Ajay Thakar — The Man Carving Niche for Self

Each year, thousands of people from small cities and towns flock to the city of dreams, Mumbai, with a burning desire in their heart to make it big into the television industry someday. In an industry marred by exploitation, nepotism, and corruption, only a handful of people manage to brave all odds and make a name for themselves. This is the story of one such small-town boy—Ajay Thakar.

Born into a middle-class family in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Ajay's father, (Late) Mr. Suraj Pal Singh worked in the Indian Railways, and his mother Mrs. Bhagwani Thakar was employed in an army school. Ajay was the youngest of 4 siblings, and naturally was loved and pampered by everyone in the family.

Ajay states, “There was something mystical about Mumbai that fascinated me . . . I was inexplicably attracted to that city since childhood, as if I was destined to be there.” Consequently, Ajay listened to his calling and started his career at a young age of 14. Despite being a meritorious student, he opted out of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Mathura Cantonment in 8th grade to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Thereafter, he started performing in theatre in order to learn acting. Ajay's family didn't approve of Ajay's decision to opt out of school to pursue acting. They wanted him to study and get a government job, as was the tradition in his family. But Ajay had already made up his mind and nothing could stop him from following his dream.

When Ajay arrived in the city of dreams, Mumbai, he saw the rampant exploitation and oppression that is meted out to the young talent in the industry. Every day in Mumbai was a struggle—Ajay recalls, “We were 2 friends living in a one-room-kitchen flat . . . There were times when we used to be hungry but didn't have a dime in our pockets to afford a meal. We had to eat Parle-G biscuits with water to satiate our hunger, for it was the only thing we could afford at the moment. Then there were times when we had to appear for auditions but we didn't have any money to afford public transport . . . We had to walk all the way to the audition venue, only to realise that all our clothes have been soiled by the sweat from walking . . . But during such times of despair, what I did have with me were my friends by my side that I had made in Mumbai, who always lifted my spirits up.”

Ajay's friends, too, just like Ajay, were struggling in the industry. Ajay was disturbed with the terrible living conditions that strugglers in Mumbai had to put up with, and sought to bring about a change in the status quo. Thereafter, he took it upon himself to help his friends and countless other struggling actors in whatever capacity he could. 

Ajay decided to continue his studies and earn his bachelors degree, while at the same time he honed his acting skills and learnt the art of film-making. Later at the age of just 21, he summarized his entire experience in a reverse book on marketing. At one point of time, due to lack of large scale setup, he resorted to multi-tasking by working as a counselor, photographer, and even a tele-caller. 

Ajay's persistence struggle over the years finally paid off when he got to star in the popular SAB TV show Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai! He recalls how one odd day he had gone to a movie theatre with his friends, when the theatre ran the promo for his upcoming show Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai! His unsuspecting friends in the crowd were overjoyed when they realised it was Ajay, their friend, on the big screen and suddenly, the whole theatre erupted in applause. With this feat, the small-town boy had finally realised his childhood dream. And that was just the beginning of Ajay's journey. Over the years, Ajay has proven his mettle in the television industry by starring in diverse roles in popular TV shows like Savdhaan India (Life OK), Afsar Bitiya (Zee TV), Bandhan Kachche Dhagon Ka (DD National), Dharti Kahe Pukar Kar (DD National), among many others. He has also worked in films such as Yeh Hai Teri Fitrat (directed by Mukesh Aggarwal), Love in Jungle (directed by Suresh Jain), and DNA mein Gandhiji (directed by Sandeep Nath). One of his shows Raftaar Zindagi Ki is yet to be aired on national television. Ajay has also worked as an assistant director for the album Gadhe Ka Style (SAB TV) with choreographer Ahmed Khan and director Hiten. Despite all the acclaim and popularity, he has continued to be a humble man.

Today, Ajay Thakar is not just an entrepreneur—he is a guide, a mentor, a role model and an icon for thousands of people across the world who come from a humble background and wish to fulfill their dreams. Ajay is an example that with hard-work and perseverance, people can overcome any obstacle that comes in their way. 

With a desire to revolutionize the world of acting, Ajay has started his own company called Ajay Thakar Productions. Ajay explains, “I wish to provide a platform to the strugglers where they could showcase their talent. I don't care about making profits, all I want is to provide a platform to the people who deserve it the most.” He further states, “If you have more than you need, just share it with the people who need it the most.”

Ajay believes whatever bad experiences he had in his career, always taught him some important life lessons. He learned from his bad experiences and eventually turned his life around. Ajay also believes that it doesn't matter whether you start your journey with a single rupee or crores… What matters is that you START with whatever you have.

People like Ajay Thakar continue to inspire and motivate the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. They are a testament to the fact that with hard-work and perseverance, you can achieve anything. There are never any shortcuts to success, but hard work complemented with the desire to achieve, determination, and always being motivated to get after your goal—that's what takes one to the doors of success.