20 Famous Bollywood Actors Whose Talent Knows No Bounds

20 Famous Bollywood Actors Whose Talent Knows No Bounds

In the captivating realm of the global film industry, where dreams are realized, few landscapes shine as brightly as Bollywood. Nestled in the heart of India, Bollywood isn’t just a film industry.

It is a dazzling universe that births stars, narrates emotions vibrantly, and captures hearts worldwide. With its exuberant dance sequences, heartfelt dramas, and melodic storytelling, Bollywood is a cinematic treasure trove that transcends cultural boundaries.

Besides the films, Bollywood is home to an elite group of actors whose talent defies limits and ignites screens with unparalleled charisma.

This article will look to highlight 20 Bollywood actors, whose talent and essence have shone beyond the constraints of Bollywood, catapulting them into global stardom.

1. Dimple Kapadia

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Dimple Kapadia is a veteran Bollywood actress who has starred in over 100 films. She was born in Mumbai India in 1957 and is the daughter of actor Raj Kapoor.

Kapadia began her career as a teenager in the early 1970s and quickly became one of the most popular actresses in India. She is known for her beauty, her charm, and her versatility.

She has starred in a wide range of films, from romantic comedies to action dramas. Some of Kapadia’s most successful Bollywood films include “Bobby” (1973), “Sholay” (1975), and “Namak Halaal” (1982).

For her performance in the above-mentioned “Bobby early in her career, she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. In recent years, Kapadia has also starred in a few Hollywood films, including “Tenet” (2020) and “The Eternals” (2021).

She is the first Indian actress to star in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Kapadia is not only a talented actress, but she is also a fashion icon. She has been featured in several magazines and has her own clothing line.

Kapadia is a true icon of Bollywood. She has had a long and successful career and continues to inspire people all over the world.

Here’s our list of 10 famous Indian actors who made it in Hollywood!

2. Priyanka Chopra Jonas

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Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a global star who has made a name for herself in Bollywood and Hollywood. She was born in Jamshedpur, India in 1982 and began her career as a model.

She made her Bollywood debut in 2002 with the film “The Hero: Love Story of a Spy”. She has since starred in over 50 Bollywood films, including “Fashion” (2008), “Barfi!” (2012), and “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (2015).

She has won numerous awards for her acting, including six Filmfare Awards. In 2015, Priyanka Chopra Jonas made her Hollywood debut with the television series “Quantico“. She has since starred in the films “Baywatch” (2017) and “Isn’t It Romantic” (2019).

Priyanka is also the first Indian actress to win the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Actress in a New TV Series. In addition to her acting career, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is also a singer, producer, and philanthropist.

Here are some accomplished Bollywood producers!

She is the founder of the Priyanka Chopra Foundation, which works to improve the lives of women and children in India, and is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

She is married to Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers having wed on 1st December 2018. 

3. Hrithik Roshan

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Hrithik Roshan is one of the most successful and popular actors in Bollywood. He was born in Mumbai, India, in 1974, into a family of actors.

His father, Rakesh Roshan, is a well-known director and producer, and his mother, Pinky Roshan, is an actress. Roshan made his Bollywood debut in the 2000 film “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai“, which was a huge success.

He went on to star in many other successful films, including “Krrish” (2006), “Koi…Mil Gaya” (2003), and “Dhoom 2” (2006). He has won numerous awards for his acting, including four Filmfare Awards.

Roshan has also starred in a few films outside of Bollywood. He made his Hollywood debut in the 2011 film “Incredible Hulk”. He also starred in the Indian-American film “Kaabil” (2017).

Roshan is known for his dancing skills, his chiseled good looks, and his versatile acting. He is considered to be one of the most talented actors in Bollywood.

In addition to his acting, Roshan is also a trained martial artist and a certified scuba diver.

4. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was born in 1973 in Mangalore, India. She began her career as a model and was crowned Miss World in 1994.

She then made her Bollywood debut in the film “Iruvar” (1997). She has since starred in over 50 Bollywood films and has won numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress a record five times.

