From his humble beginnings to ruling prime-time television and later entering the OTT space, Dheeraj Dhoopar‘s journey has been nothing short of a masterclass in passion and perseverance. He took his first steps into acting with Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg and steadily built an enviable filmography with standout performances in hits like Naagin and Sherdil Shergill. However, it was his iconic portrayal of the suave character Karan Luthra in Kundali Bhagya that truly catapulted him to unprecedented heights of fame, turning him into a household name across the globe. Most recently, he appeared in the OTT series Tatlubaaz, further establishing his presence in the digital space.

As Dheeraj completes 17 years in the Indian entertainment industry, he sat down to get candid about the passage of time, the best advice he carries on set, and how he survives in an ever-evolving industry.

Seventeen years is a massive testament to an actor’s relevance, but for Dheeraj, the clock seems to have flown by in the blink of an eye. “I cannot believe it has already been 17 years in the industry,” Dheeraj smiles warmly. “It still feels like I have just started. It is definitely a very special occasion celebrating 17 years, and it is only a matter of time before this feeling completely sinks in within me.”

Success is never guaranteed in this creative field. The only way forward is to be flexible, remain completely open to new ideas, and focus purely on being good in your art.

Ask him about the core advice or lessons gathered early in his career that still guide his work ethic on set every day, and the actor breaks it down into three non-negotiable principles. He says, “One thing that I have learned is to be good at what you do. You can only survive in the industry if you are good at your art—there is absolutely no compromise there. Secondly, always be humble and be grateful for the opportunities you get. Don’t ever take them for granted. Third, every single day on set is a fresh learning experience.”

Ask him about his secret for survival, and he is quick to say, “One rule is to have no rules,” Dheeraj asserts profoundly. “No matter what you do or what you learn, success is never guaranteed in this creative field. The only way forward is to be flexible, remain completely open to new ideas, and focus purely on being good in your art.”

Throughout a stellar career, Dheeraj Dhoopar’s unwavering dedication, undeniable charm, and raw talent have earned him the status of one of the most respected and loved personalities in the entertainment fraternity. Cheers to him, and to many more years of unparalleled success!