10 Bollywood stars who made it big in Hollywood: From Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra Jonas – how did these actors conquer Tinseltown?

Bollywood January 4, 2024

The film’s success in Telugu RRR (2022), Directed by SS Rajamouli and starring NT Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan Hollywood awards season In 2022-2023, the global spotlight will be on the Indian film industry, which produces films in multiple languages every year.

While Indian stars have been making a mark in the West for decades, moving seamlessly between industries, they have also broken stereotypes and expanded Indian cinema’s global influence. And it’s not just films, Indian voices are increasingly featuring in TV shows, streaming projects and various creative endeavours, leaving an indelible mark on the global entertainment space with their diverse roles.

Read on to know about 10 Indian stars who have made a seamless transition to the West.

1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas on their wedding day in 2018. Photo: Handout

Referred to as a “desi girl” (a South Asian woman who embraces her culture), Priyanka Chopra Jonas He successfully bridged the gap between Bollywood and Hollywood. Known for her brilliant performances in Hindi films, she then pursued her career in the West through music before gaining widespread fame for her role as Alex Parrish in the American crime drama series. Quantico (2015-18). In Hollywood, the actress portrayed the antagonist in the 2017 film Baywatchand later starred in it A kid like Jake (2018) alongside Claire Danes and Jim Parsons.

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After a supporting role in the 2019 romantic comedy Isn’t it romantic?joined the cast Resurrection of the Matrix (2021), led by Keanu Reeves. Her recent endeavors include starring roles in the spy thriller series Russo Brothers fort (2023 onwards) alongside Richard Madden, a romantic comedy love again (2023) with Sam Heughan. Chopra Jonas continues her dominance in Hollywood with upcoming projects such as Heads of statealso starring Idris Elba and John Cena Finishing things With Anthony Mackie.

2. Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Invision/AP

Deepika Padukone made her debut in the Hindi film industry in the year 2008 with Om Shanti OmStarring opposite Indian star Shah Rukh Khan. With an impressive career spanning 17 years, she is one of India’s most popular superstars.

In 2017, the actress entered Hollywood with a lead role in the film Vin Diesel xXx: The return of Xander Cage. Third batch in xXx The film is directed by DJ Caruso and features an ensemble cast, including Donnie YenRuby Rose, Tony Jaa, Nina Dobrev, Toni Collette and Samuel L. Jackson. Although she has not announced any new projects in Hollywood, Padukone continues to be a prominent figure at international events and on red carpets, and is a favorite of global brands.

3. Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt attends the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in December 2023. Photo: AFP — Alia Bhatt attends the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in December 2023. Image: AFP

In just 11 years, Alia Bhatt has become one of India’s top stars, captivating audiences with her versatility and critically acclaimed performances. She has gained recognition for her emotionally charged roles in films such as highway (2014), Udta Punjab (2016), Dear Zindagi (2016), The noble boy (2019), Dear ones (2022) and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022).

Recently, she made her Hollywood debut Heart of stone (2023) on Netflix, sharing the screen with Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan in a film directed by Tom Harper. In 2021, Bhatt signed with international talent agency WME.

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4. Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan, in 2020, in Munich, Germany. Photo: DPA — Irrfan Khan, 2020, in Munich, Germany. Photo: EPA

Known for his depth, versatility and charismatic screen presence, the late Indian actor Irrfan Khan made his international debut with Asif Kapadia’s film. the fighter In 2001. He gained international fame in the 2006 film Mira Nair Bears the same name She achieved international fame in Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning film in 2008, the homeless milionaire.

His journey in English projects continued with roles in the 2007 film Great heartSelections 2008 New York, I love youthe 2012 adaptation of Yann Martel’s novel, Life of Pi, directed by Ang Lee. Khan expanded his international work by making a notable appearance in the blockbuster film Jurassic World (2015) and Hollywood hits like Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and Hell (2016) Directed by and starring Ron Howard Tom Hanks.

5. Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi poses at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne alongside governor of Victoria Margaret Elaine Gardner, in the Indian city of Mumbai. Photo: AFP — Shabana Azmi stands at the Indian Film Festival in Melbourne alongside the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Ellen Gardner, in the Indian city of Mumbai. Photo: Agence France-Presse

Shabana Azmi has always been a force to reckon with in the Hindi film industry. She has constantly pushed boundaries, and her rich performances have often been seen on the global stage as well. Her international projects have included roles in John Schlesinger’s films Madame Sousatzka (1988), Roland Joffe City of joy (1992), Blake Edwards Son of the Pink Panther (1993) and Deepa Mehta fire (1996).

