We Indians have consistently made a lasting impression wherever they go. While we celebrate the success of Indian actresses in Hollywood, it’s essential to recognize the incredible challenges they often face while transcending borders to make a name for themselves. Here’s a list of remarkable Indian performers who have shattered glass ceilings and made their mark in Hollywood:
Deepika Padukone:
Deepika Padukone began her career as a model before her acting debut in the film “Om Shanti Om.” She went on to deliver a series of back-to-back blockbusters, including “Cocktail,” “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” “Chennai Express,” and “Happy New Year” in 2012. Her role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Bajirao Mastani” made it the highest-grossing film of 2015. Deepika’s venture into Hollywood featured her alongside Vin Diesel in “XXX: Return of Xander Cage,” where her portrayal of Serena Unger received positive reviews.
Alia Bhatt:
Alia Bhatt, hailing from a British and Indian background, is best known for her role as Shanaya Singhania in her debut film, “Student of the Year.” Her dedication to her craft was evident when she revealed giving up her phone for the film “Udta Punjab.” Alia marked her Western debut in the female-centric action film “Heart of Stone,” where she played Maya Singh, an Indian-American intelligence agent. The movie was released on Netflix in August 2023 and garnered over 33 million views to date.
Priyanka Chopra:
Priyanka Chopra, the winner of the Miss World Pageant in 2000, ventured into acting with “The Hero: Love Story of a Spy” three years after her global pageant success. Her Bollywood career took off with films like “Andaaz” alongside Lara Dutta and Akshay Kumar. Priyanka later transitioned into Hollywood and earned a spot among Time magazine’s “Top 100 Most Important Individuals in the World.” She is one of the highest-grossing Bollywood actors to make a significant impact in Hollywood. Her achievements include becoming the first South Asian to play a leading role in an American drama series, “Quantico,” and her Hollywood film debut in the action-comedy “Baywatch.”
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan:
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a former beauty queen of India and a global celebrity, managed her Bollywood career while captivating audiences worldwide with her Hollywood ventures. She gained stardom after winning the Miss World crown in 1994 and made her acting debut in the 1997 Tamil film “Iruvar.” Her Bollywood journey included super hits like “Taal,” “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” “Josh,” “Devdas,” and “Guru.” Aishwarya’s Hollywood debut came in 2007, just before her marriage to Abhishek Bachchan, in the film “The Last Legion.” She also played a role alongside Steve Martin in “The Pink Panther 2.” Aishwarya Rai, along with British and Indian actors, appeared in the Bollywood adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic, “Pride and Prejudice.” She took on challenging roles, such as Tilo in “The Mistress of Spices” and Punjabi woman Kiranjeet Ahluwalia in “Provoked.”
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Tabu:
Born in Hyderabad, Tabu is a versatile actress who has worked in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali cinema, along with a Hollywood project. Her Hollywood debut was in “The Namesake,” which received acclaim. In 2012, she appeared in Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi” as the lead character’s mother. Tabu’s striking appearance and exceptional acting have always enchanted the audience. Her recent role in “A Suitable Boy” on Netflix garnered widespread praise. She has received numerous awards, including two National Film Awards and the Padma Shri from the Indian government.
While the success stories of these talented actresses are inspiring, it’s essential to remember that Hollywood is just another film industry, and success there should not be placed on a pedestal. We look forward to witnessing more exceptional performances from these powerful women, both on home ground and abroad.
