15 Indian Actors Shining in Hollywood

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Indian acting talent is steadily gaining recognition in prominent films and series worldwide, offering fresh viewpoints and amassing a global fanbase. These stars are excelling not only in leading roles but also in writing, production, demonstrating that perseverance and talent can lead to opportunities beyond borders. Their work encompasses blockbuster movies, critically acclaimed independent productions, and popular TV shows, and their portfolio is continually growing each year.

15 Indian actors have gained significant traction in Hollywood, showcasing lead roles, captivating supporting acts, creators who originated shows, and artists bridging the gap between Mumbai and LA with careers that create ongoing opportunities for upcoming talent.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Her significant success in the U.S. began with appearing on the ABC show ‘Quantico’, leading to parts in ‘Baywatch’, ‘The Matrix Resurrections’, and the internationally acclaimed ‘Citadel’. She also acted and served as executive producer for ‘The White Tiger’, thereby solidifying her presence in Hollywood film productions.

She heads up Purple Pebble Pictures, the production company she runs, and her involvement in projects across various languages demonstrates her commitment. Furthermore, as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, her cross-industry collaborations have successfully amplified South Asian narratives on broader platforms.

Dev Patel

He made his way to Hollywood with the movie “Slumdog Millionaire,” and was later nominated for an Academy Award for “Lion.” His film portfolio spans various genres, demonstrating versatility, including “The Green Knight,” “Chappie,” and the TV series “The Newsroom.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I ventured into the world of filmmaking with my action blockbuster, ‘Monkey Man.’ Stepping behind the camera for direction, co-writing the script, and producing the project, I also took on the lead role. My projects typically blend deep character development with international production crews, keeping me constantly engaged on both sides of the pond.

Irrfan Khan

Over time, his visage became recognized across the globe due to his appearances in movies like “Life of Pi,” “Jurassic World,” “The Amazing Spider-Man,” and “Inferno.” Prior to this, his earlier work such as “The Namesake” enabled him to gain traction with American audiences and demonstrated the subtle yet profound acting skills he possessed in portraying intricate roles.

He earned the highest accolade in India, the Padma Shri, for his exceptional work in the arts. Throughout his career, he successfully combined Indian and Western art forms, paving the way for other South Asian performers to gain opportunities in Hollywood productions, as recognized by many of his collaborators.

Deepika Padukone

She initially appeared on the Hollywood stage opposite Vin Diesel in ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’. Beyond her popular Hindi films, she’s graced significant American award ceremonies as a presenter and cultivated worldwide partnerships with film industry leaders, ensuring her presence is recognized by directors around the globe.

She is involved in promoting mental health awareness through her foundation, and also serves as a producer for Indian projects that get broadcasted on international streaming platforms. This blend of public visibility and backstage involvement has set her up for further collaborative projects on a global scale.

Ali Fazal

In another role, he starred in the movie titled ‘Victoria and Abdul’, alongside Judi Dench, followed by an appearance in ‘Death on the Nile’. His earlier film credits encompass a part in ‘Furious 7’. He maintains a versatile career by shifting between Indian films and English-language productions.

Apart from this, he is a co-founder of Pushing Buttons Studios, a production company that creates both films and TV shows. Using a project-based method, he selects his roles and in the process, fosters chances for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to showcase their talent.

Dhanush

To start off in Hollywood, he appeared in ‘The Gray Man’, portraying a powerful assassin alongside a group of well-known American actors. His global work extends to ‘The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir’, a French production that helped him gain fans outside of South Asia.

He’s a two-time recipient of the National Film Award in India, and he produces both music and films under his personal production company. Due to his versatile work across multiple languages and his reputation for action roles, there is ongoing speculation about his involvement in potential international projects in the future.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

As a cinephile penning my thoughts, I must acknowledge the global luminance of an actress whose talents stretch across the English-speaking screen. From ‘Bride and Prejudice’, ‘The Pink Panther 2’, to ‘The Last Legion’, her work never fails to captivate me. Her consistent presence at Cannes Film Festival and collaborative efforts with European and American production houses have cemented her as a beacon of international cinema.

She’s worked with prominent international brands and was part of the jury for the Cannes Film Festival. Her work bridges mainstream Bollywood with multicultural endeavors, ensuring a consistent high profile in various industries.

Anil Kapoor

Ghost Protocol’. He also starred in the critically acclaimed film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, a production that won numerous awards and launched several Indian actors into international prominence.

