Engineers Day: Kriti, Vicky, Kartik, Taapsee, Madhavan and Sushant who studied engineering before acting

Engineers Day is observed every year on September 15, marking the honour of India's famous engineer and Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. Engineering usually brings to mind technology, research and mathematics, but several Bollywood actors studied engineering before making their mark in acting. Some completed their engineering degrees from major institutes, while others changed course midway to chase their acting dreams.

Actress Kriti Sanon made her Bollywood debut in 2014 with the film "Heropanti". Alongside acting, her academic record has been equally strong. Kriti completed her schooling at Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, in Delhi. After class twelve, she earned a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Telecommunication from Jaypee Institute of Information Technology in Noida. Kriti also took the GMAT exam, scoring 710.

Actor Vicky Kaushal studied at Sheth Chunilal Damodardas Barfiwala High School in Mumbai. He then earned a degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology in 2009. After graduating, Vicky started working a job, but during an industrial tour he realised office work did not suit him. He then decided to turn to acting and enrolled at Kishore Namit Kapoor's acting academy.

Popular Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan completed his schooling at St. Paul's School in Gwalior. He then earned an engineering degree in Biotechnology from D.Y. Patil College of Engineering in Navi Mumbai. Kartik began modelling while still studying engineering. He later entered Bollywood with the film "Pyaar Ka Punchnama".

Actress Taapsee Pannu completed her schooling in Delhi. She then earned a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Guru Tegh Bahadur Institute of Technology. After finishing her studies, Taapsee worked as a software engineer for some time. But she gradually leaned towards modelling. In 2008 she was selected for Channel V's talent show "Get Gorgeous", which marked the start of her modelling career.

R. Madhavan played the role of an engineering student in the film "3 Idiots". Notably, the actor who played an engineering student on screen also studied engineering in real life. Madhavan earned a degree in Electronics Engineering from Rajaram College in Kolhapur. He then built his career in the entertainment field.

The late actor Sushant Singh Rajput was a very sharp student academically. He is said to have secured the seventh rank in the country in the Delhi College of Engineering entrance exam. He also achieved a good rank in the AIEEE exam. Sushant had a special interest in space since childhood. He wanted to become an astronaut, and as an alternative, he also wanted to become a pilot in the Air Force. But due to family reasons, he chose the path of engineering.

While studying mechanical engineering, Sushant began dreaming of a career in acting. His passion for acting grew, and in the final year of engineering he left his studies incomplete and moved to Mumbai. This marked the start of his journey from television to Bollywood, through which he carved a distinct place in audiences' hearts with his acting.

Looking at these actors' academic journeys, it is clear that acting and technology need not be entirely separate fields. Some turned to acting after completing engineering degrees, while others changed their path midway for their acting dreams. On the occasion of Engineers Day, this lesser-known side of these actors certainly draws attention.