She has also appeared in Gurinder Chadha’s It’s a wonderful afterlife (2010), Deepa Mehta Midnight’s children (2012) and Cavi Raz Black Prince (2017). Most recently, Azmi showcased her talent in Paramount+ Steven Spielberg series aura (2022 onwards) and Shekhar Kapoor What’s Love Got To Do With It? (2022).

6. Anupam Kher

Anupam Kher at the premiere of The Headhunter’s Calling, during the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. Photo: The Canadian Press via AP — Anupam Kher at the premiere of The Headhunter’s Calling, during the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. Image: The Canadian Press via AP

Anupam Kher, a prominent veteran actor of Indian cinema with a career spanning four decades, has appeared in more than 540 films. Outside India, he made a mark in Hollywood with Gurinder Chadha’s film Bend it like Beckham (2002) and later collaborated with her Bride and Prejudice (2004), a Bollywood adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel pride and prejudice.

His diverse roles have led to him winning an Academy Award silver linings playbook (2012), directed by David O. Russell, Kumail Nanjiani vehicle The big patient (2017) and the action and thriller film Mumbai hotel (2018). Kher has also shown his acting prowess in dramas like New Amsterdam (2018-2023) and a Netflix original series Sense8 (2015-2018).

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7. Freida Pinto

Freida Pinto’s most recent role sees her working alongside Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller and Kristin Scott Thomas. Photo: Markus Klinko — Freida Pinto’s latest role has her working alongside Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, and Kristin Scott Thomas. Photo: Markus Klinko

Freida Pinto became famous after her distinguished role in… the homeless milionaire, and received a BAFTA nomination. Born and raised in India, she quickly expanded her portfolio through projects including… Miral (2010), Trishna (2011), Immortals (2011), Desert dancer (2014) and was hugely successful The rise of Planet of the Apes (2011).

Her work extends to television drama as well, with roles in mini-series guerrilla (2017) and The Road (2016-18). She went on to play the lead role Hillbilly Elegy (2020), Mr Malcolm’s List (2022), and more recently, North star (2023), which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and also stars Scarlett Johansson. Sienna Miller And Kristin Scott Thomas.

8. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a still from Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022). Photo: Lyca Productions — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a still from Ponniyin Selvan: Me (2022). Photo: Leica Productions

After winning the Miss World title in 1994, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan became a highly sought-after actress in the Indian film industry, and remains a top star. Showcasing her global appeal, she has moved seamlessly between Bollywood and Hollywood, and has appeared in several English language films.

After a tournament Bride and PrejudiceRai Bachchan showed her versatility through her roles in Paul Maeda Berges. Lady of spices (2005), drama Jag Mundra Provocation (2006), Doug Leffler’s saga The last legend (2007) and Harald Zwart Pink panther 2 (2009).

9. Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor poses during a screening of the movie Animal, in Mumbai, India, last November. Photo: EPA-EFE — Anil Kapoor during the screening of the movie Animal in Mumbai, India, last November. Photo: EPA-EFE

An icon in the film industry for over 40 years, Anil Kapoor made a successful international debut in Hollywood the homeless milionaire. After this victory, he showed his versatility in the final season of the crime thriller 24 (2001-2010) and starred in the 2011 blockbuster film Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol side by side Tom Cruise. Continuing his global journey, Kapoor recently appeared in the final episode of Jeremy Renner’s four-part Disney+ series, Enlightenment (2023).

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10. Amitabh Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan pose at the red carpet event of musical comedy film The Archies, in Mumbai, India, last month. Photo: EPA-EFE — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan pose at the red carpet event for the musical comedy film The Archies, in Mumbai, India, last month. Photo: EPA-EFE

Amitabh Bachchan, a Bollywood star for more than five decades, made his Hollywood debut as Meyer Wolfsheim, a Jewish businessman, in a brief but poignant appearance in Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film, The great Gatsby.

“He couldn’t be a nicer, more wonderful person to work with,” Leonardo DiCaprio, the film’s lead, told NDTV at the time. “And amazingly talented. To come in and play Meyer Wolfsheim in this movie and embody that rawness and mystery, everything that comes out of his mouth is full of… “With lots and lots of people in attendance. And then you see the camera roll and he’s the perfect guy, a joy to be around and a great collaborator. He’s a great actor and it’s an honor to work with him.”

(Tags for translation)South China Morning Post