Did You Know?
Tom Cruise was the original choice for the role of Raj Malhotra in the Bollywood blockbuster
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge as the makers were initially planning to make it an Indo-American love story. However, things didn't really pan out as intended and Shah Rukh Khan was cast for the role that thrust him into stardom like magic.
Movies, without a shadow of doubt wield a goodly influence, whether east or west. Hollywood and Bollywood are two of the world's most popular movie industries that are known for their hugely successful movies and fine talent. Just as Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, and Brad Pitt enjoy immense popularity in India, even Hollywood is not unknown to talented actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, et al.
While both Hollywood and Bollywood operate differently in terms of work culture and approach to film-making, this, however has not deterred actors from working in a foreign movie industry.
Given below are some popular Bollywood faces that have featured in Hollywood projects.
Irrfan
Having worked in successful movies like
Life of Pi,
Slumdog Millionaire,
The Namesake,
A Mighty Heart,
New York, I love you, and
The Amazing Spider-Man, Irrfan Khan is no stranger to Hollywood. His earnestness for his craft and versatility has gained him respect and admiration from both the industries.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has not just enthralled the world with her dazzling beauty but also with her acting aptitude. After making her Hollywood debut with
Bride and Prejudice, there was no looking back for her and she went to star in acclaimed movies like
The Last Legion,
Pink Panther 2,
Provoked, and
Mistress of Spices.
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan is one of Bollywood's biggest superstars. His resume boasts of intense performances of breadth and depth. He made a flamboyant debut in
The Great Gatsby in the year 2013 alongside Hollywood biggies Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan. While his role in the movie may have been short, we are sure there is a queue of directors who are gagging to work with him.
Mallika Sherawat
Known for her audacious attitude and fiery personality, Mallika Sherawat has made a name for herself by taking up bold roles. Recognized as the 'Cannes attending' Hollywood celebrity, she has acted in movies like
The Myth with Jackie Chan,
Politics of Love, and
Hiss.
Anil Kapoor
An actor with an extensive body of work, Anil Kapoor has been part of many successful movies in his native country. He starred in Danny Boyle's Oscar-winning movie,
Slumdog Millionaire for which he shared the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. His performance in the popular television series,
24 remains one of his acclaimed performances that has gained him recognition globally. He also did a cameo role in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol alongside Tom Cruise.
Tabu
Recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri Award (India's 4th highest civilian award), Tabu is a rare amalgam of talent, beauty, and versatility. Her interpretation of a traditional Bengali mother and wife in the movie,
The Namesake was widely acclaimed. Her performance in Ang Lee's Oscar winning movie,
The Life of Pi was equally appreciated.
Other popular Bollywood actors who have been part of Hollywood projects include:
• Om Puri
• Anupam Kher
• Amrish Puri
• Naseeruddin Shah
• Kabir Bedi
Coming below are some Hollywood actors who have starred in Bollywood movies.
Sylvester Stallone
Revered for his ripped, well-built body, Sylvester Stallone is one actor who can pack a serious wallop even at this age. Stallone starred in Kambakht Ishq as himself, where he saves the lead actress, Kareena Kapoor from goons. While his role in the movie was a fleeting one, Indian audiences surely enjoyed the macho Rambo in a Bollywood movie.
Ben Kingsley
Ben Kingsley is a fine actor of great gravitas who is best known for his interpretation of Mahatma Gandhi in the 1982 film
Gandhi, a role that also won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Kingsley was seen sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in the 2010 Bollywood film
Teen Patti.
Denise Richards
Best known for her roles in movies like
Wild Things and
Starship Troopers as well as a Bond girl in
The World Is Not Enough, Denise Richards starred in the multi-starrer film,
Kambakht Ishq. She played herself in the movie and was seen as Akshay Kumar's (lead actor) love interest.
Brandon Routh
The
Superman Returns actor was seen in a cameo appearance in again,
Kambakht Ishq alongside Akshay Kumar. This good-looking model and actor performed a high octane action sequence in the movie.
Sarah Thompson Kane
Popularly known for her role as Danielle Sherman in
Cruel Intentions 2 and Eve in television series
Angel, Sarah Thompson was part of the Indian political thriller movie
Rajneeti. She played Indian actor Ranbir Kapoor's American girlfriend in the movie.
Lester Speight
A former American football player, professional wrestler, and actor, Lester Speight wears many hats. Best known for his role in
Transformers: Dark of the Moon and
Terry Tate: Office Linebacker, Speight has worked in the Bollywood action movie,
International Khiladi.
Other Hollywood actors who have been part of Bollywood projects include:
• Christopher B. Duncan
• Tiffany Mulheron
• Rebecca Breeds
• Rachel Shelley
• Toby Stephens
• Brande Roderick
