From Freddie Mercury to Charli XCX, did you know these stars have Indian roots?
From pop icons to Hollywood royalty, these celebrities may not have been born in India, but its heritage runs deep in their families, music, and identity. Did you know these five global names can trace their heritage to India?
India’s cultural influence stretches far beyond its borders — and some of the world’s biggest stars have roots that trace back to the subcontinent.
From pop icons to Hollywood royalty, these celebrities may not have been born in India, but its heritage runs deep in their families, music, and identity.
Did you know these five global names can trace their heritage to India?
Few know that the late Queen frontman was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar to Indian-Parsi parents. He spent his early years in Panchgani, India, attending St. Peter’s School near Mumbai before moving to the UK. Mercury’s Parsi-Zoroastrian upbringing subtly influenced his stage flamboyance and spirituality - and to this day, fans visit his school in India to pay homage to one of rock’s greatest voices.
Before she became the self-proclaimed "Queen of Rap", Nicki Minaj had fans digging into her fascinating family tree. While born in Trinidad and raised in New York, Minaj’s ancestors are believed to have Indian heritage on her father’s side - a legacy she’s occasionally referenced when discussing her diverse background.
The pop powerhouse, real name Charlotte Aitchison, was born to a Scottish father and a Gujarati Indian mother.
Charli grew up with a deep appreciation for Indian food, music and culture, which she credits for shaping her eclectic, genre-bending sound.
British actress Simone Ashley (born Simone Ashwini Pillai) grew up in Surrey to Tamil-Indian parents. Rising to fame through Bridgerton, she has spoken openly about her family’s traditional background and the importance of representation for South Asian actors.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas conquered Bollywood before breaking into Hollywood, becoming one of India’s most successful global exports. But even as a household name worldwide, Priyanka often speaks about the responsibility of representation. Priyanka - who tied the knot with American singer Nick Jonas in two ceremonies that stretched over three days in India - said “Nick took to India like a fish to water."
