Meet the Bollywood Star Who Was Set for Stardom, But One Mistake Ruined It All
Discover the story of a Bollywood star who gave blockbuster hits, was offered 40 films, but one mistake ended his career. Find out what happened to him now.
Jugal Hansraj, a name that once promised to be Bollywood's next big superstar, had a career filled with potential, success, and unfortunate setbacks. Starting as a child artist, Jugal’s journey through Bollywood is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Jugal Hansraj made his debut at the tender age of 11 in the 1983 film Masoom. Directed by Shekhar Kapur and featuring stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, the film was an instant hit. His innocent charm left a mark, and he went on to appear in several other movies as a child artist, including Jhutha Sach, Karma, Loha, and Hukumat.
Jugal transitioned into adult roles with the 1995 film Papa Kehte Hain, which brought him critical acclaim and commercial success. His career further soared with memorable roles in movies like Mohabbatein (2000), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), and Salaam Namaste (2005). His boy-next-door persona made him a beloved figure in the industry, and many expected him to become one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
The Turning Point: A Career Derailed
Unfortunately, Jugal’s career took a drastic turn. Media reports suggest that he was labeled “jinxed” when over 40 films he signed were either shelved or failed at the box office. During the peak of his career, he was busy working on these projects, which never saw the light of day.
Out of the 40 films, only a handful were completed, and even fewer released. Many were abandoned mid-production, while others failed during the final stages of completion. This extended absence from the big screen proved detrimental to his stardom.
As his unreleased projects piled up, Jugal’s visibility in Bollywood diminished. Although he appeared in films sporadically over the years, the actor could never recapture the momentum he had during his early success.
Despite his struggles in Bollywood, Jugal Hansraj has found happiness in his personal life. He is the younger son of cricketer Pravin Hansraj and has an elder brother, Sunil Hansraj. In July 2014, he married Jasmine Dhillon, an NRI investment banker from New York. The couple has a son named Sidak and currently resides in the United States.
Jugal’s story is a testament to the unpredictability of the film industry. From the high of Masoom and Mohabbatein to the lows of shelved projects, his journey reflects both the opportunities and challenges of a Bollywood career. While he didn’t achieve the superstardom many expected, his contribution to Indian cinema remains significant, especially as a child artist who left a lasting impression.
Fans Remember Him Fondly
Even today, fans of Masoom and Mohabbatein remember Jugal Hansraj for his impactful performances. His story serves as a reminder that while talent can open doors, success in the entertainment world also depends on timing, luck, and choices.