Behind the glam | Bollywood stars with overseas degrees

Bollywood’s academic stars

Known for its glitz, glamour, and star-studded cast, Bollywood is the heart of the Indian film industry. It’s a world where dreams come true, but success in Bollywood often requires talent, determination, and a keen understanding of the craft. Many Bollywood stars pursued higher education abroad to hone their skills and broaden their horizons. In this blog, we will discuss some of these talented individuals who balanced the world of academia with the allure of the silver screen.

Bollywood stars with overseas degrees

Several Bollywood stars completed their education abroad, adding academic achievements to their list of accomplishments. Let’s explore a few notable Bollywood actors and actresses who earned degrees overseas-

Nandita Das

The acclaimed actress and director Nandita Das earned a master’s degree in social work from the Delhi School of Social Work. She later pursued a master’s degree in human rights from the University of Delhi. She continued her studies in the United States at Yale University, where she earned another Master’s degree in Drama. Her international education helped her develop cultural awareness, which helped her become an effective actor.

Amisha Patel

Renowned for her movies in the 2000s, Amisha Patel is not only celebrated for her on-screen performances but also for her impressive educational background. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biogenetic engineering from Boston University in the United States. This educational achievement highlights her dedication to pursuing a career in science and technology, a path that diverges from her glamorous and successful career in the Indian film industry.

Sara Ali Khan

Known for her role in the hit movie Kedarnath, Sara Ali Khan captured hearts with her bright personality and positive attitude. She is an Ivy League graduate. Before entering Bollywood, she graduated from Columbia University in New York in 2016. Always seen with a smile and humility, she demonstrates the value of Ivy League education in forming a comprehensive character.

Randeep Hooda

Known for his intense and realistic acting, Randeep Hooda holds a degree in marketing and business from the University of Melbourne, Australia. He pursued a master’s degree in Human Resource Management before venturing into the world of Bollywood. His international exposure gave him a unique perspective on his craft, making him a standout talent.

Kalki Koechlin

Known for her unconventional roles and stellar performances, Kalki Koechlin was born to French parents in Pondicherry, India. She holds a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies from Goldsmiths, University of London. Kalki’s overseas education contributed to her unique approach to acting and garnered immense critical acclaim for her work.

Parineeti Chopra

Referred to as the ideal of beauty with intelligence, Parineeti Chopra is an Indian celebrity who studied in the United States. Before entering Bollywood, she aspired to work in investment banking. She has a solid educational background, as she was awarded a triple honors degree in business, finance, and economics at Manchester Business School. Her overseas degree contributed to her presence of mind in interviews and social events.

Rahul Khanna

Known as a prominent Indian actor, Rahul Khanna is popular for his acting prowess and impressive educational background. He studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. Also holds a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies from the Liberal Arts program at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. He dedicated himself to honing his craft as an actor through formal education in theater and film. 

Varun Dhawan

Well-known for his stellar performance in movies such as Badlapur and October, Varun Dhawan has many fans. Since then, he has had some outstanding films to his name and has become a popular figure in a matter of years. Varun Dhawan excels not just in acting but also in academics. He graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in business management. His commitment to his education demonstrates his hard work and intelligence.

Sonam Kapoor

This Bollywood style icon enrolled in Singapore’s United World College of South East Asia to study theatre and arts. In addition, she also studied Political Science and Economics at the University of East London. She was later hired as an Assistant Director for the film Black and started her film career. Her overseas education contributed to her resilient and confident personality. It is reflected in her role in the movie ‘Neerja,’ for which she also won a national award.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Famous for her nickname Bebo, Kareena Kapoor Khan has been winning hearts with her spectacular performances. Few people know that she is among the few Indian celebrities who attended Harvard University. She attended Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai and Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun. She enrolled in a three-month summer microcomputer course at Harvard University in the United States of America. Her international education provided her the global exposure which can be helpful in performing a variety of roles.

Key takeaways

• Bollywood is renowned for its glitz and glamour. Many Bollywood stars have pursued higher education abroad, enriching their academic and artistic experiences.
• Education adds depth to the performances of Bollywood stars, providing them with a unique perspective on life, society, and storytelling.
• The blend of academic rigor and artistic passion is a testament to the power of education in the entertainment world, allowing these actors to excel in challenging roles that resonate globally.

We hope you found this blog informative. Your thoughts and feedback are valuable to us. Please share your comments and insights below. If you have any questions or need further information about studying abroad, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you with your inquiries.

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FAQs

Q1. Which countries are popular choices for Bollywood stars for higher education?

Ans- The United States and the United Kingdom are popular destinations for Bollywood stars pursuing higher education abroad. They offer a wide range of prestigious universities and colleges known for their academic excellence.

Q2. What are the most common fields of study pursued by Bollywood stars abroad?

Ans- Bollywood stars have pursued a wide range of fields, including film studies, acting, business, marketing, economics, drama, and more.

Q3. Which Bollywood actors hold PhD degrees?

Ans- Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Shabana Azmi are some of the most popular actors who have PhD degrees.