Bollywood actors who embraced global fame through Hollywood roles

In Jurassic World (2015), Irrfan Khan played Simon Masrani, the billionaire behind the dinosaur park. With effortless authority and subtle depth, he left a lasting impression in a film dominated by VFX. It cemented his status as a global talent who could blend seamlessly into blockbuster storytelling.

Deepika Padukone starred opposite Vin Diesel in xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017). With sleek stunts and sharp screen presence, she matched the franchise’s energy effortlessly. Her Hollywood debut showcased her action potential to global audiences, launching her into international fame without compromising her Indian cinematic identity.

Veteran actor Om Puri brought gravitas to City of Joy (1992), alongside Patrick Swayze. Playing Hasari Pal, a struggling rickshaw puller, he humanised poverty with honesty and resilience. His performance resonated deeply with Western audiences, paving the way for other Indian actors in Hollywood’s dramatic landscape.

Anil Kapoor brought his signature flair to Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), sharing screen space with Tom Cruise. As an Indian media mogul, he added humour and elegance to the franchise. His brief but memorable role proved Indian actors could hold their own in high-octane international ensembles.

Priyanka Chopra made history as the lead in ABC’s Quantico (2015), playing FBI recruit Alex Parrish. She became the first South Asian to headline an American network drama. Her charisma and versatility turned her into a red carpet regular and global star, expanding her reach far beyond Bollywood.