Meet actor who saw his teenage brother die, shared house with 30, waited in queues to use washroom; now owns 8-BHK bungalow; he is...

Jackie Shroff’s life is nothing short of a real-life movie—one that begins in the cramped lanes of Mumbai’s chawls and rises to luxury, fame, and respect. From spending 33 years in a small chawl in Teen Batti to becoming one of Bollywood’s most loved stars, Jackie’s journey is full of pain, struggle, and sheer determination.

Today, he is known as a style icon and veteran actor with over 220 films to his name. We are talking about Jackie Shroff.

Lived in tight spaces

In a candid conversation with Mukesh Khanna, Jackie recalled his tough days when he had to wait in long queues just to use the toilet. Living in tight spaces with his mother, he faced daily discomfort, both physical and emotional. But what kept him going was his strong bond with his mother and his deep-rooted dreams of doing something big.

Father lost everything in share market

Born as Jaikishan Kakubhai Shroff on February 1, 1957, Jackie came from a humble background. His father, once part of a wealthy Gujarati family, lost everything in the stock market, and his mother was a Turkmen who had escaped Kazakhstan. Jackie dropped out after 11th grade and even sold peanuts outside theatres to support the family.

Saw elder brother dying

One of the most heartbreaking moments in Jackie’s life was when he lost his elder brother. In an interview with Lehren Retro, he revealed that he saw his 17-year-old brother drown while trying to save a friend. “I was there, I was 10 years old. I saw it,” he said. “That’s trauma, it’s inside. I don’t know where it is. I don’t want to dig it out.” Even though the memory still haunts him, Jackie chooses to hold on to the good times. “He gave his life for a friend, which is huge,” he added.

From heartbreak and hardship to stardom and success, Jackie Shroff’s life proves that no matter how tough the beginning, one can rise with courage and kindness.