Top 7 Bollywood Stars Who Made Their Mark in Hollywood
Indian cinema has spawned a number of stars, all of whom haven’t just caught the attention of viewers across the globe outside of Indian screens but also captured American audiences on Hollywood boards. From glamorous pageant winners to weathered actors, each one of them has stood in an East-West mix that spells the rise of an international marketability of Indian talent. Here is a look at seven Bollywood stars who not only conquered Indian cinema but also left an indelible mark in Hollywood with their outstanding performances.
1. Aishwarya Rai
Taking over Bollywood by storm during the late ’90s was Aishwarya Rai, who won the title of Miss World in 1994. Four years later, she did Bride and Prejudice with Gurinder Chadha for the Hollywood circuit as Bollywood remake of Jane Austen’s classic. Again, the movie received mixed reviews, yet the film earned more than $24 million at the box office. During this time, she also did The Mistress of Spices in 2005 as a mystic spice worker named Tilo.
Aishwarya continued her Hollywood journey with The Last Legion in 2007 and The Pink Panther 2 in 2009. Neither of the films was very effective; the critics were making recommendations that she should focus on Bollywood since there have been more acclaimed performances of hers.
2. Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher, who acted in all the big-budget Bollywood hits like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, has made an indelible mark in Hollywood as well. He won recognition with his role as the father in the movie Bend It Like Beckham and played the same fatherly role when he took a jump from Bollywood to Hollywood television series ER. His most noted role was that of a psychiatrist in Silver Linings Playbook, released last year, in which he proved his mettle as a versatile actor.
One of the finest actors from India, as allegedly inducted by The Hollywood Reporter, Kher’s journey into Hollywood has been supported on the ground by his Mumbai-based acting academy, where such stars as co-star from Silver Linings Playbook, Robert De Niro, have stopped for courses.
3. Irrfan Khan
He really took off after the important performance in The Warrior (2001) and started off internationally. His most memorable work for Hollywood was Ashoke Ganguli in Mira Nair’s The Namesake, where he portrayed the problems of a first-generation immigrant in America. Later on, he was seen in Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited (2007) and Slumdog Millionaire (2008), playing a police inspector.
He played the adult Pi in Life of Pi in 2012 and Dr. Ratha in The Amazing Spider-Man, completely cementing his place in Hollywood. And with his “commanding presence,” Khan continues to be one of India’s most international success-stories of successful actors.
4. Tabu
Tabu has never been subtle. In The Namesake, she was Ashima Ganguli opposite Irrfan Khan. The actress did well in the complex role of a mother getting acclimated to life in a foreign land. Tabu’s brief appearance in Life of Pi has not gone unnoticed by its director, Ang Lee, so he cast her again as Pi’s mother.
Tabu is highly acclaimed as one of the best actors to have made a foray into Hollywood, courtesy her discriminating choice and strong screen presence.
5. Amitabh Bachchan
Indian cinema is associated with the legendary name Amitabh Bachchan, the “angry young man” of Bollywood. After a temporary retirement, Bachchan back in the tinsel town with films like Mohabbatein, which made his presence felt forever. He ventured into Hollywood with Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby in 2013. Bachchan had a limited appearance in the film opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. Fans are eager for more substantial roles in Hollywood on-screen.
With almost 200 films to his credit, Bachchan fans are in a frenzy and going gaga about whether Hollywood will offer the man a role that cherishes his talent.
6. Priyanka Chopra
Crowned Miss World in 2000, Priyanka Chopra shot to instant stardom in Bollywood with hits like Andaaz in 2003. She further catapulted her fame to new heights through a musical crossover in 2012 via the single “In My City,” which became a triple platinum hit in India. In 2013, Chopra signed on as a model for American fashion brand Guess, bringing her into the global fashion scene.
In Hollywood Priyanka Chopra has made her mark by working in films like Love again, Citadel, and more.
7. Anil Kapoor
Anil Kapoor first came to the attention of international audiences for Slumdog Millionaire (2008), hosting the game show. His Slumdog Millionaire stint marked his Hollywood debut; he played a mock President in the TV series 24, where he received praise. Thereafter, he appeared in the movie Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, though his role was limited, fans were nevertheless eagerly waiting for a lot more from this end.
He has retained his popularity with his versatility and continues to balance his Bollywood and Hollywood projects skillfully.
