Born on June 5, 1983, Amit Sadh hails from Jammu but grew up in Delhi. As a rebellious youngster, Amit Sadh left his home to move to Mumbai to pursue a career in the showbiz. He was 21 when he started his journey as an actor. (All photos/Amit Sadh's official Instagram handle and mid-day archives)
Amit Sadh got his break with 2002's TV show Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr. But within three weeks, the executive producers were keen on kicking Sadh out of the show. "They thought I was horrible in front of the camera and I don't blame them. But Neena Gupta, who was the producer, maintained that I should be given a second chance. I don't know why, but she saved my career because if it weren't for her, I would have gone back to the hills," Amit Sadh was quoted saying in an interview, back in 2013.
After Kyun Hota Hai Pyarr, Amit Sadh starred in various TV shows such as Guns & Roses, Saaksshi and Kohinoor. However, it was his stint in the dance reality show - Nach Baliye - Season 1, where he was seen with his then long-time girlfriend and actress Neeru Bajwa, that gained him fame.
In 2006, Amit Sadh participated in the reality show Bigg Boss - Season 1. "When Bigg Boss happened, I was already huge on television, earning lots of money, but I was still not that great at acting. So after that stint, I completely vanished for six years hoping people would forget me as a TV actor. I wanted to start afresh with films," said the actor.
As Amit Sadh does not come from a filmi background, he has had his own share of hurdles. He forayed into Bollywood with the film Phoonk 2 in 2010. But it was after Kai Po Che (2013), that he started getting good offers for films.
"First photoshoot with @haiderkhanhaider. My first attempt to make it to the movies. I used to roam around with a bunch of pictures... Knocking doors ... So cheers to everyone who is roaming around knocking doors .. I wish in the next 10 years we chase something bigger, something more spectacular!" wrote Amit Sadh in his caption, with this picture.
Despite winning praise for his debut film Kai Po Che (2013), Amit Sadh struggled to make a mark in Bollywood. After Kai Po Che!, he tried entertaining the audience with his versatility, but couldn't manage to achieve much. Guddu Rangeela, Akira, Saat Kadam, Running Shaadi, Raag Desh were among the films that he starred in.
In 2016, Amit Sadh was seen playing the role of the founder of a private mixed martial arts league in Salman Khan-starrer Sultan. The film was a game-changer of sorts for the actor's career. "I think, this movie just saved my life, it has changed the way the industry looks at me today," said Sadh.
The next year, Amit Sadh bagged Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar 3. "I am happy to be breathing the same air and being in the same era of Mr. @amitabhbachchan! He is the REAL SARKAR! Lots of love and good health! [sic]" wrote Amit Sadh in his caption, after posting this picture with Big B.
His act as Raghubir Pratap Singh in the 2018 hockey film, Gold was also appreciated by the audience. In the year, Amit Sadh made his debut in the digital world with the web-show Breathe, co-starring R Madhavan. The thriller sees him playing a cop in hot pursuit of a serial killer while battling his own demons and alcoholism.
Amit Sadh made his web debut with Breathe not with the intent of joining the digital bandwagon, but because he was intrigued by the complex character. Having overcome his alcohol addiction in real life, Sadh said he related to the character. "I have a lot of empathy for troubled people, who hail from darkness, because I was like that. I have tried to commit suicide, was an alcoholic and used to do drugs, but then things changed. Now, I feel all of that was a part of my prep for this role," said Amit, who was applauded for his performance.
Starting his journey with daily soaps to paving a path in Bollywood and then, being part of web-shows, Amit Sadh has now no qualms about returning to the small screen. He said: "Be it films or TV, medium doesn't matter. What matters is a good role. If there is some good role, an influencing story and if I think my role could create an impact on the audience, then I will happily return to the small screen."
Amit Sadh also believes that the audience no more judge actors on the basis of whether he or she is in a lead or supporting role. "I have zero regrets for being a part of supporting cast and not playing a lead role in my past movies. I am grateful for all the roles. People watch characters and judge them on the basis of their performance. Whatever popularity I have now it's just because of all the roles which I have played," he said.
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