Latest news with #Ansh:TheDeadlyPart


News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
This Tamil Actor Starred With Aishwarya Rai, Rajinikanth; Then Turned Taxi Driver After Flops
Last Updated: Mirza Abbas Ali's fall from superstardom to obscurity highlights the film industry's unpredictability and the resilience required to survive its highs and lows Popular South cinema actor Mirza Abbas Ali, once a superstar of the 90s, has faced significant highs and lows in his career. Known for his work alongside big stars like Aishwarya Rai and Rajinikanth, Abbas starred in many successful films during the early 90s. However, his career took a downturn, leading to financial struggles so severe that he couldn't afford rent. Abbas, who has acted in both South Indian cinema and Bollywood, made his Bollywood debut with ' Ansh: The Deadly Part '. Unfortunately, the film did not perform well, and Abbas even advised his fans against watching it, admitting it was not up to par. The early 2000s saw a string of flops for Abbas, which caused his career graph to plummet. Despite having worked with superstars like Aishwarya Rai and Rajinikanth, he quickly vanished from the acting scene. Quit Acting After Career Began To Decline Abbas became a well-known face in Tamil cinema with hits like 'Kadhal Desam', ' V.I.P. ', and ' Kandukondain Kandukondain '. Yet, as his career declined, he started taking on supporting roles before eventually disappearing from the industry altogether. He ultimately left films and moved abroad, settling in New Zealand, where he took up jobs as a mechanic and taxi driver to support his family. Struggled To Pay Rent In an old interview, Abbas recounted the hardships he faced, 'Initially, some of my films were successful, but then a series of flops left me without money to pay rent or even buy cigarettes. Out of self-respect, I initially resisted taking up other work, but eventually, I sought help from producer RB Chaudhary, who gave me a role in ' Pooveli '. However, I soon quit films as I no longer enjoyed it." Abbas's financial struggles were so dire that he had to use petrol station washrooms because he couldn't afford to use the facilities at construction sites. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he attempted to reconnect with fans through Zoom calls to offer some encouragement and support. 'I tried to motivate people by connecting with them over Zoom," he shared. First Published:


Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's 'Kandukondain Kandukondain' co-star Mirza Abbas Ali left the industry and became a taxi driver in New Zealand: ‘I would use the restroom at petrol stations'
Actor — popularly known as Abbas — was one of the most charming faces of the 1990s. He had a strong fan following in the South, having appeared in several Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Abbas made his debut with 'Kadhal Desam' and soon became a familiar face in hits such as 'Pooveli', Jeans', Padayappa', 'Suyamvaram', and 'Kandukondain Kandukondain'. However, he gradually made the decision to step away from the film industry. Abbas about making an exit from the industry Abbas' career began to decline steadily in the early 2000s following a few commercial setbacks. After his small role in 's romantic hit 'Minnale' (2001), starring R. Madhavan, he was mostly seen in cameo and supporting roles. Eventually, he withdrew from cinema entirely. Abbas spoke about his decision to leave the industry in an old interview. Abhishek Bachchan Breaks Silence On Divorce Rumours With Aishwarya Rai Abbas was heartbroken after his first break up In a conversation with Rednool, Abbas shared that he had reached a breaking point after failing his Class 10 exams and going through a heartbreak. At one point, he even contemplated ending his life but became concerned about the pain it would cause his loved ones. He ventured into Bollywood with 'Ansh: The Deadly Part'. The film was unsuccessful, and Abbas soon found himself struggling financially. 'Following my initial achievements, some of my films failed, leaving me financially destitute and unable to afford even basic necessities like rent or cigarettes. Initially, my pride stopped me from seeking alternative employment. However, I eventually approached producer R. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now B. Choudary and requested work. He offered me a role in Pooveli. But over time, I left films because I got bored. I wasn't enjoying my work. I distinctly remember advising my friends, who had come to watch my Bollywood debut Ansh: The Deadly Part, not to waste their time as I considered it 'bakwaas',' he admitted. Abbas did odd jobs in New Zealand Abbas later relocated to New Zealand and took up a variety of odd jobs to support his family. From working as a bike mechanic to driving taxis, he did what was necessary. Sharing some of his experiences abroad, he recalled, 'I would not use the toilet at the construction site. Instead, I would go to a petrol station, buy something, and use the restroom there. People there would often say they felt they had seen me somewhere. I would respond, 'Yes, I get that a lot.' Sometimes, I would reveal I was Abbas, and they would be shocked. I just registered their reactions in my mind.'


Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Tamil heartthrob who romanced Aishwarya Rai became ‘destitute', worked as a mechanic and drove taxis to make ends meet
Actor Mirza Abbas Ali, best known as Abbas, was a heartthrob in the 1990s, having made his debut in the film Kadhal Desam, before going on to star in VIP (1997), Pooveli (1998), Jeans (2008), Padayappa (1999), Suyamvaram (1999), Malabar Police (1999), and Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000). But his career stalled at the turn of the century, and he was reduced to playing supporting roles and cameos after some of his projects flopped. A notable example is Minnale, which starred R Madhavan in 2001. A few years later, Abbas felt a disillusionment setting in, and he quit the film industry altogether. Abbas moved to New Zealand, where he took up several menial jobs to make ends meet. In an interview with Rednool a few years ago, he opened up about his life, which was difficult even before he became a model, and then an actor. Abbas said that he was so distraught after flunking his Class 10 exams and being dumped by his girlfriend that he considered taking his own life. But he decided against it, and gave himself a second chance. 'During my teenage years, I went through a tumultuous period where I contemplated taking my own life after failing the 10th grade. The departure of my girlfriend at the time intensified those thoughts. However, something profound occurred that transformed me. While standing by the roadside, contemplating stepping in front of a speeding vehicle, I noticed a passing motorist and had a realisation: if I were to act on my impulses, that person's life would also be profoundly affected. Even in my darkest moment, I found myself considering the well-being of another individual,' Abbas said. Also read – Legendary Bollywood music composer lived as paying guest in final years, banned family from attending funeral He attempted to crossover into the Hindi industry with the film Ansh: The Deadly Part, but it flopped. 'Following my initial achievements, some of my movies faced failure, leaving me financially destitute and unable to afford even basic necessities like rent or cigarettes. Initially, my pride prevented me from seeking alternative employment. However, I soon approached producer RB Choudary, requesting work. He offered me the opportunity to be part of the film Pooveli. However, I eventually left films because I got bored. I wasn't enjoying my work. I distinctly recall advising my friends, who came to watch my Bollywood debut film Ansh: The Deadly Part not to waste their time as I considered it to be bakwaas. In order to provide for my family, I worked as a bike mechanic and drove taxis in New Zealand.' Read more – Bollywood's most celebrated Golden Age writer died penniless, burdened by heavy debts; Javed Akhtar blamed Raj Kapoor Opening up about his life in New Zealand, he said, 'I would not use the toilet that was at the construction site. I would instead go to a petrol pump, buy something and use the restroom there. People there would wonder if they have seen me somewhere. I would be like, 'Yes, I keep getting that.' Sometimes, I would reveal I am Abbas, and they will be shocked. I just registered their reaction in my head.' Also read – Star of Bollywood's Golden Era died penniless due to flamboyant lifestyle, influenced Amitabh Bachchan and won praise from Mahatma Gandhi Abbas said that he isn't particularly fond of social media, but he made an exception during the pandemic, when he thought to help others going through difficult times by sharing some of his own experiences. 'While residing in New Zealand, I utilised Zoom calls to connect with fans. My intention was to assist those in need,' he said. Abbas made another attempt at acting some years ago, and scored a contract to appear in an advertisement for a toilet cleaning liquid. He said that the deal helped him run his household, and that he put his ego aside to take up alternative paths in his career. His last credited role came a decade ago.