Indian actors have long been admired for their charisma, craft, and screen presence and now, Hollywood is finally catching up. With streaming platforms levelling the playing field and global audiences hungry for new voices, Vivaan Shenoy lists five Bollywood stars are making serious waves beyond borders.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Not just a crossover, a global phenomenon.
With Quantico, she became the first South Asian woman to headline a U.S. series. Since then, she’s starred in The Matrix Resurrections, Love Again, and Citadel, all while producing South Asian stories for global platforms. She’s not playing the game, she’s rewriting it.
Alia Bhatt
Bollywood royalty meets Hollywood action.
She made her global debut with Netflix’s Heart of Stone, starring alongside Gal Gadot. While the film leaned commercial, Alia’s restrained intensity hinted at deeper roles to come.
Dhanush
The surprise assassin in the West.
In The Gray Man, Dhanush stunned international viewers with his precise, brooding performance as a deadly operative. No frills, pure talent.
Deepika Padukone
A red-carpet regular with global range.
She shared screen space with Vin Diesel in xXx: Return of Xander Cage and now serves on the Cannes jury. With brand deals, global campaigns, and upcoming international projects, she’s cemented her place far beyond Bollywood.
Ali Fazal
The quiet storm of global cinema.
From Victoria & Abdul to Death on the Nile, Ali’s ability to blend into global ensembles with grace and gravity makes him a steady force. Whether it’s period drama or gritty thrillers, he delivers with minimal fuss, maximum impact.
Final Word
They’re not guest stars anymore, they’re the main event. From Mumbai to Malibu, this generation is reimagining what it means to be a global