Bollywood actors rushing to make a mark in Hollywood and play second lead roles. That was well known. In 2005, however, things appeared to change. A reverse trend occurred, with lesser-known foreign actors queuing up to make their presence felt in Hindi films. Now, in 2006, Hollywood's biggest actors may queue up for films that will be based in India.
Australian filmmaker Peter Weir will direct heartthrob Johnny Depp in the movie version of Gregory David Roberts' novel Shantaram, which revolves around a heroin addict who flees to India and dons the garb of a doctor. Even Aishwarya Rai has plans to do a film with Michael Douglas called Racing The Monsoon, based on diamond traders.
rediff.com takes a look at foreign actors in Hindi cinema -- some who made a mark, others who failed miserably, and still others who have a lot riding on 2006.
Toby Stephens (Mangal Pandey)
By far the biggest Hollywood actor to act in a recent Hindi film, the British actor (and son of legendary English actress Dame Maggie Smith) gave us a brilliant performance in Mangal Pandey last year.
After playing the main villain in the Bond film Die Another Day, Toby got his first break in Bollywood three years later. His role as Captain William Gordon was appreciated by critics and also liked by viewers.
Unfortunately for him, the film failed at the box office and he is now a distant memory for producers.
Text: Syed Firdaus Ashraf