15 Indian Actors Shining in Hollywood
Indian talent has been making steady inroads into major films and series, bringing new perspectives and a global fanbase. From leading roles to powerhouse writing and production, these stars have shown how skill and persistence open doors across borders. Their work spans studio blockbusters, acclaimed indies, and hit television, and it keeps expanding every year.
Here are fifteen Indian stars who have built real momentum in Hollywood. You will find feature leads, scene stealing character turns, writers and producers who created shows from the ground up, and artists whose careers link Mumbai and Los Angeles in a way that keeps opportunities flowing for the next generation.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Her breakthrough in the United States came with the ABC series ‘Quantico’, followed by roles in ‘Baywatch’, ‘The Matrix Resurrections’, and the global spy series ‘Citadel’. She also starred in ‘The White Tiger’, which she executive produced, strengthening her footprint in English language cinema.
She runs the production banner Purple Pebble Pictures and has supported projects across languages. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and her cross industry partnerships have helped bring South Asian stories to larger platforms.
Dev Patel
He arrived in Hollywood with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for ‘Lion’. His filmography includes ‘The Green Knight’, ‘Chappie’, and the series ‘The Newsroom’, showing a range that moves easily from drama to genre work.
He expanded into filmmaking with the action feature ‘Monkey Man’, taking on directing, co writing, and producing along with the lead role. His projects often pair strong character work with international production teams, which keeps him active on both sides of the Atlantic.
Irrfan Khan
He became a familiar face worldwide through films such as ‘Life of Pi’, ‘Jurassic World’, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, and ‘Inferno’. Earlier work like ‘The Namesake’ helped introduce him to US audiences and showcased the understated style he brought to complex roles.
He won top honors in India and was awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to the arts. His career bridged Indian and Western productions, and many collaborators have credited him with opening doors for more South Asian performers in studio films.
Deepika Padukone
She made her Hollywood debut opposite Vin Diesel in ‘xXx Return of Xander Cage’. In addition to her Hindi hits, she has presented at major US award ceremonies and built global brand relationships that keep her visible to international directors.
Her foundation supports mental health advocacy, and she has served as a producer on Indian projects that travel to global streamers. That combination of marquee presence and behind the scenes work has positioned her for more international collaborations.
Ali Fazal
He headlined ‘Victoria and Abdul’ with Judi Dench and later appeared in ‘Death on the Nile’. Earlier screen credits include a part in ‘Furious 7’, and he continues to move between Indian features and English language productions.
He also co founded Pushing Buttons Studios, which develops film and series projects. This slate driven approach helps him shape the kinds of roles he takes while building opportunities for new writers and directors.
Dhanush
He made his Hollywood entry with ‘The Gray Man’, playing a formidable assassin opposite an ensemble of US stars. His international work also includes the French produced ‘The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir’, which introduced him to new audiences beyond South Asia.
He is a two time National Film Award winner in India and has produced music and films through his home banner. His multilingual career and action credentials keep him in discussions for future global projects.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Her English language credits include ‘Bride and Prejudice’, ‘The Pink Panther 2’, and ‘The Last Legion’. Regular appearances at Cannes and collaborations with European and US production houses have kept her in the international spotlight.
She has endorsed major global brands and served on the Cannes Film Festival jury. Her career links mainstream Indian cinema with cross cultural projects, which helps maintain strong recognition across markets.
Anil Kapoor
US audiences saw him in ’24’, where he played President Omar Hassan, and in ‘Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol’. He was part of the cast of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, which earned major awards and introduced several Indian actors to the global stage.
He continues to act and produce, with credits that move between streaming and theatrical releases. Years of industry experience have also made him a frequent mentor on international co productions.
Om Puri
His body of work in the West includes ‘City of Joy’, ‘Wolf’, ‘Gandhi’, ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’, and ‘The Hundred Foot Journey’. British films like ‘East Is East’ also expanded his audience and demonstrated how well he handled both drama and comedy.
He received an honorary OBE for services to the British film industry. His consistent presence across US and UK projects helped normalize casting Indian actors in a wide range of roles.
Anupam Kher
He appeared in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘The Big Sick’ and is known to television viewers for ‘New Amsterdam’. Earlier credits such as ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ introduced him to international audiences through widely watched ensemble stories.
He teaches through his acting academy and frequently speaks about craft and career building. With hundreds of credits, he brings professional reliability to English language features and series.
Alia Bhatt
She made her Hollywood debut with the Netflix action thriller ‘Heart of Stone’ alongside Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan. The role followed a run of acclaimed Indian films that made her a strong candidate for global casting.
She founded Eternal Sunshine Productions and has produced films that reached wide streaming audiences. Brand partnerships and festival appearances have built visibility in the US market, which supports further international work.
Kunal Nayyar
He became widely known as Raj Koothrappali on ‘The Big Bang Theory’, one of the most watched sitcoms of its era. His voice work includes roles in ‘Trolls’ and other animated projects that reach family audiences worldwide.
He has taken on darker parts in projects like ‘Criminal UK’ and continued into feature work while based in Los Angeles. His combination of sitcom success and voice acting keeps him active across formats.
Mindy Kaling
She wrote and acted in ‘The Office’ and later created and starred in ‘The Mindy Project’. She co created ‘Never Have I Ever’ and ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’, which brought South Asian leads and writers into prominent US platforms.
Her company Kaling International develops series and features with diverse casts and writers. She has also published best selling books and voiced characters in animated films such as ‘Inside Out’, which broadens her reach beyond live action.
Kal Penn
He is known for the ‘Harold and Kumar’ films and for major TV roles in ‘House’ and ‘Designated Survivor’. He appeared in ‘The Namesake’ and continued to work across independent films and studio projects.
He took a sabbatical from acting to serve in the White House Office of Public Engagement. Recent credits include hosting and documentary work, as well as roles in thriller and horror projects such as ‘Smile’.
Freida Pinto
She rose to international fame with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and followed it with ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Immortals’. Television work like ‘Guerrilla’ kept her in front of US audiences and highlighted her range in limited series formats.
She has supported education and girls empowerment initiatives through global nonprofits and has taken on producing duties for select projects. Her career bridges festival hits and mainstream releases, which keeps her presence steady in Hollywood conversations.
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