Some of her most successful Bollywood films include “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999), “Devdas” (2002), “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001), and “Dhoom 2” (2006). She has also starred in a few Hollywood films, including “Bride and Prejudice” (2004) and “The Pink Panther 2” (2009).

She is also an advocate for several social causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness and women’s empowerment. She is a true global icon, and her talent clearly knows no bounds.

Here are the top 20 Indian Actresses!

5. Shah Rukh Khan

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Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK, is one of the most popular and successful actors from India. Sometimes referred to as the “King of Bollywood”, SRK was born in New Delhi, India, in 1965.

He began his career in television in the early 1990s and made his Bollywood debut in the film “Deewana” (1992). He has since starred in over 100 films and is known for his versatility and his ability to connect with audiences.

Some of his most successful films include “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995), “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998), “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001), and “My Name Is Khan” (2010). Khan has also starred in a few Hollywood films, including “The Cedar Rapids” (2011) and “The Lion King” (2019).

He is a recipient of 14 Filmfare Awards, the most by any actor. He is also a recipient of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.

In addition to his acting, Khan is also a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He owns the production company Red Chillies Entertainment, and the Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders.

He is also the co-owner of the Indian Super League football team FC Goa. He is also a philanthropist and has been involved in several charitable causes. He is married to Gauri Khan, and they have three children.

6. Deepika Padukone

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Deepika Padukone is one of the most popular and successful actresses in Bollywood. She was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on January 5, 1986, to Prakash Padukone, a former badminton champion, and Ujjala Padukone.

She began her career as a model and made her Bollywood debut in the 2007 film “Om Shanti Om“. She has since starred in over 40 films, including some of the biggest blockbusters of all time, such as “Chennai Express” (2013), “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” (2013), and “Piku” (2015).

Padukone is known for her beauty, her acting skills, and her dancing prowess. She has won numerous awards for her work, including three Filmfare Awards. She is also a successful businesswoman and has her own production company known as Ka Productions.

In addition to her work in Bollywood, Padukone has also starred in a few Hollywood films, such as “xXx: Return of Xander Cage” (2017) and “The Intern” (2015). She is also the first Indian actress to be a part of the jury of the Cannes Film Festival.

Padukone is a global icon and is known for her outspokenness and her commitment to social causes. She is a UN Goodwill Ambassador and has spoken out about issues such as mental health and gender equality.

She is also a supporter of several other charities, including the World Wildlife Fund and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

7. Kajol

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Simply referred to as Kajol, Kajol Devgan is one of the most popular and successful actresses in Bollywood. She was born in Mumbai, India, in 1974, and began her acting career as a child actor.

She made her Bollywood debut in the 1992 film “Bekhudi“, and has since starred in over 50 films. Some of Kajol’s most successful Bollywood films include “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995), “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998), and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001).

She has won six Filmfare Awards, including Best Actress five times which is a joint record with her aunt Nutan and the above-mentioned Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Kajol has also starred in a few films outside of Bollywood, such as the Hollywood film “My Name Is Khan” (2010). She is known for her expressive eyes and her emotional performances and is considered one of the most versatile actresses in Bollywood.

In addition to her acting, Kajol is also known for her charity work. She is the ambassador for several organizations, including UNICEF. She is also a mother of two children and has been married to Ajay Devgan since 1999.

8. Aamir Khan

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Aamir Khan was born in Mumbai, India in 1965 and began his career as a child actor in the film “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” (1973). He went on to star in a number of successful films in the 1980s and 1990s, including “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” (1988), “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995), and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998).

Khan is known for his versatility and his commitment to quality cinema. He has starred in films of all genres, from action to comedy to drama.

Here are some must-watch Bollywood comedies!

He is also a producer and director and has made a number of films that have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Some of Khan’s most notable films include “Lagaan” (2001), which won the National Film Award for Best Film, “Dil Chahta Hai” (2001), which was praised for its realistic portrayal of youth, and “3 Idiots” (2009), which became one of the highest-grossing films in Bollywood history.

