[UPDATED] 5 Indian stars who made their mark in Hollywood

FROM the far reaches of India to Asia and the world, the talented actors and actresses of Indian cinema have long captivated audiences across the globe with their catchy musical numbers, larger-than-life productions, and diverse range of stories and performances. It’s no wonder that some of them have brought and continue to bring their talents to Western cinema, like these Bollywood stars who shined just as bright on the international stage as they do at home: 

1. Alia Bhatt

Bhatt made her on-screen debut at the tender age of six in 1999 thriller Sangharsh before 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 as 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, so mark your calendars to catch her in action when the film premieres August 11, on Netflix.

2. 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.  

3. 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 Indian 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. 

4. Irrfan Khan (died in 2020)

In a career spanning over three decades, the late actor is 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. Khan has 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. 

5. Anil Kapoor

The veteran actor has appeared in more than 100 films since launching his acting career in 1979, a long list that includes his 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.  

6. Bonus: 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. 

Catch these Bollywood stars in their greatest hits on Netflix. – The Vibes, August 9, 2023

Note: In an earlier version of the article, it was not mentioned that Irrfan Khan passed away in 2020 and Dhanush is from Kollywood. We regret the error.