5 actors who lived in Delhi University (DU) student areas Satya Niketan, Mukherjee Nagar during their college days: Manoj Bajpayee to Divyenndu Sharma

Delhi has played an important role in the early lives of several Bollywood actors, with many of them spending their college years in popular student neighbourhoods across the city. While some explored theatre and acting, others made lasting friendships and memories during their time here. Here’s a look at five actors and the Delhi areas they called home during their college days.

Manoj Bajpayee - Mukherjee Nagar

Manoj Bajpayee lived in Mukherjee Nagar during his early years in Delhi when he was struggling to establish himself as a theatre artist. He initially studied at Satyawati College before moving to Ramjas College, where he graduated with a degree in history. During this period, he lived in modest rented accommodation in areas such as Mukherjee Nagar and Vijay Nagar and spent much of his time doing theatre.


In a conversation with entrepreneur Ritesh Agarwal for Mint, Bajpayee recalled living in a small barsati in Mukherjee Nagar. He said the accommodation was cheap but extremely difficult to live in, especially during Delhi's harsh summers and winters. Recalling those days, the actor said, "I still shudder when I think of my days in a barsati," adding that the temperature inside could feel even higher than outside.



Aditi Sharma - Satya Niketan

Aditi Sharma spent her college years in Satya Niketan, a popular student area in South Delhi. The neighbourhood, known for its student crowd and proximity to several educational institutions, became part of her Delhi college-life memories. The popular actress completed her Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Honours degree from Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi

Divyenndu Sharma - Kamla Nagar

Divyenndu Sharma lived in Kamla Nagar while studying Political Science at Kirori Mal College (KMC) on Delhi University's North Campus. Theatre played a major role in his college life, with the actor becoming closely involved with KMC's famous dramatics society, Players.

Speaking to TOI in 2017, Divyenndu recalled how deeply he was involved in theatre despite pursuing Political Science. He joked that while he was officially doing Political Science (Hons), people around him would say he was actually doing “Players (Hons).” He also remembered spending day and night rehearsing plays and even sleeping on college benches after late-night theatre sessions.

Imran Zahid - Hudson Lane

Bollywood and theatre actor Imran Zahid lived in Hudson Lane, an area close to Delhi University's North Campus. He graduated with a BCom degree from Hindu College and has fond memories of spending time in the neighbourhood after college.

In an interview with Hindustan Times in 2016, Zahid recalled that many of his memories of love and friendship were connected to Hudson Lane. He described those college years as some of the most happening days of his life.



Sayani Gupta - Greater Kailash-I

Sayani Gupta lived in Greater Kailash-I, near Kailash Colony Market, during her college years. She studied at Lady Shri Ram College and became increasingly involved in theatre during this period. She also worked backstage with theatre legend Habib Tanvir and acted with theatre director M.K. Raina.

Speaking to TOI in 2019, the actress recalled performing in colleges across Delhi and said IIT was one of her favourite places to perform. She also spoke about her strong connection with Delhi.

"I stayed back in Delhi for a year-and-a-half while I was working in the corporate sector. My office was in Qutab Institutional Area, and I used to live in CR Park at that point. Most of my close friends from college went to JNU, and I have spent several months in their hostels. So, Delhi is quite special for me. In fact, I have shot several films here but now, it has become strange and aggressive," Sayani further added.