Remember the Jackie Chan Adventures on Cartoon Network in the early 2000s? Or, Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon, the best of buddy action film franchises? These works by Hong-Kong's legendary actor and martial artist, Jackie Chan, is just a tip of the iceberg. The 63-year-old is proclaimed to be the most famous Asian actor in Hollywood, with a career spanning over five decades. From featuring on the list of highest-paid actors to being referred to as the Kung Fu master, Chan became a household name worldwide. But it is Drunken Master star’s inspirational rags-to-riches journey that uplifts our shipwrecked souls. After all, how many of us keep chasing the dream against all odds. Jackie Chan’s challenging journey to stardom is the best example to young hearts who dare to dream and eventually taste success.

Chan was born to parents Charles and Lee-lee Chan, refugees from the Chinese Civil War on April 7, 1954, in Hong Kong. His mother required surgery to deliver him, but did not have enough money. Chan’s father borrowed money from friends, turning down the doctor’s offer of taking the child as payment. The Chans were not ready to lose another child after deserting their children from previous marriages behind in China. In fact, Charles was a former spy while Lee-lee a famous gambler who also smuggled opium.

Adjusting to a new life in Hong Kong, Jackie Chan’s family dealt with terrible poverty. However, the actor was an energetic soul as a kid who loved ‘rolling down like a cannonball’. This nature earned him a nickname ‘Pao-Pao’ in Chinese meaning Cannonball. Chan began learning Kung Fu from his father, who believed the martial art form would shape his character. The actor credits Kung Fu to teach him patience, strength, and courage. However, the enthusiasm did not reflect in his academics as Jackie Chan failed in the first year of primary school.

Seeing his son’s inclination towards acting and martial arts, Charles sent the 7-year-old boy to the China Drama Academy, a Peking Opera School run by Master Yu Jim-yuen. For the next decade, Jackie trained hard to master martial arts and acrobatics. He began working as a stuntman in Bruce Lee’s films. When the phenomenal actor died, fans expected Jackie Chan to fill that void. But the expectations came crashing down with Chan’s films failing miserably.

Jackie moved to Canberra to join his parents. He worked as a construction worker but did not give up on his dream of being a well-known actor. The tides turned, and opportunities came knocking at the door. Chan received a call from film producer, Willie Chan to return to Hong Kong. Instead of focusing on hard-core martial arts, Jackie Chan improvised by mixing humour with martial arts. His breakthrough came with the 1978 film Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, followed by another biggie Drunken Master.

Apart from struggling in the professional front, Chan also suffered personally at the hands of bullies during his teenage days. During his early days in the career, Chan’s confidence took a hit with a string of flops. When he finally became successful, after going through all the ups and downs, Chan was duped of millions by people who were close to him. The actor at one point in time used to arm himself with guns and grenades as a protection against criminal gangs.

Despite knowing seven languages, the actor is not proficient in reading or writing. He depends on another person to read out the film scripts for him. Even as we marvel at his journey and success, we are left asking the question, does the struggle end anywhere down the line? The answer is not really, and it is the biggest learning in life. Failures and setbacks are a part and parcel of life. At any stage of life, one cannot claim to be devoid of negative elements. But the glory is in overcoming it. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 26, 2017 05:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).