Gurmeet Choudhary’s journey in the entertainment industry was far from easy. Before becoming a household name, he spent years trying to establish himself as an actor and model. In an interview, Gurmeet once recalled arriving in Mumbai without knowing anyone and struggling to find opportunities.

Gurmeet’s struggle story has resurfaced after he revealed how difficult his initial days were financially. While speaking to comedian Bharti Singh, the actor revealed surviving on just Rs 36 a day during his early years. He reflected on the challenges he faced before television success transformed his financial circumstances and helped him build a lavish lifestyle.

“When I came to Mumbai, I didn’t have a lot of money. My dad supported me but didn’t have so much money and to survive in Mumbai was very difficult. Some of my friends helped me a lot financially. I had to survive on just Rs 36 a day. I took multiple buses to go to different production houses with my portfolio. I would grab breakfast from home, but for lunch I would just eat biscuits. It was this hard work that helped me attract offers,” Gurmeet said.

Before television fame, Gurmeet tried modelling and participated in beauty pageants. He won the title of Mr Jabalpur and also attempted the Mr India contest. The actor said that he modelled and tried to make a mark in the entertainment industry for almost five years before finding his breakthrough.

Gurmeet Choudhary’s television career began with smaller roles before his breakthrough. He appeared in shows including Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan and later featured in the Tamil serial Mayavi.

However, it was Ramayana which changed it all for Gurmeet. The actor played the role of lord Ram in this mythological show. His performance earned appreciation, while his pairing with Debina Bonnerjee, who played Sita, also became widely recognised.

After Ramayan, Gurmeet took on a completely different role as Maan Singh Khurana in Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi, opposite Drashti Dhami. His portrayal of the intense yet romantic businessman turned him into a television heartthrob.

Gurmeet continued experimenting with diverse television characters with Punar Vivah, where he played Yash, a widower and father who finds love again. His performance and chemistry with co-star Kratika Sengar were also appreciated by television audiences.

Looking back at his career, Gurmeet once described his journey as a major achievement, saying, “It gives me a sense of achievement ki mujh jaisa Bihar ke gaon ka ladka yahan tak pahunch paya.” He also then added, “It is difficult but it is not impossible to make a foothold in the film industry.”

Gurmeet eventually transitioned from television to films, making his Bollywood debut with Khamoshiyan in 2015. He subsequently appeared in projects including Wajah Tum Ho, Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana and Paltan.

Today, Gurmeet and Debina are parents to two daughters. They own a luxurious house in Mumbai’s Andheri West, reportedly worth Rs 16 crore. Besides this, they are also building their dream farmhouse, details about which they often share via their YouTube vlogs.