Bollywood
AR Rahman Anoushka Shankar to Priyanka Chopra : Global Artists Who’ve Made India Proud
Artists hailing from Indian roots have steadily carved a space in the global space with a range of talents. From Grammy wins to sold-out global concerts to Hollywood films, they have taken the essence of India to an international level by breaking boundaries, blending genres and building a magnum global fanbase. Take a look:
AR Rahman: A recipient of six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award and more, AR Rahman has taken Indian music to a global stage and has proven that he’s not just a music composer, but he’s a worldwide phenomenon. With countless international collaborations, shows and incredible work in films like Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours and more, he has cemented himself as one of the most versatile music creators of a lifetime.
Anoushka Shankar: The 13-time Grammy-nominated sitarist and singer Anoushka Shankar has taken Indian classical music to a global platform. She blends Indian classical with international sounds and takes it to the mainstream charts. Her collaborations with artists like Ibeyi, Patti Smith, Alev Lenz, MIA and others have earned her worldwide fandom, and she has seamlessly carved out a space for Indian classical music in international circles.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas: From modelling to becoming a Bollywood actress and rising as an international personality, Priyanka Chopra Jonas has come a long way in her career. With her drive to reinvent herself, the National Award winner makes India proud by bringing Desi culture to a global level, by working alongside some of the iconic international personalities, earning the spot of a brand ambassador for global brands, and simply fusing rooted thoughts in her forward-looking opinions.
Arijit Singh: From Bollywood ballads to romantic chartbusters and sold-out global tours, Arijit Singh’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. A recipient of two National Awards and a Padma Shri, Arijit Singh is coming up with another exciting musical concert at Abu Dhabi in December, proving that Indian music is more than a regional phenomenon.
Diljit Dosanjh: Diljit Dosanjh has established himself as a global sensation, an international Punjabi powerhouse. From chart-topping Punjabi hits to a spectacular Dil-Luminati Tour, Diljit’s appeal spans cultures. His global collaborations with Sia, Jackson Wang and others have cemented his space in the international music circuit.
Vir Das: A comedian, actor and musician, Vir Das is the recipient of an International Emmy Award for Best Comedy Series, Landing. From performing Netflix Specials, doing over 100 stand-up comedy shows, 18 films, eight TV shows and six comedy specials, performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and hosting the 52nd International Emmy Awards, Vir Das is constantly pushing Indian entertainment and culture on the global map.
Lilly Singh: Belonging to Indian descent, Lilly Singh has made a mark as a YouTuber, television host, comedian, author and as UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador (2017). She’s also been the first person of Indian descent to host an American late-night talk show, has made it to the Forbes List for her YouTube achievements, and delivered a New York Times Bestseller with How to Be a Bawse – Lilly Singh is redefining the entertainment space on her own terms.
Mindy Kaling: An Indian-American actress, Mindy Kaling is widely regarded as a trailblazer for Indian Americans in Hollywood and has embraced her heritage. From The Mindy Project to The Office, Mindy Kaling has made a mark with her distinct screen choices. In addition to this, she is also recognised for her South Asian representation in Hollywood for paving the way for other Indian talents.
These artists, with their range and versatility, have proven that talent is fluid and borderless. Not only have they pinned India on a global map, but they have also paved way for aspiring talents.
