Jaideep Ahlawat opens up about his struggles, success, and stardom: “From picking cow dung to rooftop parties”

October 1, 2025 - 1:44 PM IST

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat recently opened up about his journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming one of Bollywood’s most respected performers. In a candid conversation with MensXP, the Paatal Lok actor spoke about how dramatically his life has changed over the years — from modest beginnings to living a life of comfort and success in Mumbai.

Jaideep Ahlawat opens up about his struggles, success, and stardom: “From picking cow dung to rooftop parties”

Looking back, Jaideep said he often finds himself reflecting on the massive shift in his surroundings and lifestyle. “Sometimes I feel that the arc is simply too huge. I’ve seen it all — from picking up cow dung to partying on the rooftop of a seven-star hotel,” he said. He recalled his childhood in the village fondly and emphasized that it wasn’t an unhappy time, just different. “Village life was wonderful. We didn’t have much money — we could only afford one pair of shoes a year — but we had no worries. There was no one around to judge you,” he shared.

From a 2BHK to his dream home — and beyond

Jaideep shared that he lived in a 2BHK flat in Mumbai for 15 years, and even after buying his dream house, he found himself thinking about upgrading. “When I bought my dream home, my first thought was, ‘Next time, I’ll get a bigger one.’ That’s human nature. We’re rarely fully satisfied with what we have,” he said. Earlier this year, the actor made headlines after purchasing two properties collectively worth Rs. 20 crores, marking another milestone in his journey.

The Early Struggles in Mumbai

Speaking on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Jaideep recalled the cramped early days of his Mumbai life. He initially shared a 1BHK apartment, which eventually housed six people as friends and acquaintances joined in. “The bedroom was filled with clothes, and all of us would just lay down in the open kitchen and hall. But we had fun, there was no sadness about it,” he reminisced.

A Life of Unique Contrasts

Jaideep spoke about the broad range of experiences that have shaped him — from learning to swim by holding a cow’s tail to living in a literal palace. “This journey has given me so many references. I’ve lived in a village, then in Rohtak, then Pune, and now Mumbai. I’ve traveled the world, met different cultures, and I’ve become more socially and politically aware,” he said. He added that success is relative, noting that for many people in India, simply putting food on the table is a major achievement.

On Career and Upcoming Projects

Jaideep rose to fame with the 2020 Prime Video thriller Paatal Lok, which earned him widespread recognition. This year, he returned with Season 2 of the hit series and also appeared in the film Jewel Thief. Up next, he will be seen alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the much-anticipated film King.

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