Iran to Bollywood: The surprising Iranian roots behind several hindi film stars
From Elnaaz Norouzi to John Abraham and Boman Irani, several Bollywood stars share Iranian roots. Discover the surprising Persian connection hidden within India’s film industry.
- Mar 2, 2026,
- Updated Mar 2, 2026 4:05 PM IST
- 1/8
When Iranian-born actress Elnaaz Norouzi spoke out on social media during rising Iran-US-Israel tensions, the internet quickly shifted from politics to curiosity. Many suddenly asked a surprising question: how many Iranian-origin stars actually work in Bollywood? The answer reveals a fascinating cultural crossover hidden inside India’s film industry for decades.
- 2/8
Elnaaz Norouzi arrived in India nearly a decade ago with global ambitions and quickly found fame through Netflix’s Sacred Games. Her journey from Iran to Mumbai reflects Bollywood’s growing global reach, where international talent can break through streaming platforms and connect with audiences across continents.
- 3/8
Mandana Karimi’s path into Bollywood started not on a film set but on fashion runways. After establishing herself in India’s modelling scene, she transitioned to films like Bhaag Johnny and Kya Kool Hain Hum 3. Her story highlights how Bollywood often discovers foreign talent through fashion, advertising and reality television.
- 4/8
Iranian actor Sajjad Delafrooz quietly entered mainstream Bollywood through a powerful role in Tiger Zinda Hai opposite Salman Khan. Later appearing in the espionage thriller Special Ops, his presence shows how global casting has become common in modern Indian cinema’s big-budget productions.
- 5/8
Few fans realize that Bollywood action star John Abraham carries Iranian roots through his mother, an Iranian Zoroastrian. Born in Mumbai to parents from two different cultural worlds, Abraham represents the multicultural identity that has quietly shaped Indian cinema for generations.
- 6/8
Veteran actor Boman Irani, beloved for roles in 3 Idiots and Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., also belongs to an Iranian Zoroastrian family in Mumbai. His journey from photographer and waiter to award-winning actor highlights how diverse communities have enriched Bollywood storytelling.
- 7/8
Despite political tensions between nations, cinema often works as an unexpected bridge. Iranian-origin actors working in Bollywood prove that creative industries frequently transcend borders, bringing together languages, cultures and audiences in ways politics rarely can.
- 8/8
From veteran legends like Agha to modern stars like Elnaaz Norouzi and Sajjad Delafrooz, Iranian heritage has quietly shaped parts of Bollywood’s story. Their journeys reveal how India’s film industry has evolved into a truly global stage welcoming talent from across the world.