Khan has also starred in a number of films outside of Bollywood, including “The Namesake” (2006), “PK” (2014), and “Dangal” (2016). He is the recipient of numerous awards, including 9 Filmfare Awards, 4 National Film Awards, and a Padma Shri.

In addition to his acting, Khan is also known for his social activism. He is a vocal advocate for education and environmental protection.

He founded the Paani Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to address the water crisis in India.

9. Salman Khan

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Salman Khan was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India on December 27, 1965. He is the eldest of three siblings, the other two being his brothers Sohail Khan and Arbaaz Khan, who are also actors.

He began his career as a child actor in the film “Biwi Ho To Aisi” (1988) and made his adult acting debut in the film “Maine Pyar Kiya” (1989), which was a huge success.

Khan has starred in over 100 films, including some of the biggest blockbusters in Bollywood history, such as “Dabangg” (2010), “Bodyguard” (2011), and “Ek Tha Tiger” (2012). He has won numerous awards for his acting, including 11 Filmfare Awards.

Khan has also starred in a few films outside of Bollywood, such as the Hollywood film “Marigold” (2007) and the American television series “Kabhi Kabhie Ittefaq Se” (2022). He is known for his action films and romantic comedies, but he has also starred in some serious films, such as “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” (2015) and “Tubelight” (2017).

Khan is a trained martial artist with a blackbelt in Taekwondo and is a big fan of cricket, being part-owner of the Indian Premier League cricket team Mumbai Indians.

However, behind all the fame, talent, and glory, Khan is a controversial figure. He has been accused of a hit and run and poaching, and he has been sentenced to jail time for both offenses.

10. Vidya Balan

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Vidya Balan is a versatile actress who has starred in a wide range of films, from commercial comedies to critically acclaimed dramas. She was born in Mumbai, India, in 1978.

She began her career in modeling and television, before making her Bollywood debut in the film “Parineeta” (2005) and she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.

Balan has starred in many successful films, including “Kahaani” (2012), “The Dirty Picture” (2011), and “Bajirao Mastani” (2015). She is known for her realistic and nuanced performances, and she has been praised by critics for her versatility.

In addition to her film career, Balan is also a social activist. She is a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, and she works to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. She is also a vocal advocate for body positivity, and she has spoken out against unrealistic beauty standards.

Besides acting, the talented Vidya is also a trained classical dancer. She is among the few recipients of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.

11. Akshay Kumar

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Akshay Kumar is one of the most successful and versatile actors in Bollywood. He was born in Amritsar, India in 1967 and began his career as a stuntman in the 1980s.

He made his acting debut in the 1991 film “Saugandh” and has since starred in over 100 films. Kumar is known for his action films, but he has also starred in a variety of other genres, including comedy, drama, and romance.

He has won numerous awards for his work, including two Filmfare Awards. Some of Kumar’s most successful Bollywood films include “Khiladi” (1992), “Dhadkan” (1997), “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001), and “Singh Is Kinng” (2008).

He has also starred in a few Hollywood films, including “Bangkok Dangerous” (2008) and “Singh Is Bliing” (2015).

In addition to his acting, Kumar is the founder of the Akshay Kumar Foundation, which works to improve the lives of children in India.

Much like some international stars such as Jackie Chan and Tom Cruise, Akshay Kumar is a self-proclaimed “action hero”. He so often opts to perform his own stunts mostly since he is a trained martial artist and holds a black belt in Taekwondo.

12. Ranbir Kapoor

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Ranbir Kapoor is a rising star in Bollywood, known for his versatility and his intense performances. He was born in Mumbai, India, in 1982, into a family of actors.

His father, Rishi Kapoor, and his mother, Neetu Kapoor, are both Bollywood legends. Ranbir made his Bollywood debut in 2007 with the film “Saawariya“.

He has since starred in over 20 films, including the critically acclaimed “Rockstar” (2011) and “Barfi!” (2012). For his captivating performances, Ranbir is a recipient of two Filmfare Awards.

Kapoor’s career has been successful both in Bollywood and beyond. He has starred in a few Hollywood films, including “Bangkok Dangerous” (2008) and “Singh Is Kinng” (2010). He is also known for his work in advertising and modeling.

