Meet actor whose major break had theatrical run of only 3 days, waited 15 years for recognition and is now rising star across OTT platforms

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Today’s spotlight is on an actor whose journey wasn’t an overnight success, but once he made it, the limelight found him. From having his movie removed from cinemas within three days to eventually winning over both film critics and streaming viewers, his tale is one of unyielding perseverance. He used to stand outside studios distributing DVDs of his performances, and now he’s headlining some of India’s most prominent OTT series. He has collaborated with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Kay Kay Menon, and Pratik Gandhi. The man in question is none other than Avinash Tiwary.

In 2009, Avinash started his acting career with the movie “Suno Na.. Ek Nanhi Aawaz,” but it was his role in Laila Majnu, produced by Imtiaz Ali in 2018 that truly launched him into stardom. Regrettably, despite his moving portrayal, the film was taken out of cinemas just three days after its release. In numerous interviews, Avinash has shared how disheartening this experience was for him, given the extensive preparation he had done over a decade leading up to it. However, the film developed a devoted fanbase on streaming platforms and was eventually re-released in theaters in 2024, earning the adoration it truly deserved.

Originally hailing from Gopalganj, Bihar, Avinash relocated with his family to Mumbai when he was just three years old. He initially delved into engineering studies but abandoned it after the fourth semester, opting instead to chase his dream of acting. Under the tutelage of Barry John, he honed his skills, and later, at the New York Film Academy, he further developed his craft. However, despite this extensive training, Avinash encountered difficulties in cracking open the doors of Bollywood, finding himself in a prolonged phase of uncertainty, waiting for the perfect role to come along.

Following his role in Laila Majnu, he starred in Bulbbul on Netflix in 2020 as Satya, a performance that added richness to the narrative and was well-received. In 2022, he left audiences spellbound with his portrayal of gangster Chandan Mahto in Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, then took on a chilling lead role as Dara Kadri in Bambai Meri Jaan (2023), a film inspired by the rise of Dawood Ibrahim. His performance in Madgaon Express (2024) was also highly praised.

Remarkably, during a recent conversation, Avinash shared that several professionals in the field had written him off as “done” following Laila Majnu. Rather than retreating, he increased his dedication. In essence, he expressed that if something can be lost swiftly, it can also be regained with patience.

Avinash Tiwary’s path, from brief theater successes to leading critically-acclaimed shows, demonstrates that genuine talent eventually triumphs and finds its place.

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2025-05-06 01:56