Journey from Zero to Hero: The Remarkable Story of Kalyanji Jana, “Garibo Ke Actor”
By Editor-in-chief – Vijay Kumar
Date: 23 November 2024 –Mumbai
Journey from Zero to Hero: The Real-Life Story of Mr. Kalyanji Jana (Garibo Ke Actor)
Early Struggles and Determination
Kalyanji Jana’s journey to success is nothing short of inspiring. Born in 1986, he came to Mumbai in 1999 at the age of 12. His early life was marked by struggle, where he had to fight for basic survival. He began as a rag picker, massaging people’s feet, and working in a flower shop. At times when food was scarce, he would even retrieve food from the garbage and eat. Despite these challenges, he worked tirelessly, saving up to start his own small flower shop in Kandivali West, Mumbai, at Shankar Lane.
Passion for Dance and Mentorship
While running the flower shop, Kalyanji’s passion for dance led him to a nearby dance class, where he would watch and learn secretly. He often practiced behind vehicles in public places or even in public toilets. During this time, his life took a positive turn when he met dance guru Bijon Devnath, who became his mentor. Dance masters Mudassar Khan (UF Bittu) and Bittu Singh also supported him during this phase. Kalyanji’s talent blossomed, and soon he began teaching dance to local children. Some of his students won first prizes in school competitions, which further boosted his reputation.
Building a Dance Empire
As Kalyanji’s popularity grew in his locality, he started multiple dance classes under the name Western Dance Academy, which soon expanded across Mumbai. By now, he was teaching at top schools and colleges, as well as performing in corporate events and hotels. His hard work and commitment to the art of dance paved the way for his entry into the film industry.
Entry into the Film Industry
Kalyanji’s first break in the film industry came when he was introduced to Director and Producer Kumar Adarsh Patwa and Ravi K. Patwa, who offered him a role as a side dancer in the movie Mahima Kashi Vishwanath. His dedication and skill soon led to further opportunities as a lead dance choreographer in films such as Nasha and Rhoo. His most notable achievement was choreographing the hit Gujarati film Jay Vijay, directed by Lucky Anandji.
Achievements and Recognition
To date, Kalyanji Jana has received over 185 awards for his contributions to dance, cinema, and social work. He has been invited to judge numerous prestigious dance competitions and appeared on the Colors channel’s reality show Mission Sapne alongside actress Parineeti Chopra. He also continues to be a prominent figure in the film and television industry, having acted in numerous films and music albums across Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi cinema.
Home Production and Upcoming Projects
Kalyanji also ventured into film production with his company, S.K.M.H. Films Production, His first production, Dhund Lenge Manzil Hum, featured him as the lead hero. Kalyanji’s upcoming projects as a lead actor include:
- Dream City Mumbai (The Real Story of Mumbai Mahanagri)
- Main Hoon Autowala (A Real Story from Mumbai)
- I Love You (Real Love Story from Uttar Pradesh)
- Once Upon a Time in Bhopal (The Bhopal Gas Tragedy)
- Mann se mann Tak
- Gul Gule Bakawali
- Patalpani
These films are set to release in 2025 & 2026
Release web series- Mouse in the dark, The Clue
Social Work and Entrepreneurship
Kalyanji Jana has proven to be a man of multiple talents. He is a well-known comedian, anchor, and dance performer. He also owns multiple businesses, including an OTT platform, KJ Talkies, KJ Water,
DPIAF- Entertainment Dubai
and the Avika Bollywood Cafe in Dubai. Kalyanji’s involvement in social work is profound. He has organized numerous events, including award shows and charity initiatives for struggling artists.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Kalyanji reached out to struggling artists, providing them with essential supplies like food and groceries. His humanitarian work continues, with efforts to provide free meals to struggling artists in Mumbai.
