Meet the Only Indian Actor in Alien: Earth Who Worked at Tea Stall, Sang with Ilaiyaraaja and is Now Making Waves in Hollywood

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Adarsh Gourav, an actor and singer from Jamshedpur, is featured in the new series “Alien: Earth,” now available on Disney+ Hotstar in India (starting August 13). This follows its premiere in the U.S. on Hulu and FX on August 12. In this production, he portrays ‘Slightly,’ a complex synthetic child living through a grim, dystopian future. His performance has already garnered positive reviews from critics. With this role, Adarsh Gourav is making a significant stride in his career and bringing Indian talent to the forefront of the renowned Alien franchise.

From Jamshedpur to the Alien universe

Hailing from July 1994, Gourav spent his formative years in Jamshedpur before relocating to Mumbai at the age of 13. His educational journey took him through Loyola School, Lilavatibai Podar, and Narsee Monjee College. Musically inclined from a young age, he underwent nine years of training in Hindustani classical music, learned tabla, and led indie bands such as Steepsky and Oak Island. Prior to achieving mainstream fame, he showcased his talents on MTV Indies, recorded songs, jingles, and advertisements, establishing a distinguished career centered around music.

Here’s how he got his start in front of the camera

At the academy of Ajivasan (headed by Suresh Wadkar), Padma Wadkar coached Gourav and presented him with various stage chances in Mumbai. During a performance of Vande Mataram at a 2007 Mumbai festival, he caught the eye of Nazali Karamyoi from Raell Padamsee’s organization Ace, which eventually led to acting trials. As reported by The Times of India, Gourav made his screen debut in 2010 with the film My Name Is Khan, portraying a younger adaptation of Shah Rukh Khan’s character, marking a significant cinematic introduction for a teenager.

Music roots with Ilaiyaraaja and Sukhwinder Singh

Prior to taking the spotlight, Gourav performed alongside Ilaiyaraaja and Sukhwinder Singh between 2007-2008. Since then, he’s been recording for films and campaigns, balancing his classical roots with modern styles. The hours spent on stage and in the studio have shaped the vocal command and emotional nuance that are evident in his screen performances today.

The White Tiger breakthrough and method grit

Following advice to take acting seriously, Gourav received training at The Drama School Mumbai. Subsequently, he consistently landed roles in Mom, Rukh, Madly, Leila, and Die Trying. His career-defining moment arrived with the release of The White Tiger in 2021, where he portrayed Balram Halwai. This performance earned him nominations for BAFTA and Independent Spirit Awards. To ensure authenticity, he also worked at a tea stall during his preparations.

After the success of White Tiger, Gourav has gained recognition both domestically and internationally. This includes collaborations with Meryl Streep and Kit Harington on Explorations, as well as roles in Hostel Daze, Guns & Gulaabs, and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan within India. His role in Alien: Earth, available on Disney+ Hotstar in India and Hulu/FX in the U.S., further solidifies his standing as one of the captivating South Asian actors in the global science-fiction genre.

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2025-08-13 17:07