Siddhant Chaturvedi Recalls Rejection from Laila Majnu Audition: ‘I Looked Too Young’

efore he became a familiar face in Bollywood, Siddhant Chaturvedi faced his share of rejections—one of which still stands out. The Gully Boy actor recently revealed that he was turned down during auditions for Laila Majnu because he looked “too young” for the role. The experience pushed him to grow a beard, in hopes of looking more mature for future opportunities.

Early Struggles in the Industry

Siddhant’s story reflects what many aspiring actors go through—especially those coming from smaller towns and without industry connections. Appearance often becomes the first filter, and in Siddhant’s case, looking younger than his age became a roadblock.

He recalled how during the Laila Majnu audition, the casting team liked his performance but felt he didn’t fit the visual expectation for the part. The comment left a mark, and he decided to grow a beard to appear older in future auditions.

Breaking Through with Grit

While Laila Majnu didn’t work out, Siddhant didn’t step back. Instead, he kept working on his craft and eventually landed the breakout role of MC Sher in Gully Boy, which not only won him praise but also made him one of the most promising new names in the industry.

His journey highlights the importance of persistence—a lesson especially relevant to aspiring actors from Tier 2 cities in India, where opportunities in mainstream cinema still feel distant.

Looks vs. Talent: A Common Battle

Siddhant’s experience also speaks to the larger reality of how the film industry operates. Talent is crucial, but first impressions, especially looks and age perception, can heavily influence casting decisions. While this might seem superficial, it’s a part of the process that many newcomers have to adapt to.

For young actors trying to enter Bollywood, it’s a reminder that rejection isn’t always about capability—it’s often about timing and appearance, factors that can change with time and approach.

A Story That Resonates

In sharing this anecdote, Siddhant isn’t just recounting a past moment—he’s giving a glimpse into the less-glamorous side of an actor’s journey. His honesty about rejection and adjustment adds a layer of relatability for countless young people across India chasing creative dreams in competitive industries.

Conclusion

From being rejected for looking too young to becoming a recognised face in Hindi cinema, Siddhant Chaturvedi’s story is a clear example of how initial setbacks don’t define the end of the road. Instead, they shape the path forward—for those willing to keep going.