Meet Bollywood Legend Who Lived In A 'Chawl', Sold Peanuts, Married To Ex-Model, Net Worth In Crores

Hindi cinema has witnessed a series of 'rags to riches' stories over the decades that continue to inspire aspiring actors even today. For a youngster coming from a small town or village who is achieving the peak of stardom in cinema, there are numerous real-life stories in the vault. Today, we will talk about an actor who was born in the city of dreams, Mumbai, and never dreamt of becoming an actor. Fast forward to 2025, and he is considered as one of the most versatile actors of his generation and continues to work in films and web series at the age of 68. 

The star we are talking about is Jaikishan Kakubhai Shroff, aka Jackie Shroff, who is referred to as 'Jaggu Dada' in the industry and by his massive fanbase across India. The iconic actor had appeared in over 250 films in a career spanning more than four decades. However, some films deserve special mention because they've engraved his status as one of the most talented actors of his era.

Inside Jackie Shroff's struggle story: Lived in a 'chawl' and sold peanuts after dropping out of school due to financial crisis

Jackie Shroff's most memorable films and web series, include Hero, Ram Lakhan, Parinda, Khalnayak, Rangeela, Devdas, Gardish, Agni Sakshi, Yaadein, King Uncle, 1942: A Love Story, Mission Kashmir, Khujli, Aaranya Kaandam, Athisayan, and Criminal Justice. In his successful career, Jackie Shroff worked with some of his era's biggest filmmakers and won many awards for his exceptional acting. However, what's interesting is the fact that Jackie Shroff never dreamt of becoming an actor in the first place. The actor was born near Mumbai's Teen Batti area and lived in chawl for the next 33 years.

Due to lack of money, Jackie Shroff dropped out of school after completing class 11 and started selling peanuts. The veteran actor did a lot of odd jobs in order to support his family financially. Jackie was doing small jobs but couldn't find a good-paying job. Once, he was standing at a bus station when an accountant at a modelling company offered him a chance to work as a model. Jackie accepted the offer solely because he needed a job due to his family's financial crisis. The actor worked as a model in some modelling projects, which opened his way to Hindi cinema. 

Dev Anand gave Jackie Shroff his first break in 'Swami Dada' after his son, Sunil Anand, discovered the 'Ram Lakhan' actor

After working as a model for some time, Jackie Shroff joined an acting institute to learn the basics, and he met Dev Anand's son, Sunil Anand. Impressed with Jackie's physical attributes and acting skills, Sunil recommended the young actor to his father, Dev Anand. The legendary actor gave Jackie a small role in the 1982 film, Swami Dada. The actor played Shakti Kapoor's sidekick in the film, and it caught the attention of iconic filmmaker, Subhash Ghai, who gave Jackie his debut film, Hero. It was Jackie's first film as the lead actor, and it made him a star overnight. 

Jackie Shroff's filmy love story with his wife, Ayesha Shroff, who is a former model and actress

Talking about Jackie Shroff's personal life, he is married to former model and actress, Ayesha Shroff. The couple got married on June 5, 1987, and they're parents of two successful children, Tiger Shroff and Krishna Shroff. However, not everyone is aware of the couple's filmy love story. Jackie and Ayesha met for the first time at the records shop and instantly fell in love with each other.

While Jackie Shroff was living in the chawl, Ayesha belonged to a rich family, but despite knowing it all, they continued their relationship. As time passed, Ayesha supported Jackie and helped him achieve new heights. For the uninitiated, Ayesha is a former model who had worked as an actress in only one film, Teri Baahon Mein. 

Jackie Shroff's net worth: From living in a chawl for 33 years to owning an 8BHK bungalow in Mumbai

After working as an actor for over four decades, Jackie Shroff has built a staggering net worth. According to a report in GQ India, Jackie Shroff has an estimated fortune of over Rs. 212 crore. The actor is also an avid car lover and owns swanky four-wheelers like Bentley Continental GT, BMW M5, and Jaguar SS 100.

Besides owning multiple properties, Jackie Shroff's most prized possession is his 8BHK ultra-luxury apartment in Mumbai, which is worth Rs. 31.5 crores. Bollywood's much-loved 'Jaggu Dada' continues to make his mark in the film industry with his work and enlights us with his thoughts and philosophies about life. Till then, ‘saans le lamba bacha saans’.

What are your thoughts on Jackie Shroff's incredible struggle and love story that is nothing less than a movie? Let us know.

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