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It's no secret that Hollywood is intrigued with Bollywood, and celebrities have long appreciated the enchantment and allure that Bollywood films have on their audiences.
Celebrities have long expressed their deep desire to be a part of a Bollywood film, to experience the glitz, glam, and emotions that no other film industry has been able to match. Perhaps it is because of the country's culture, tradition, and history that our Hollywood celebs are enticed to try their luck with Bollywood films.
Despite the fact that language is a barrier between our favorite celebrities and their desire to star in a full-fledged Bollywood film alongside an A-lister, some celebrities have succeeded in breaking into the Hindi-film industry and win over admirers all over the world.
So, without further ado, here are the celebs who have managed to appear in a Bollywood film on the big screen.
Sylvester Stallone in ‘Kambakkht Ishq’
In ‘Kambakkht Ishq,' one of the best actors in the industry, Sylvester Stallone, who has appeared in films such as Rocky, Creed, Rambo, Rocky Balboa, and others, shared a screen with the Khiladi of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar, and the stunning Kareena Kapoor Khan. The two-time Academy Award nominee starred in the 2009 film and appeared in a scene where he saves Kareena Kapoor from a gang of criminals.
Sylvester Stallone and Kareena Kapoor in ‘Kambakkht Ishq.’ Image Source: Naija Green Movies
Barbara Mori in ‘Kites’
Barbara Mori's ticket to Bollywood was made feasible when she was cast opposite the Greek God himself, Hrithik Roshan, in Anurag Basu's film "Kites." Barbara's debut in the Hindi film industry was greeted with a slew of link-up speculations, including Hrithik, which persisted until the film was released and bombed at the box office.
Recalling the rumors, the Mexican beauty said, "I think I have become immune to all this. No matter which industry I work in, link-ups continue. In Mexico, too, it’s the same. I have been linked with almost all my co-stars. It’s funny and ridiculous, so I don’t go around justifying myself. The people who are close to me know what’s the truth, and my fans love me. I want to do a good job and entertain people. That’s more important to me than thinking or getting stressed over rubbish rumors."
A still from 'Kites.' Image Source: Ace Showbiz
When asked about what she liked about Bollywood, Mori replied, "I love the dancing you have in films. I have seen movies, mostly Hrithik’s, for my preparation for Kites, and I was really excited to see the color and extravagant setting for song sequences. It’s awesome. I wish I can dance in a Bollywood film someday."
Will Smith in ‘Student of the Year 2’
Will Smith, one of Hollywood's best actors who have appeared in films such as The Pursuit of Happyness, Men in Black, Bad Boys, Hancock, and others, graced the silver screen with a dance scene in Student of the Year 2. Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria, Aditya Seal, and Ananya Panday were among the cast members.
Will Smith grooving to Bollywood tune in 'Student of the Year 2'. Image Source: Just Jared
According to sources, Will Smith flew to India to shoot for his reality show ‘Bucket List’ and was spotted hanging out with Karan Johar and Ranveer Singh. A close source revealed, "He shot for the episode which also features his interactions with SOTY 2 stars Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria on their film's set at a Juhu pub with Ranveer Singh and Karan Johar. It will conclude with Will's understanding of the industry based on his personal encounters. The India episode focuses on Will fulfilling his wish of experiencing a film shoot in Bollywood."
Sarah Thompson in ‘Raajneeti’
Sarah Thompson, who is fascinated by Indian culture, met Prakash Jha for a three-hour breakfast in LA and discussed everything from Indian politics to American politics, Indian heritage, culture, films, our families, and nearly anything under the sun. Thompson earned a job in ‘Raajneeti,' with Bollywood hunk Ranbir Kapoor, thanks to the three-hour breakfast.
Sarah Thompson in 'Cruel Intentions 2'. Image Source: IMBD
"Before watching Prakashji's films, I thought Bollywood meant singing and dancing. Here was a gritty, realistic cinema that I certainly wanted to be part of", she added. She is known for her roles in Cruel Intentions 2, Broken Windows, Brooklyn’s Finest, and Babysitter Wanted.
Ben Kingsley in ‘Teen Patti’
Ben Kingsley has wowed audiences all around the world with his outstanding performances in Gandhi, Schindler's List, Shutter Island, Iron Man 3, A Common Man, Hugo, and other films. The actor has also appeared in the Bollywood film ‘Teen Patti,' which stars Amitabh Bachchan, R Madhavan, and Shraddha Kapoor.
Ben Kingsley and Amitabh Bachchan. Image Source: A Potpourri of Vestiges
The critically renowned actor portrayed a British mathematician who invites Amitabh Bachchan to a high-stakes casino in London. Despite the fact that the film was a box office catastrophe, Oscar winner Ben Kingsley enjoys the experience.
Rebecca Breeds in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’
Rebecca Breeds is an Australian actress who stars alongside Farhan Akhtar in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's film "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag." Rebecca played Farhan Akhtar's love interest in the film, which was based on the life of sprinter Milkha Singh. Rebecca has also appeared in television shows such as Pretty Little Liars, The Originals, Molly, and Blue Water High. The two actors had a crackling spark, according to reports, and there were some steamy scenes shot between them that the filmmakers decided to cut and tone down a touch to keep the rest of the movie in place.
A still from 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. Image Source: Fan Share
Paul Blackthorne in ‘Lagaan’
Paul Blackthorne, known for his appearances in films such as Justice League: Doom, Dumb and Dumber To, A Christmas Carol, The American Journey, the Dresden Files, and others, played the ruthless Captain Andrew Russell in the Bollywood film ‘Lagaan.'
The film, which starred Aamir Khan and was directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and included music by AR Rahman, was nominated for an Academy Award. ‘Teen guna lagaan dena padega,' Paul's dialogue, is still recognized as one of the iconic dialogues.
Paul Blackthorne in 'Lagaan'. Image Source: The Indian Express
The actor shared, “I remember thinking, even if the film isn’t a success, at least I will be able to experience India — something I always wanted to do. That was life-changing in itself; then, of course, the film being as successful as it was turned out to be rather life-changing, too.”
During an interview, Aamir Khan shared, "Paul Blackthorne who played the villain, in real life he is such a sweetheart. He is a gentle giant and so soft-spoken. He was always laughing, always joking around. We had a massive make-up room where all of us used to get ready. The person who used to be entertaining all of us was Paul. He would sit on his chair and read 'Winnie the Pooh' aloud. Every morning, we'd sit, get our make-up done, and he'd be reading 'Winnie The Pooh' loudly, and we'd enjoy it. Captain Russel would read out Winnie The Pooh to us.”
Clive Standen in ‘Namastey London’
Clive Standen, best known for his roles in Vikings, Taken, Everest, Vault, Doctor Who, Robin Hood, and other films, played Katrina Kaif's love interest in the 2007 Bollywood film "Namastey London." Charlie Brown, played by Clive Owen, woos the leading lady (Katrina Kaif) and finally intends to marry her.
The film also starred Akshay Kumar, who is ultimately the man Katrina falls in love with. Even though some people may have detested the actor in the film for pursuing the leading lady, his stealthy appearance and acting skills have earned him a place in everyone's memory.
Katrina Kaif and Clive Standen in 'Namastey London'. Image Source: GQ India.
Fans of both the west and east entertainment industries are kept on their toes by their attraction and appreciation actors have for one another. In the same way that some of the biggest Bollywood superstars have been able to maintain their space in Hollywood, Hollywood celebrities might have not been able to do so, but they are grateful for any opportunity they have been given to demonstrate their talent. Stars will be remembered for the small role they had in a full-fledged Bollywood film.
