Archana Puran Singh, a well-known face in the Indian entertainment industry, recently shared heartfelt stories about her early struggles in Mumbai. In a recent vlog, she reminisced about the days when every rupee mattered.
During a recent vlog, Archana and her family enjoyed a traditional Gujarati Thali in Mumbai as part of Navratri celebrations. While at the restaurant, Archana recalled her struggling days in the city, remembering how carefully she had to count every rupee. She shared that there was a time when she only had ₹11 for a meal. She used to eat a dosa for ₹10 and give ₹1 as a tip. Her friends would ask why she didn't order lassi, but she couldn't afford it.
In another instance, Archana shared stories about her struggles in a vlog with actors Ranvir Shorey and Vinay Pathak. She talked about her early days in Mumbai when she lived in a PG and didn't even own a TV. She had to ask her landlady to switch on the TV at 10 PM to watch her own show, but sometimes, the landlady refused, and she missed seeing herself on screen. She also recalled walking to auditions and modeling projects to save 50 paisa instead of taking the bus. By saving small amounts over time, she managed to collect around six rupees, which she used to buy a T-shirt. She stayed in Churchgate and ate at a canteen under an MLA hostel, where she could buy a meal for just two rupees. Dal cost Re 1, and thin chapatis were 10 paise each, making it an affordable option during her tough days.
Archana left home at 19 to pursue her acting dream in Mumbai. When she came to Mumbai to learn acting, she got a serial where she was supposed to not just act but also do comedy. There was a scene where she was expected to be funny, and she started making faces. The director stopped her and said that making faces is not comedy. He told her to watch others and learn what real comedy is. She watched her work, analyzed it, and learnt from it.
She also revealed that when she first came to Mumbai, she didn't know how to dress. She went back to Dehradun and told her dad that she wanted to become an actress. Her father then sent her with his friend and their daughter to Mumbai with one suitcase which was full of dreams. However, that family friend was returning to Dehradun in just one week.
Despite the hardships, Archana persevered. Her hard work and dedication eventually led to success in Bollywood, with memorable roles in films like Agneepath, Saudagar, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aashiq Awara, and Raja Hindustani. She is also known for her comedic roles in Bol Bachchan, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Mohabbatein.
Archana also recalled a heartwarming moment when Shakti Kapoor offered her ₹50,000 to help her buy her first flat. She expressed her gratitude for his kindness, acknowledging how impactful his offer was during her challenging days.
Beyond her professional life, Archana has also faced personal struggles. She has spoken about troubles in her marriage and a major accident involving her son, Aaryamann. In a recent incident, Archana and her family were victims of a financial scam in Dubai, where they lost thousands of rupees on fake tickets for an indoor skydiving experience.
Archana's journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. From having just ₹11 for a meal to becoming a celebrated actress and judge on popular comedy shows, she has come a long way. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to success.
