Literature and an often-empty stomach. His first job paid just Rs 350 a month and after long commutes by train and bus he had barely a rupee left for meals. Misal pav and batata vada became his daily staples and ten-paise bidis replaced cigarettes. This humble beginning would lay the foundation for a remarkable career in Bollywood. How did he enter the film industry? Kaushal had never planned to join films. Back in Punjab he hoped to become a lecturer but money was tight. In 1978 after losing his sales job in Chembur he made two promises to himself: never take another conventional job and never leave Mumbai. A twist of fate changed his path. Some Punjabi friends working as stuntmen suggested he join their union. The Rs 1000 entry fee seemed impossible but friends helped him. This step brought him to Bollywood sets where he met Veeru Devgan a renowned action director who hired him informally. Kaushal started as a helper fetching tea and carrying bags eventually learning the craft of fight choreography. Later he trained under Pappu Verma another stalwart in action direction. When did Sham Kaushal get his first break? His first paid project came with 1983’s Betaab starring Sunny Deol earning him Rs 500 a fortune compared to his earlier days. Throughout the 1990s Kaushal became a regular in action departments contributing to some of Bollywood’s most iconic stunts. How did he face life’s toughest test? During the shoot of Lakshya in Ladakh Kaushal collapsed and was diagnosed with cancer. Fearing blacklisting he kept it secret and prayed only for time to raise his sons. Multiple surgeries later he survived his resilience unwavering. How has his journey come full circle? Today Sham Kaushal watches as his son Vicky Kaushal headlines films that have grossed over Rs 807 crore globally. From sweeping floors and living out of offices due to unpaid rent Kaushal now enjoys the fruits of perseverance. He is also the father of Sunny Kaushal and the father-in-law of Katrina Kaif who married Vicky in 2021. Sham Kaushal’s story is not a fairy tale; it is a testament to grit sleepless nights borrowed money and quiet resilience. Highlights: Sham Kaushal arrived in Mumbai with Rs 3000 and survived on ten-paise bidis. He trained under Veeru Devgan and Pappu Verma eventually choreographing stunts in over 500 films. His son Vicky Kaushal is now a top Bollywood actor with films grossing over Rs 807 crore globally.