Which self-made star's journey inspires you?

It's a tough world out there in Bollywood and if you're an outsider, it gets even worse. Here's a shout-out to all those outsiders' who entered Bollywood and made it big here. Let's take a look at Bollywood's biggest self-made stars and their journeys to stardom.

Shah Rukh Khan

Talk about celebs who made it big on their own and not start with King Khan would be a crime! SRK is called the Badshah of Bollywood and there's no reason why he shouldn't be. Little did anyone know that the lead actor in Fauji in 1988 would today be one of Bollywood's biggest stars, having acted in more than 70 films and won around 207 awards! A thorough entertainer, he is often referred to as the King of Romance. We completely agree because all he needs to do is stand with his arms wide open and that is enough to make any girl melt!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya won the Miss World title in 1994 and since then there was no looking back for her. Not only is she gorgeous looking but is also an excellent actress who has portrayed several distinct roles with lan. From working with the biggest directors to bagging endorsements and making her mark internationally as well, Aishwarya's is one inspiring story. She was last seen in 2010 in Guzaarish and we can't wait to have her back!

Priyanka Chopra

Another Miss World who is one of Bollywood's biggest actresses today, Priyanka Chopra's journey is remarkable! PC, a small town girl who made her debut in Bollywood with The Hero managed to bowl everyone over with her outstanding performances year after year. Not just that, last year saw Priyanka going international. With her music album and being the new face of Guess, Priyanka is reaching new heights in her career!

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar made his debut in 1991 but it was only much later in 2000 when he started gaining recognition. Always a fine actor, Akshay had to go through a tough time in his initial years. Even though he wasn't associated with the big names in Bollywood, he still managed to make his mark. Watching him do comedy and action films with such ease now, we can't help but wonder what took him so long! Whatever the case, we're glad he got his much deserved credit.

Deepika Padukone

Stunning looks, confident body language and every photographer's delight - Deepika Padukone has all that it takes to be a supermodel. She entered Bollywood with a bang by being cast opposite superstar SRK. Since then, Deepika stayed around but it was only last year that we discovered the actress in her. Barely 20 films old, she has been growing with every film and has a filmography that boasts of varied roles.

Katrina Kaif

Katrina made her debut with Boom in 2003 but her real journey started in 2005 after playing the lead actress in Salman Khan starrer Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya. Not only is she an outsider when it comes to Bollywood, even the country was fairly new to her when she started off. Katrina had to learn everything from scratch and keeping that in mind, the fact that she has worked with some really big names in Bollywood really deserves a salute!

Vidya Balan

A look at Vidya Balan and you know that she isn't the quintessential Bollywod actress but who cares if you are so fabulous at your work that everything else can take a back seat! The kind of films she has done just explains the fact that Vidya has it in her to brilliantly carry a film single-handedly! We love the kind of roles she has portrayed and we're convinced that a movie will make an interesting watch if Vidya's in it!

Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma kick-started her career with Yash Raj Films opposite Shah Rukh Khan and then went on to do four films with them! Hers was a dream debut - something so many aspiring actresses must be wishing to have! 25 year old Anushka is only 7 films old, with this year seeing her in three different exciting films! Way to go girl!

Kangana Ranaut

Quirky Kangana Ranaut's choice of off-beat and risqu films really worked in her favour. We love the fact that she manages to surprise us every single time. She might not have worked with the Yash Chopras and Karan Johars of the world but no one's complaining because Kangana stood out in just 8 years of making her Bollywood debut and how!

Whose journey do you think has been most inspiring?