He consistently works and creates pieces, with accolades spanning both streaming platforms and traditional theater screenings. His extensive career in the field has also led him to frequently serve as a mentor in international cooperative projects.

Om Puri

His Western body of work comprises movies such as ‘City of Joy’, ‘Wolf’, ‘Gandhi’, ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’, and ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’. Besides, British films like ‘East Is East’ broadened his fanbase and showcased his ability to excel in both dramatic and comedic genres.

He was awarded an Honorary Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for his significant contributions to the British film industry. Consistently involved in both American and British productions, he played a crucial role in making it commonplace to cast Indian actors in varied roles.

Anupam Kher

He has been seen in movies like ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, ‘The Big Sick’, and is recognized by television audiences from ‘New Amsterdam’. His earlier works, including ‘Bend It Like Beckham’, initially gained him recognition among global viewers through popular multi-character narratives that were widely viewed.

He imparts knowledge via his acting school and often discusses the importance of technique and career development. With numerous accolades, he offers a high level of professionalism to his work in English language films and shows.

Alia Bhatt

In other words, she first appeared in the glamorous world of Hollywood with the action-packed Netflix movie ‘Heart of Stone’, sharing the screen with Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan. Her impressive track record in critically acclaimed Indian films had positioned her as a prime choice for worldwide casting opportunities.

She established Eternal Sunshine Productions and created movies that gained significant viewership on various streaming platforms. Through strategic brand collaborations and festival showcases, she managed to boost her profile in the American market, thereby facilitating more global endeavors.

Kunal Nayyar

In popular culture, Raj Koothrappali, his character on ‘The Big Bang Theory’, a highly-acclaimed sitcom from that time, brought him widespread recognition. Additionally, he has lent his voice to various animated productions such as ‘Trolls’ and others designed for global family audiences.

He’s been tackling more serious roles, such as those found in ‘Criminal UK’, and has expanded his career with feature films while residing in Los Angeles. With a blend of success from sitcoms and voiceovers, he remains busy within various media platforms.

Mindy Kaling

In her career, she not only starred in ‘The Office’ but also penned its scripts and appeared on stage. Subsequently, she spearheaded and featured in ‘The Mindy Project’. Additionally, she jointly produced ‘Never Have I Ever’ and ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’, which showcased significant South Asian characters and writers within major American entertainment outlets.

The company she works for, Kaling International, creates shows and movies with multi-ethnic ensembles and scriptwriters. In addition to this, she’s penned several blockbuster novels and lent her voice to characters in popular animated films like ‘Inside Out’, which extends her influence beyond live-action productions.

Kal Penn

Known for his roles in ‘Harold and Kumar’ movies, popular TV shows like ‘House’ and ‘Designated Survivor’, he has also been seen in ‘The Namesake’. His career spans various independent films and big-studio productions.

During a break from his acting career, he chose to contribute at the White House Office of Public Engagement. His latest accomplishments span hosting and documentary roles, along with appearances in suspenseful and frightening productions like ‘Smile’.

Freida Pinto

She gained global recognition through “Slumdog Millionaire” and subsequently starred in films such as “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and “Immortals”. Her TV roles like those in “Guerrilla” continued to keep her prominent among US viewers, showcasing her versatility within the realm of limited series productions.

1. Option A: She backs educational programs and empowers girls globally via nonprofit organizations, and occasionally handles production tasks for specific projects. Her work spans both independent film festival successes and major studio films, ensuring she remains relevant in Hollywood discussions.

2. Option B: She advocates for education and girls’ empowerment by working with global charities, and sometimes assumes the role of producer for certain projects. Her career encompasses both acclaimed indie films and mainstream blockbusters, always keeping her name in the limelight within Hollywood chatter.

3. Option C: Through global nonprofits, she champions education and girls’ empowerment, taking on production roles for select ventures. Whether it’s independent film festival favorites or widely released studio movies, her professional path ensures a consistent impact on Hollywood discourse.

4. Option D: By backing global education and girls’ empowerment initiatives via charities, she also assumes producer responsibilities for certain projects. With a diverse career encompassing both celebrated indie films and mainstream productions, she is always part of the conversation in Hollywood circles.

Option A was chosen because it maintains the original meaning while being more natural and easy to read than options B, C, and D.

Kindly let us know which selections from the list you particularly enjoy, and suggest other must-watch performances that others might find captivating as well.

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2025-09-06 23:17