Did you know Aamir Khan's 'Taare Zameen Par' co-star Vipin Sharma didn't have Rs. 10 for train ticket, worked as a butcher despite being a vegetarian?

Aamir Khan’s 2007 film Taare Zameen Par opened many people’s eyes to things they hadn’t noticed about their children. The movie, told in an entertaining way, helped parents understand learning disabilities, study pressure, and loneliness. Directed by Amole Gupte and Aamir Khan, the cast gave powerful performances that left a mark.
A Role That Left a Mark
Taare Zameen Par remains one of Bollywood’s most unforgettable films. The cast featured Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tisca Chopra, and Vipin Sharma. Vipin played the role of Ishaan’s strict father, a key character in the story. Nearly 18 years later, Vipin shared how the film deeply impacted his life.

Struggles Before Stardom
Vipin, in a conversation on Lallantop’s YouTube channel, opened up about his journey before landing his role in Taare Zameen Par. He spoke about moving to Canada in search of stability but soon realised acting was his true calling. He eventually returned to India, leaving everything behind in Toronto.
A Rebellious Youth
In the same interview, the actor spoke about his younger days, describing himself as a deeply dissatisfied and rebellious person. He admitted to often arguing and getting into trouble. Once, unable to afford a Rs 10 sleeper berth on a train, he pulled the emergency chain and was forced to get off at a random station at night. He shared that growing up in a slum and witnessing corruption around him had filled him with anger and frustration towards society.

From Kitchen to Breakthrough
Further in the interview, he shared that he took up various jobs to survive, including working as an assistant chef in restaurants. Despite being a vegetarian, he had to cut and clean raw meat, which deeply troubled him. Feeling lost and helpless, he often prayed to God, questioning his purpose. Remarkably, the day after one such prayer, he received an opportunity to work as an editor at a major television channel in Toronto, marking a turning point in his life.
After deciding to return to acting, Vipin showcased his talent in several acclaimed projects such as Monkey Man, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Hotel Mumbai. His performance in the 2020 series Paatal Lok remains one of his most notable roles. Most recently, he appeared in the TV series Crime Beat with Saqib Saleem, Rajesh Tailang, and Rahul Bhat.