Sir Ben Kingsley, Freddie Mercury, Charli XCX: Hollywood celebs you didn't know have Indian roots
They are famous, they are successful, and... they are Indians! There are so many famous Hollywood actors and musicians from around the world who have direct connection to India that people hardly know about. No, their bond is not based on just a trip to the Taj Mahal or for wearing a sari (an Indian garment worn by women) that one time they had visited or spending their gap year after college in the country, these celebrities are full-blown Indians with a lineage that ties them directly to this nation. Find out more:
M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN
This decorated filmmaker, known for his films with supernatural plots like the 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Split', was born to Indian parents in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The family later moved to Penn Valley, Pennsylvania, and Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan became M. Night Shyamalan.
(Photograph:Instagram)
CHARLI XCX
This British singer-songwriter, known for her song 'Boom Clap' in the famous movie 'The Fault In Our Stars' and collaboration with Iggy Azalea on hit single 'Fancy', was born in Cambridge, England, to a Scottish father and an Indian (Gujarati) mother. Her real name is Charlotte Emma Aitchison.
(Photograph:Instagram)
ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK
This English singer-songwriter was a pop icon of his time and considered 'one of the finest middle-of-the-road balladeers around'. His singles 'Release Me' and 'The Last Waltz' went on to become massive hits and topped the UK music charts back in the 60s. He was born in Chennai (then Madras), India, to a Welsh father and an Anglo-Indian mother.
(Photograph:Instagram)
DIANA KING
This Jamaican-American reggae singer was born to an Indo-Jamaican father and an Afro-Jamaican mother. She is well known for her single 'Shy Guy' and the revamped version of 'I Say A Little Prayer' which went on to feature on the soundtrack of Julia Roberts' romantic comedy 'My Best friend's Wedding'.
(Photograph:Instagram)
ERICK AVARI
The 'The Mummy' actor was born to Parsi-Indian parents in the beautiful tea-estate city of Darjeeling in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India. Some of his notable works include 'The Beast', 'Encino Man', 'Stargate', 'Independence Day', 'Planet of the Apes', 'Home Alone 4', 'Mr. Deeds', 'Daredevil' and 'Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane', among others.
(Photograph:Instagram)
KAREN DAVID
This Canadian-British actress, best known for her roles in 'Galavant' and ' Waterloo Road' among others, was actually born in the beautiful state of Meghalaya in the city of Shillong, India. As per David, who has also played the role of Princess Jasmine in the American TV series 'Once Upon A Time', is of half Khasi-Indian and Indian-Jewish descent.
(Photograph:Instagram)
TATYANA ALI
This actress is best known for her role as Ashley Banks in the American sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', 'Love That Girl!' and 'The Young and the Restless', among others. Tatyana was born to an Indo-Trinidadian father and an Afro-Panamanian mother. She was born and raised in New York.
(Photograph:Instagram)