Special thanks to My wife Ankita Bambulkar Jana, young brother Milan Jana, Nirmal Jana, Amit Bambulkar & Abhishek bambulkar,
World Records and International Recognition
Kalyanji holds several world records, including a remarkable achievement of holding the Indian flag in both hands for 120 rounds in one minute. He is recognized by various world record organizations, including:
- Omg World Book of Records,
- Wac Book of Records,
- Hope International Book of Records,
- IEA Book of World Records,
- The WAC Global Book of Records,
He is also the founder of the Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award Films Organisation (DPIAF), India’s first NGO dedicated to supporting the film industry and organizing prestigious film award functions.
Tributes to Dadasaheb Phalke
Kalyanji Jana’s commitment to honoring the legacy of Indian cinema is evident through his work with the DPIAF. He and his team paid tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, by organizing a commemorative event in Dubai in July 2022 and another event in October 2023 & 2024 These events celebrated Indian cinema and its contributions to global culture. Kalyanji is also working on erecting a 15-foot statue of Dadasaheb Phalke in Bandra, Mumbai, and a 9-foot statue in Guwahati, Assam, to honor his legacy (special thanks to Lord Das)
Awards and Recognitions
Kalyanji Jana’s contributions to the film industry and society have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including:
@ DADASAHEB PHALKE ICON AWARD FILMS (DPIAF) National and International,
@ Saraswatibai Dadasaheb Phalke soulmate award National and international,
@ Darshnik Mumbai Press Media Award,
@ Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Gaurav Award,
@ Mr. Miss & Mrs Darshnik Mumbai Fashion Show,
@ DPIAF- Bharat and UAE CULTURAL international fashion show,
@ Mumbai Police Icon Achiever award,
@ Nari Shakti icon Achiever Award,
@ DPIAF- Business Global Icon Achiever Award National & international,
@ DPIAF- iconic award National & international,
@ Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Nobel peace award,
@ DPIAF- lifestyle Iconic award National and international,
@ DPIAF – international Real Estate and business iconic award,
@ DPIAF- International Education iconic award,
@ DPIAF – Bharat Gaurav icon award National and international,
@ DPIAF – Mr. & Miss KIDS Fashion Show,
@ DPIAF – BCL International Iconic Award,
@ DPIAF – Dance -Acting -Singing Comedy Competition (National & International Award),
@ DPIAF -Short Film Festival, National and International,
@ DPIAF- Bharat Gaurav Iconic Award National and international,
@ DPIAF – Bharat & Dubai international Excellence Award,
@ DPIAF- Minister, MP, MLA & Gold Award,
@ DPIAF – Bhojpuri Gold Award,
@ DPIAF – OTT, Influencer, Youtuber Iconic Award,
Exciting Programs Ahead
Kalyanji’s team is planning a series of extraordinary events, including the DPIAF Bharat Gaurav Icon Award International and DPIAF Dubai & Bharat International Excellence Award,DPIAF- Bharat & UAE International Cultural Fashion Show slated for 23rd January 2025. The event will feature a spectacular cultural fashion show, showcasing the diverse traditions of India and the UAE. In addition, a grand New Year’s Eve celebration is being planned for December 2024 in Dubai.
A Call for Support
Kalyanji Jana encourages everyone to support these events and initiatives. Whether as a sponsor, an awardee, or an attendee, your participation will contribute to the success and impact of these programs. For more information or to get involved, you can contact the DPIAF team.
The Future of Indian Cinema and Culture
Kalyanji’s ultimate goal is to celebrate and promote Indian cinema, culture, and tourism globally. His message to the youth is clear: “Promote the good things about India on social media. Our culture, our history, and our tourism should be celebrated worldwide.”
With a deep-rooted passion for giving back to the community and uplifting the lives of others, Kalyanji Jana continues to leave an indelible mark on the film industry and society at large.
This is the extraordinary journey of Mr. Kalyanji Jana, from a struggling young boy in Mumbai to an acclaimed hero, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. His story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of believing in oneself.
Jay Hind हर-हर Mahadev
