10 Indian Celebrities Who Have Studied Abroad- In recent years, many Indian celebrities have chosen to study abroad, gaining not only academic knowledge but also valuable experiences that have shaped their careers and personalities. The blend of international exposure and world-class education has added a global perspective to their endeavours.
In this blog, we dive into the lives of 10 Indian Celebrities Who Have Studied Abroad and how their time overseas helped them become the icons they are today.
Top 10 Indian Celebrities Who Have Studied Abroad
1. Ranveer Singh
University: Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
Field of Study: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Theater
This high-energy lad has charisma and the ability to wear many hats when he is involved in Bollywood. After completing his graduation in Creative Writing and Theater from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ranveer prepared himself to set the Indian film industry on fire.
From studying in London to becoming a top male actor in Bollywood, his story is indeed inspiring After his debut in the movie ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ in 2010, Ranveer has been featured in more than 15 films and has made a significant impact through his performances in movies like Bajirao Mastani in 2015, Padmaavat in 2018, Gully Boy in 2019 etc.
Characterised by his ability to go to the end of the range playing characters, he has won 4 Filmfare Awards, which include the Best Actor’s award and critical acclaim for his daring style of acting. Learning creative writing and theatre at Indiana University in the USA sharpened his ability to perform with his versatile acting style in Bollywood. Thanks to the facilities, he has been exposed to different art forms and techniques across the globe, making him one of the most famous Indian celebrities who studied abroad.
2. Parineeti Chopra
University: Manchester Business School, UK
Field of Study: Triple Honors in Business, Finance, and Economics
Parineeti Chopra was not only built for brains but also for acting talent. Armed with a trinity of honours in Business, Finance and economics from Manchester Business School, she was headed for a career at one of the investment banks. But life had other plans!
Once back in India, she discovered her interest in acting, and the rest, as they say, is history. After making her début in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011), the actress gained popularity with her amazing performance in over 15 films, a few of them being Ishaqzaade (2012), Hasee Toh Phasee (2014), Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar (2021).
She won 3 Filmfare Awards, National film award- Special Jury award, IIFA awards and many more in her course of career.
3. Sara Ali Khan
University: Columbia University, New York, USA
Field of Study: History and Political Science
Sara Ali Khan is not just a Bollywood star but also a scholar at heart. Starting as a history and political science graduate of Columbia University in New York, Sara’s academic achievements are as impressive as her on-screen performances.
Her stay at Columbia gave her quite an assertive and eloquent personality, which is evident from her interviews and her public appearances. After making her debut in Kedarnath (2018), she has acted in more than 6 films like Simmba (2018) and Atrangi Re (2021).
Though Sara was a newcomer in the industry, she received the industry’s nod, and her performances quickly earned her recognition, with a Filmfare Award for Best Debut (Female).
Sara’s time in New York for some time has enabled her to come out with a balanced personality.
4. Ranbir Kapoor
University: The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, New York, USA
Field of Study: Film and Theatre
Ranbir Kapoor was born into a Bollywood family, but that was not a free ticket to acting. He took his career direction seriously and moved to New York to study at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. His full-time acting course helped him shape it into a variety of roles that comprise his career.
Ranbir Kapoor has established himself as one of the most gifted actors in Indian cinema right from his movie ‘Saawariya’ released in 2007 list of best actors-16 +. He has received great appreciation for his roles in Rockstar (2011), Barfi! (2012), and Sanju (2018). This passion has endeared him to bag 6 Film Fare Awards, some of them in the Best Actor category.
His training at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute has given him a competitive edge in acting. He took on some of the most tedious roles that came out perfect in every aspect and earned him great recognition for his acting in Bollywood.
5. Abhishek Bachchan
University: Aiglon College, Switzerland & Boston University, USA (Did not complete)
Field of Study: Business
The son of the Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, pursued his career in the entertainment industry but unlike his father, he studied at Aiglon College in Switzerland and also business at Boston University.
Though he didn’t complete his degree, Abhishek’s time abroad gave him a broad perspective and exposure to different cultures, which is reflected in his varied film choices. Since his debut in Refugee (2000), Abhishek has acted in over 60 films, making a name for himself in movies like Dhoom (2004), Guru (2007), and Manmarziyaan (2018). He has won 3 Filmfare Awards, including Best Supporting Actor.
Although he did not finish his degree, his education abroad gave him exposure to different cultures and has influenced his thoughtful approach to acting and entrepreneurship.
6. Richa Chadda
University: London’s Theatre School
Field of Study: Theater Arts
Richa Chadda also loves to take characters that are bold and break free from traditional conventions and norms, and she owes this to her international education. After passing out from Sophia College, Mumbai, Richa went to a noted drama school to study theatre in London.
