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Last Updated: April 28, 2025, 23:55 IST
Neil Nitin Mukesh shares the challenges he faced in Bollywood, revealing how his looks led to doubts about him.
Neil Nitin Mukesh
In a recent conversation, Neil Nitin Mukesh opened up about the hurdles he encountered while establishing his foothold in the film industry. Speaking with The Therapy Diariez, Neil, who is the son of singer Nitin Mukesh and grandson of the iconic Mukesh, expressed that his physical appearance and family heritage often cast shadows of doubt on his abilities. He mentioned that many people questioned whether he could perform in Hindi due to his “firangi” (foreign-looking) demeanor.
Reflecting on his early fears before stepping into acting, Neil stated, “Until I secured my first film, I chose not to let any negativity affect me. I couldn’t afford to entertain fears or anxieties regarding my future in this field. I had no choice; it was imperative for me to succeed.”
Neil elaborated on the impact of public perception, noting, “Given my lineage as Mukesh ji’s grandson and my father’s background, many already doubted my potential in acting. Questions like ‘Is his Hindi even good?’ and comments reflecting my foreign appearance were recurring challenges. I was often labeled as an ‘angrez ka baccha’ (child of a foreigner), which added to my struggles, but I turned these doubts into motivation.”
Undeterred by skepticism, Neil focused on crafting a unique identity for himself in cinema. His journey began as a child artist in the late 1980s, featuring in films like Vijay and Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharnii. Following this, he transitioned to working as an assistant director on the 2002 film Mujhse Dosti Karoge, ultimately making his mark as a lead actor with Johnny Gaddaar in 2007.
Neil has continued to evolve in the industry, with his most recent appearance in the 2024 film Hisaab Barabar, further showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft.
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