Utekar rises from selling eggs to directing Rs 800 crore hit Zara Hatke Zara Bachke

Utekar's inspiring journey from selling boiled eggs at age six to directing the Rs 800 crore blockbuster Zara Hatke Zara Bachke exemplifies perseverance and talent in Bollywood.

He candidly shared, "I came into the industry by chance, and I had no backing. I was maybe 4 when my uncle brought me to Mumbai. I started selling boiled eggs outside a bar when I was 6 years old, and later I opened a vadapao stand in Shivaji Park, but that got seized by BMC."

His first break in films came unexpectedly when he answered a newspaper job listing and was hired as a sweeper at a film studio. From there, he worked as an assistant to renowned cinematographer Binod Pradhan, contributing to acclaimed films like Dear Zindagi (2016), Hindi Medium (2017), and 102 Not Out (2018).

Utekar made his directorial debut with the Marathi film Taapal (2014) and has since directed notable movies including Luka Chuppi (2019), Mimi (2021), and the recent hit Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023).

His rise from humble beginnings to helming a film that grossed Rs 800 crore highlights his dedication and evolving craft in the Indian film industry.

"I had no backing," he emphasizes, underscoring the challenges he overcame to achieve success.

Utekar's story is a testament to how passion and hard work can transform lives in Bollywood, inspiring many aspiring filmmakers from modest backgrounds.

Utekar, who started selling boiled eggs at age six and worked as a film studio sweeper, rose through the ranks to direct the Rs 800 crore hit Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. His journey from humble beginnings to acclaimed filmmaker includes assistant work on Hindi Medium and Dear Zindagi.