Bollywood’s overnight 8 actors: Why did they disappear?

These 8 actors created a buzz with their first film, so why did they disappear from the film world?

A small taste of stardom

When actors debut in Bollywood, their dream is to make a splash at the box office and make a place in the hearts of the audience.

Some become stars overnight with a stellar debut. But the real challenge is to stay there.

New stars in the sky

Ahan Pandey and Aneet Padda are the new faces in the industry whose romantic drama “Saiyaara” has crossed the 100 crore mark in just four days. The film’s earnings are still going on.

When shining stars fade

But not everyone is able to maintain their initial success.

Many actors rose to fame quickly but later joined the list of “flop kings”. Let’s look at some big names that may surprise you.

Arjun Kapoor: A good start that turned cold

Arjun began his journey in 2012 with Yash Raj Films’ “Ishaqzaade”. Despite a good start, he could not maintain his stardom.

He has not given a single hit film since 2017. His box office record tells the story:

• “Mere Husband Ki Biwi” (2025) – Flop (9.38 crores)
• “The Lady Killer” (2023) – Disaster (0.01 crores)
• “Ek Villain Returns” (2022) – Average (41.69 crores)
• “Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar” (2021) – Flop (0.35 crores)
• “Panipat” (2019) – Flop (34.28 crores)

Rajiv Kapoor: One Hit Wonder

Rajiv started his career in 1983 and worked as an actor for around 7-8 years.

Out of his handful of films, one became an all-time blockbuster while others struggled:

• “Ram Teri Ganga Maili” (1985) – Alltime Superhit
• “Lover Boy” (1985) – Flop
• “Ek Jaan Hain Hum” (1983) – Average

Rahul Roy: Aashiqui’s heartbreak

Rahul debuted with Mahesh Bhatt’s “Aashiqui” (1990).

Made in just 30,000, the film earned 55-60 crores and became the 7th highest-grossing film of the year.

Within 11 days, Rahul received 47 film offers, yet his career never took off.

His record: 1 superhit (“Aashiqui”), 2 successful films, and 25 flops.

His film career could not be revived even after winning “Bigg Boss Season 1” in 2006.

Kumar Gaurav: The first downfall of arrogance

Kumar’s 1981 debut film “Love Story” earned an impressive 11 crores, making him an overnight sensation on a par with Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. But success soon went to his head.

He started turning down offers and insisted on working only with successful actresses.

Slowly, his projects dried up, and his name was associated with flops. Eventually, he quit the film industry.

Success in Bollywood is not just about making a splash—it’s about staying afloat in uncertain waters.