While she attended this full-time course in theatre arts, she was given the ground that helped her grow to be one of the most flexible actresses in the Indian film industry. After her debut in the movie Gangs of Wasseypur in 2012, Richa Chandore acted in more than 20 films, some of which were least expected, including Masaan in 2015 & Fukrey in 2013.
She obtained her education abroad, which shaped her more on character building and acting and has been greatly rewarded by earning herself a Filmfare Critics Award for the Best Actress. Richa is one actress with international exposure and true talent and she is not afraid to take daring roles and give out powerful performances.
7. Sonam Kapoor
University: University of East London, UK
Field of Study: Political Science and Economics
Sonam Kapoor, the leading fashion diva of Bollywood and a fine actor, also devoted her time to her studies before joining B town. She holds a degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of East London.
This full-time foreign education not only laid a strong academic platform for her but also a worldly approach which she has brought into her working practice. Making her debut with Saawariya in 2007, Sonam has acted in more than twenty films so far, especially memorable roles in Neerja(2016) and Raanjhanaa (2013). She got the National Award and Filmfare Best Actress award for her magnificent role as the courageous flight attendant in Neerji.
Sonam, who has been an international student, has worked her way close to creating a specific niche for herself in Bollywood as a talented actress as well as a socially influential voice. This education from the University of East London gave Sonam Kapoor exposure to the international background, which she combined with her love for cinema to develop an unmatched and intellectual method of selecting films and displaying herself to the public eye.
8. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
University: John F. Kennedy High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA & Newton North High School, Massachusetts, USA
Field of Study: High School
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is an example of global fame, and getting there, she had quite a various education. Unlike many Bollywood stars, Priyanka Chopra spent her teenage years in the USA, where she finished high school in Massachusetts and Iowa. She credits her strong attitude to her education in America. She says that her time spent in school in another country has enabled her to develop a strong character.
Priyanka Chopra has worked in more than 60 movies worldwide, both in Bollywood and Hollywood. Her performance is in lead roles in movies like Barfi! (2012), Bajirao Mastani (2015), and the famous TV show Quantico have given her great recognition. It is in her favour that she has received as many as five Filmfare Awards, not to mention the National Film Award. Priyanka’s travelling and studying abroad have contributed significantly to her transformation into a person with global perspectives.
Even though Priyanka did not finish her formal full-time education before her college years, she has said that schooling in America helped her grow as a person and become confident. This exposure made it possible for her to immediately shoot to stardom across the international scenes, and this saw her reproduce excellent movies in Hollywood as well as Bollywood.
9. Karthik Sivakumar (Karthi)
University: Binghamton University, New York, USA
Field of Study: Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering
Unlike some other Tamil cinema stars, Karthi Sivakumar, popularly known as Karthi, did not jump into filmdom right away. Instead, he explored a more academic path, completing his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering in India and later pursuing a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering at Binghamton University, New York, USA.
Despite his strong academic background, Karthi’s passion for films brought him back to India, where he made his acting debut in Paruthiveeran (2007). Since then, he has appeared in over 20 films, including standout performances in Aayirathil Oruvan (2010) and Kaithi (2019). Karthi has won three Filmfare Awards South for his exceptional acting.
His international exposure and technical background have greatly influenced his approach to acting and production, making him a thoughtful and dedicated actor in Indian cinema.
10. Janhvi Kapoor
University: Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, New York, USA
Field of Study: Acting
The elder daughter of the iconic Sridevi, Janhvi Kapoor, is one of Bollywood’s very promising next-gen stars and has managed to carve a niche for herself with her talent and grace. Janhvi took up a full-time acting course at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, which has been an alma mater of many successful actors.
This international training gave the budding actress sound skills and the confidence needed before entering Bollywood’s fierce competition. Since her debut with Dhadak in 2018, Janhvi has appeared in five films, including Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) and Roohi (2021). She has delivered performances that showcase her versatility for a wide range of roles. Janhvi’s education abroad has impacted her acting methodology and given her a global perspective that sets her apart as she continues to climb the Bollywood ladder.
The global exposure she gained has significantly influenced her creative side, preparing her well for a successful career in Bollywood.
Conclusion
The trend of Indian celebrities opting to study abroad is not just a reflection of their desire for academic excellence but also a way to gain a broader cultural perspective. From acting schools to business institutions, these experiences have enabled them to take on the world stage with a unique mix of talent and knowledge.
For the upcoming generation, these Indian celebrities who have studied abroad are living proof that education and global exposure can play a pivotal role in shaping successful careers. Irrespective of the Industry, studying abroad helps you develop character and gain necessary exposure to global perspectives.
If you, too, want to make the best out of your career, then check out SecureMyScholarship to find the right university to study abroad!