Kapoor is a versatile actor who is not afraid to take risks. He is known for his intense performances and his ability to transform himself into different characters.

He is also a charming and charismatic actor who has won the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Besides acting, Kapoor is also a trained classical dancer.

He is a vocal fan of football, his favorite team being Manchester United. Kapoor is also the brand ambassador for several brands, including Pepsi, TAG Heuer, and Samsung.

13. Irrfan Khan

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Irrfan Khan was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on January 7, 1967. He began his acting career in theatre in the early 1990s and made his Bollywood debut in the film “Salaam Bombay!” (1988).

He went on to star in a number of successful Bollywood films, including “Maqbool” (2003), “The Namesake” (2006), and “Life of Pi” (2012). Khan’s work has been recognized internationally, and he has won numerous awards, including a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award.

He was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance in “The Namesake“. In addition to his work in Bollywood, Khan has also starred in a number of Hollywood films, including “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), “The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012), and “Jurassic World” (2015).

Sadly, Irrfan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor in 2018 and passed away in 2020. He was a critically acclaimed actor who was respected by his peers.

His work has had a lasting impact on Indian cinema, and he is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation.

14. Anil Kapoor

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Anil Kapoor is a veteran actor who has starred in over 200 films, both in Bollywood and Hollywood. He was born in Bombay (now Mumbai) on December 24, 1956.

He began his career in Bollywood in the early 1980s and quickly became one of the most popular actors of his generation. He has starred in a wide variety of films, including comedies, dramas, and action films.

Some of his most successful Bollywood films include “Mr. India” (1987), “Ram Lakhan” (1989), and “Tezaab” (1988). In the 2000s, Kapoor began to explore opportunities outside of Bollywood.

He starred in the Hollywood films “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” (2011). He also starred in the American television series “24” (2010).

Kapoor’s career has been marked by his versatility and his willingness to take risks. He is one of the most respected actors in India, and his work has been recognized with numerous awards, including four Filmfare Awards.

In addition to his acting, Kapoor is also known for his business acumen. He is the founder of the production company Anil Kapoor Films and Television.

He is also the chairman of the Indian Premier League cricket team Mumbai Indians. Kapoor is a true icon of Indian cinema, and his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Kapoor was born and raised in the film industry, being the son of film producer Surinder Kapoor. His brothers Sanjay Kapoor and Boney Kapoor are also actors.

Kapoor is married to actress Sunita Kapoor, and they have two daughters, Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor.

15. Naseeruddin Shah

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Naseeruddin Shah is one of the most critically acclaimed and respected actors in the Indian film industry. He was born in Lucknow, India, in 1949, and began his acting career in the theatre in the early 1970s.

He made his Bollywood debut in the film “Manzil” (1979), and went on to star in over 200 films. His films over the course of his career were in a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, and thriller.

Some of his most notable Bollywood films include “Manthan” (1973), “Chakra” (1981), “Masoom” (1983), “Sparsh” (1982), and “Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa” (1998). He has won numerous awards for his acting, including three Filmfare Awards and two National Film Awards.

Shah has also starred in several international films, including “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (2003), “The Great New Wonderful” (2005), and “The Darjeeling Limited” (2007).

In addition to his acting, Shah is also a vocal critic of the Indian government and its policies. He has been arrested several times for his political activism and is known for his outspoken views on a variety of issues.

16. Freida Pinto

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Freida Pinto was born in Mumbai, India in 1984. She began her career as a model, and in 2008, she made her Bollywood debut in the film “Slumdog Millionaire“.

The film was a critical and commercial success catapulting her into stardom. For her role, Pinto won several awards including the BAFTA Rising Star Award.

After “Slumdog Millionaire“, Pinto starred in several other Bollywood films, including “Love Aaj Kal” (2009), “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan” (2011), and “Agneepath” (2012).

She made her Hollywood debut in the film “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011). Yet another great success.

Pinto has continued to work in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Her other Hollywood films include “Desert Dancer” (2014), “Immortals” (2011), and “Passengers” (2016). She has also starred in the American television series “Guerrilla” (2017).

