Vineet Kumar Singh recalls playing Sanjay Dutt's dead body, carrying 8-year-old Ishaan Khatter on his arms to film set: 'Survival zaroori hai'

Actor Vineet Kumar Singh has once again highlighted the harsh realities of being an outsider in Bollywood, reflecting on his own long struggle with frustrations shared by aspiring performers, especially those without industry connections.

In a recent roundtable interview, the Chhaava and Superboys of Malegaon star opened up about his survival strategy in an industry where opportunities are rare and unpredictable. Singh, who spent nearly two decades working in minor roles before gaining widespread acclaim, said that in his early years, he took whatever came his way, even unusual tasks that many might not find glamorous. “I have played Suniel Shetty’s body double, and even been a dead body for Sanjay Dutt,” he revealed, adding that “survival zaroori hai” or survival is necessary for anyone hoping to build a career in Bollywood.

Singh’s path has been far from conventional. He recalled that in his earliest days in the industry, he worked as an assistant director on films, once even carrying a young Ishaan Khatter on set during a 2005 shoot for the film Waah Life Ho Toh Aisi, before fully transitioning to acting. The struggle to just be present in the film world was something he said he embraced to eventually reach a place where he could tell his own stories onscreen.

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“It was my dream to be an actor. But the circumstances were such that I didn’t even have that opportunity. There are situations in life where just survival is most important. If you survive, only then can you take your story forward. If you get martyred, then what’s left? Nobody would want to talk about you,” added Vineet in an interaction with Yuvaa.

He added that he never wanted to be the person whose name would be taken to deter others from following their dream. “I never wanted the case that a boy in my neighbourhood is discouraged from becoming an actor because I went for it, and nothing came out of that. I never wanted to be that story. It was important for me to survive for that. So, a lot of times, you need to make decisions like that,” Vineet shared.

The actor’s remarks have resonated widely online, especially after a summary of his views circulated on a popular Reddit thread, where social-media users echoed similar frustrations about how outsiders often take on any role to survive, while star kids gain smoother access to lead opportunities. One Redditor wrote that many outsiders struggle for “lead roles and recognition for years despite all the talent and capability in the world while watching nepo babies get handed opportunities on a platter.”

Singh’s words struck a chord with many who feel that Bollywood’s structure can leave even talented performers sidelined unless they have familial backing or early exposure. His own journey, from small roles in films like Pitaah and Gangs of Wasseypur to eventual recognition, underscores the persistence required to survive and thrive.