Hollywood has seen a rise in talented South Asian actresses who have broken barriers and gained global recognition. These women have not only showcased their acting skills but have also become influential figures in the entertainment industry. Here are the most popular South Asian actresses in Hollywood today.
1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Nationality: Indian
Known For: Quantico, Baywatch, The Matrix Resurrections
Priyanka Chopra is one of the most influential South Asian actresses in Hollywood. After a successful Bollywood career, she transitioned to Hollywood with the TV series Quantico, becoming the first South Asian to headline an American network drama. She has since starred in major films like Baywatch and The White Tiger.
2. Mindy Kaling
Nationality: Indian-American
Known For: The Office, The Mindy Project, Never Have I Ever
Mindy Kaling is a powerhouse writer, producer, and actress. She gained fame for her role in The Office and later created and starred in The Mindy Project. She is also the creator of Netflix’s hit series Never Have I Ever, which highlights South Asian representation.
3. Freida Pinto
Nationality: Indian
Known For: Slumdog Millionaire, Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Freida Pinto rose to international fame after her debut in Slumdog Millionaire (2008). Since then, she has starred in Hollywood films like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Immortals, and Knight of Cups.
4. Archie Panjabi
Nationality: British-Indian
Known For: The Good Wife, Blindspot, Departure
Archie Panjabi is best known for her Emmy-winning role in The Good Wife. She has also appeared in Blindspot, Snow White and the Huntsman, and San Andreas.
5. Nimrat Kaur
Nationality: Indian
Known For: The Lunchbox, Homeland, Wayward Pines
Nimrat Kaur gained global attention with The Lunchbox (2013) and later appeared in Homeland (Season 4). She also starred in Wayward Pines and Foundation.
6. Hannah Simone
Nationality: British-Canadian (Indian & Greek descent)
Known For: New Girl, Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
Hannah Simone is best known for her role as Cece Parekh in New Girl. She has also worked as a TV host and model.
7. Jameela Jamil
Nationality: British (Pakistani & Indian descent)
Known For: The Good Place, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Jameela Jamil gained fame as Tahani in The Good Place. She is also an activist and has appeared in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.
8. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Nationality: Canadian (Tamil descent)
Known For: Never Have I Ever
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan became a breakout star with Never Have I Ever. She is one of the youngest and most promising South Asian actresses in Hollywood.
9. Anjli Mohindra
Nationality: British (Indian descent)
Known For: The Sarah Jane Adventures, The Lazarus Project
Anjli Mohindra is known for her roles in British sci-fi series like The Sarah Jane Adventures and The Lazarus Project.
10. Parminder Nagra
Nationality: British-Indian
Known For: Bend It Like Beckham, ER
Parminder Nagra became famous for Bend It Like Beckham (2002) and later starred in ER as Dr. Neela Rasgotra.
Conclusion
These South Asian actresses have made significant contributions to Hollywood, bringing diversity and representation to the big and small screens. From Priyanka Chopra Jonas to Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, their talent continues to inspire future generations.
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