From across India to the rest of Asia and the world, the talented actors and actresses of Indian cinema have long captivated audiences with their catchy musical numbers, larger-than-life performances and stunning looks.
It’s no wonder that some have succeeded in channeling their talents to Western cinema – like these Bollywood stars who are shining just as brightly on the international stage as they do at home:
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt made her on-screen debut at the tender age of six in the 1999 thriller Sangharsh before officially launching her acting career with a leading role in Karan Johar’s 2012 teen film, Student of the Year. She has since charted a rather illustrious filmography that includes her critically acclaimed performance in the titular role in biopic Gangubai Kathiawadi, as well as the fantasy film Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva and a brief role in the Oscar-winning RRR.
The actress is set to make her Hollywood debut in spy thriller Heart of Stone alongside Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, and Matthias Schweighöfer.
Dhanush
One of the biggest stars in modern Tamil cinema shot to international fame when the song ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ from the romantic psychological thriller 3 became the first Indian music video to cross 100 million views on YouTube. Beyond the aforementioned viral sensation, Dhanush has also earned widespread recognition for his performances in critically acclaimed films such as Aadukalam, Maryan, Velaiilla Pattadhari, and Raanjhanaa, a film that marked his Bollywood debut in 2013.
The Kollywood star made his international debut in 2018’s The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, and most recently, appeared in Hollywood action thriller film The Gray Man alongside Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, and Regé-Jean Page.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra got her start in showbiz after winning the Miss World 2000 pageant with her first ever acting gig in Tamil film Thamizhan (2002), followed by her Bollywood debut in The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003). She would soon establish her place in the Indian film industry with her breakout role in the 2004 romantic thriller Aitraaz, which led to starring roles in blockbuster films Krrish and Don (both 2006), and their respective sequels.
The actress made her Hollywood debut in thriller series Quantico as lead character Alex Parrish, making history as the first South Asian to headline an American network drama series. She has also appeared in Hollywood films such as Baywatch, Isn’t It Romantic, We Can Be Heroes, and The Matrix Resurrections.
Shabana Azmi
With her superb acting skills, Shabana Azmi has made a huge impact on Indian cinema – and now, Hollywood. Her tremendous talent drew the attention of Steven Spielberg, who cast her in Halo.
She was also a part of the classic Hollywood rom-com, What’s Love Got To Do With It, alongside Hollywood stalwarts like Emma Thompson and Lily James. Her other Western credits include John Schlesinger’s Madame Sousatzka (1988), Roland Joffe’s City of Joy (1992), Blake Edwards’ Son of the Pink Panther (1993) and Deepa Mehta’s Fire (1996) and Midnight’s Children (2012).
Anil Kapoor
The veteran actor has appeared in more than 100 films since launching his career in 1979. His long list of credits includes a breakthrough role in 1983’s Prem Partap Patiaale Waale, Mr. India, Tezaab, Meri Jung, Taal, Pukar, Dil Dhadakne Do, and many more.
Anil Kapoor started off strong on the international stage with the Academy Award-winning Slumdog Millionaire, followed by a stint in the eighth season of action drama series 24, and as the villain in Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol alongside Tom Cruise. The actor also voiced Baloo – originally voiced by director Andy Serkis – in the Hindi dub of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.
Shah Rukh Khan
This man, indeed, needs no introduction.
Ask anyone with a minute awareness of Bollywood, and the first person to come to mind is the indisputable King of Bollywood and one of the world’s biggest movie stars — Shah Rukh Khan. With a career spanning 35 years, he is most well-known for playing dashing romantic heroes in Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, and Chennai Express, amongst many other popular Bollywood films.
It might surprise you to know that the charismatic actor has yet to make an appearance in Hollywood productions, but the impact of his fanbase transcends borders — there’s a cardboard cutout of him and fellow Bollywood actor Kajol on Switzerland’s Mount Titlis, he was awarded a Legion of Honour — the highest French order of merit — by the Government of France in 2014, and just last year, was voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time in a readers’ poll by Empire.
Aishwarya Rai
When Aishwarya Rai won Miss World in 1994, she burst into the world’s consciousness. Despite being called “the most beautiful lady in the world”, she proved to be a skilled actress too.
She has appeared in a number of well-known Bollywood films from the 2000s, including Devdas and Mohabbatein, which were both up for the Best Foreign Language Film at BAFTA. She made appearances in several Hollywood productions, such as Mistress of Spices, The Last Legion, The Pink Panther 2. Her leading performance in the gritty She was widely acclaimed.
Irrfan Khan
In a career spanning over three decades, the late star was widely regarded as one of the finest actors in contemporary cinema, having garnered critical acclaim at home and across the globe for his performances in the BAFTA Award-winning The Warrior, The Namesake (which earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Male at the 2007 Independent Spirit Awards), biographical sports drama Paan Singh Tomar, and many more. Irrfan Khan also had supporting roles in Hollywood films like The Amazing Spider-Man, Life of Pi, Jurassic World, and Inferno.
For his contribution to the field of the arts, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour in 2011, as well as a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Filmfare Awards.
