Bollywood, often perceived as a closed circle dominated by industry families, has also witnessed the rise of several talented individuals who have made their mark without any prior connections. These "outsiders," through sheer hard work, talent, and perseverance, have not only carved a niche for themselves but have also challenged the existing norms of the industry. Here are a few such Bollywood stars:

Ranveer Singh: Born Ranveer Singh Bhavnani in Mumbai on July 6, 1985, to a Sindhi family, Ranveer dropped his last name, feeling it was "too long". From a young age, his parents encouraged his artistic pursuits. He participated in school plays and debates, demonstrating his passion for acting. However, getting a break in the film industry seemed far-fetched initially. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University, where he took acting classes and chose theater as his minor. After returning to Mumbai, he worked as a copywriter in advertising agencies and even assisted Shaad Ali in ad films. Despite facing initial rejections, he patiently waited for a substantial role. His patience paid off when he was called to audition for Yash Raj Films' Band Baaja Baaraat (2010). He convincingly played the role of Bittoo Sharma, a Delhi-based slacker, and won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. Since then, Ranveer has delivered powerful performances in films like Lootera (2013), Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015), and Gully Boy (2019). His energy, versatility, and dedication have made him one of Bollywood's most sought-after actors.

Triptii Dimri: Triptii Dimri was born on February 23, 1994, in New Delhi. Her family hails from Chamoli, Uttarakhand. She graduated from Delhi Public School in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, and went on to study psychology at Sri Aurobindo College and acting at the Film and Television Institute of India. Dimri started her career as a model before making her acting debut. She had her first lead role in the romantic drama Laila Majnu (2018). However, she gained critical recognition for her performances in Anvita Dutt's films Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022), with Bulbbul earning her a Filmfare OTT Award. She further gained popularity with a supporting role in the action film Animal (2023). Her powerful performances and striking screen presence have made her a rising star in Bollywood.

Mrunal Thakur: Born on August 1, 1992, in Dhule, Maharashtra, to a Marathi-speaking family, Mrunal Thakur attended St. Joseph's Convent School, Jalgaon, and Vasant Vihar High School, near Mumbai. She began her acting career in television, starring in soap operas like Mujhse Kuchh Kehti...Yeh Khamoshiyaan (2012) and Kumkum Bhagya (2014–2016). She made her Hindi film debut with Love Sonia (2018). Subsequently, she played the female lead in Super 30 (2019) and Batla House (2019), both of which were commercially successful. After a series of commercial failures, Thakur gained popularity with the Telugu romantic dramas Sita Ramam (2022) and Hi Nanna (2023).

These actors, along with many others, exemplify that Bollywood is not solely the domain of those with familial connections. Their success stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring actors from all backgrounds, proving that talent, hard work, and determination can pave the way to success in the Indian film industry. They have defied the odds and changed the narrative of what it means to be a star.