In addition to her acting, Pinto is also a successful businesswoman. She has her own production company known as ‘Freebird Films Entertainment’, and she is also the co-founder of a jewelry line known as ‘FREIDA’.

17. Tabu

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Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, credited professionally as simply Tabu, is an Indian actress who has starred in numerous films in Bollywood as well as English productions. Tabu is one of the most versatile and respected actresses in Bollywood.

She was born in Hyderabad, India, in 1970 and began her career as a child actor in the Telugu film industry. She made her Bollywood debut in the film “Reshma Aur Shera” (1988).

She has since then starred in over 100 films, in a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, thriller, and romance. Some of Tabu’s most successful Bollywood films include “Maachis” (1996), “Viraasat” (1997), “Astitva” (2000), “Chandni Bar” (2001), “Maqbool” (2003), and “Cheeni Kum” (2007).

She has won two Filmfare Awards for Best Actress, for her performances in “Maachis” and “Chandni Bar“. Tabu has also starred in a few Hollywood films, including “The Namesake” (2006) and “Life of Pi” (2012).

She is also a recipient of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.

18. Anupam Kher

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Anupam Kher is a veteran Indian actor who has starred in over 400 films in Hindi, Punjabi, English, and other languages. He is known for his versatility and his intense performances and has won numerous awards, including two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards.

Kher was born in Shimla, India, in 1955 and studied acting at the National School of Drama in Delhi, making his film debut in the 1982 film “Aagman“. He went on to star in many successful Bollywood films, including “Saaransh” (1984), “Karma” (1986), “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995), and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998).

He has also starred in several international films, including “Bend It Like Beckham” (2002), “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012), and “The Big Sick” (2017). In addition to his acting, Kher is also a successful author, producer, and director.

He has written several books on acting and film and has produced and directed several films. He is also the founder of the Anupam Kher Foundation, which provides educational and cultural opportunities to underprivileged children.

19. Om Puri

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Om Puri was born on 18 October 1950 in Ambala, Punjab, India. He began his acting career in theatre in the early 1970s and made his Bollywood debut in the film “Ganga Tere Mere Pyaar Ke” (1976).

He went on to star in over 200 Bollywood films, including “Ardh Satya” (1982), “Mr. India” (1987), and “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995). Puri’s career also extended beyond Bollywood.

He starred in several Hollywood films, including “City of Joy” (1992), “Gandhi” (1982), and “The Ghost and the Darkness” (1996). Puri was a true legend of Indian cinema and a gifted actor who brought a wealth of talent and experience to every role he played.

He was also a pioneer in Indian cinema, paving the way for other actors to break into the international market. Puri’s death in 2017 was a major loss for the Indian film industry.

20. Amitabh Bachchan

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Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most iconic and successful actors in the history of Bollywood. He has starred in over 200 films and is known for his versatile performances, his baritone voice, and his larger-than-life persona.

Bachchan was born in Allahabad, India in 1942. He began his acting career in the early 1970s and quickly rose to fame with his roles in films like “Zanjeer” (1973), “Deewaar” (1975), and “Sholay” (1975).

These films established him as a leading man in Bollywood, and he went on to star in many more successful films, including “Kabhi Kabhie” (1976), “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977), and “Don” (1978).

In the 1980s, Bachchan’s career went through a brief slump, but he made a comeback in the 1990s with films like “Agneepath” (1990), “Hum” (1991), and “Baazigar” (1993). He has continued to act in films in the 21st century and has also appeared in several Hollywood films, including “The Last Lear” (2007) and “Pink” (2016).

Amitabh Bachchan is not only a successful actor, but he is also a successful businessman and a television personality. He is the host of the popular quiz show “Kaun Banega Crorepati“, and he has also appeared in several other television shows.

He is a national icon in India, and he is known for his social activism and his commitment to philanthropy.

As the list comes to an end, it is important to note that this list is in no way exhaustive. There are so many more Bollywood actors and actresses who did not make the list. And there are even more whose talents are yet to be exposed to the world.