Meet actor whose first salary was Rs 50, worked with Salman, still remained unemployed for years, then became TV star, now charges Rs 1.5 lakh per episode, he is..

Whenever you hear Dilip Joshi's name, an instant smile comes on your face. For more than a decade, Dilip has been entertaining the Indian audience as Jethalal in the iconic show, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Today, Dilip Joshi is among the highest-paid Indian television actors. Reportedly, he charges Rs 1.50 lakh per episode. Joshi owns a swanky house and a fleet of expensive cars. However, all of this comes from years of hard work and dedication. Dilip's early life is as interesting as a commercial entertainer. Let's get on to it. 

Dilip Joshi's early life

Dilip Joshi was born on May 26, 1968, in Gosa village, Gujarat. Hailing from a Gujarati middle-class family, Dilip was inclined towards acting from his childhood. He started his career in theatre. Due to his non-influencer background, Dilip started from ground zero. In theatre, he reportedly got his first job managing the backstage. 

Dilip Joshi's first salary was only Rs 50

For his role in the merger, Dilip Joshi was paid Rs 50. During his college days, Dilip was reportedly actively involved with the INT (Indian National Theatre), which helped him in his professional growth. Soon, Dilip became the blue-eyed boy of Gujarati theatre, and was honoured with the INT Best Actor award twice.

Dilip Joshi's real struggle started in Bollywood

Dilip decided to fulfil his dream of seeing himself on the big screen. After some years of struggle, Dilip debuted in Bollywood as a sidekick in Salman Khan's Maine Pyar Kiya. The film was an all-time blockbuster, and Dilip became Rajshri Productions' favourite. Thus, he was also cast for Hum Aapke Hain Koun. Despite working in two blockbuster back-to-back, Dilip was struggling to find a good role. He continued starring in side roles and forgettable characters in movies like Humraaz, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and Khiladi 420. 

Dilip Joshi in Hum Aapke Hain Koun

When Dilip Joshi decided to move to TV 

The mediocre roles in films were leaving Dilip Joshi unsatisfied. Thus, he decided to divert his energies to Indian television. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Dilip did shows like Kabhi Yeh Kabhi Woh, Hum Sab Ek Hain, Kya Baat Hai, and Daal Mein Kala. However, none of them were successful, and it further disheartened him.  

A heartbroken Dilip Joshi started living a mundane life

After an unimpressive career in TV, Dilip Joshi started working for a travel agency. Reportedly, in this agency, Dilip worked for five years before he landed the lead role in TMKOC. Dilip took the chance, agreed to the role, and the rest is history. 

Dilip Joshi's net worth 

Today, Dilip Joshi is nothing less than a superstar. For TMKOC, he reportedly charges Rs 1.50 lakh per episode. As per the reports, his net worth is between Rs 45-47 crores. He owns a swanky home in Mumbai, worth Rs 5 crores. When it comes to his car collection, Dilip owns an Audi Q7, a Toyota Innova, and a Kia Sonet.