Bollywood movies and actors are our favourites. Talented actors and actresses have made a mark in the entertainment industry with their acting skills and glamour. Even though formal education is not necessary for succeeding in Bollywood, some actors and actresses in the industry excel in their chosen field of acting and also hold impressive educational qualifications. Let’s look at some of the most educated stars of the Bollywood fraternity.
1. Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan is the face of Indian cinema, with a career spanning over five decades and over 200 movies. He is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest actors of all time and the most influential actor in Indian cinema. Bachchan first shot to popularity in the 1970s for movies such as Zanjeer, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Anand. After that, he consistently featured in top grossers, such as Deewar, Sholay, Kabhi Kabhi, Trishul, Kasme Wade, Amar Akbar Anthony, and more. Amitabh Bachchan completed his schooling at the famous Sherwood College in Nainital. Thereafter, he obtained two double majors in Arts and Science from Kirori Mal College, which is affiliated with Delhi University.
2. Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan is an iconic figure in the Hindi film industry, having over 100 films and numerous accolades, including 14 Filmfare Awards. He started his acting career with television serials before debuting in Bollywood with the 1992 movie Deewana. However, he earned fame and established himself as a top actor by featuring in many top-grossing movies, such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, and Veer Zara. Shahrukh Khan completed his schooling at St Columbia’s School before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hansraj College in Delhi. He enrolled in the Jamia Milia University for a master’s in mass communications but did not complete the course.
3. Parineeti Chopra
Parineeti Chopra debuted in Bollywood with the 2011 romantic comedy Ladies Vs Ricky Behl, which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Thereafter, she starred in multiple box office hits, namely Ishaqzaade, Shuddh Desi Romance, and Hassee To Phasee. Her highest-grosser to date is Golmaal Again, released in 2017. Parineeti Chopra completed her schooling at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Ambala. She holds a triple honors degree in business, finance, and economics from Manchester Business School in England.
4. Vidya Balan
Vidya Balan is predominantly known for her women-oriented films. She made her acting debut in 2003 with the Bengali movie Bhalo Theko, followed by her first Bollywood movie, Parineeta, in 2005. Thereafter, she appeared in two commercially successful movies, Lage Raho Munnabhai and Bhool Bhulaiya. However, she gained recognition for playing the female lead in five commercially successful female-led movies: Paa, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, Kahani, and The Dirty Picture. Balan is a recipient of seven Filmfare Awards and a National Award. Vidya Balan graduated from St. Xavier’s College and obtained a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Mumbai.
5. Ayushmann Khurrana
Ayushman Khurrana entered the glamour industry by winning the second season of MTV Roadies. He debuted in Bollywood with the 2012 romantic comedy Vicky Donor, which won him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. After that, he featured in several box office hits, such as Bareilly Ki Barfi, Shubh Mangal Savdhan: Badhai Ho, Dream Girl, Bala, Andhadhun, and Article 15. Ayushman Khurrana obtained a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from DAV College, Chandigarh. After that, he pursued a master’s degree in Mass Communications from the School of Communication Studies at Punjab University.
6. John Abraham
John Abraham started his career as a model before making his Bollywood debut with the erotic thriller Jism in 2003. He gained recognition for his roles in Dhoom, Garam Masala, Taxi Number 9211, and Dostana. Abraham succeeded more with his action thriller movies, such as Madras Cafe, Shootout at Wadala, and Race 2. His biggest commercial successes are Parmanu and Satyamev Jayate, while Pathaan ranks his highest-grosser. John Abraham obtained his bachelor’s degree in economics from Jai Hind College, University of Mumbai, and his MBA from the Narsee Monjee College of Management Studies.
7. Taapsee Pannu
Taapse Pannu entered the glamour industry as a model before switching to acting in Tamil and Telugu films. She made her Bollywood debut with the 2013 movie Chashme Badoor. However, she first caught the public eye for her performances in the 2015 spy thriller Baby and the 2016 courtroom drama Pink. Her other movies include Thappad, Manmarziyan, Mission Mangal, Mulk, Rashmi Rocket, and Dunki. Taapse Pannu obtained a B. Tech degree in Computer Science from Guru Tegh Bahadur Institute of Technology. She has worked as a software developer.
8. Vicky Kaushal
Vicky Kaushal played minor film roles before landing his first lead role in the 2015 drama Massan. He gained wider recognition for his supporting roles in Raazi and Sanju. His breakthrough role as an army officer in the 2019 war film Uri: The Surgical Strike established him as a leading actor. Vicky Kaushal holds an engineering degree from the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology.
9. Randeep Hooda
Randeep Hooda made his acting debut with the 2001 movie Monsoon Wedding, a critical and commercial success. After that, he played the lead role in the 2005 gangster movie D. Hooda’s breakthrough performance came in the 2010 period drama Once Upon a Time in Mumbai. Other movies to his credit include Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, Rang Rasiya, Sarabjit, and Veer Savarkar. After school, Randeep Hooda moved to Melbourne, Australia, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in marketing, followed by a master’s degree in business management and human resource management.
10. Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon debuted in Bollywood with the 2014 movie Heropanti, which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Subsequently, she starred in commercially successful romantic comedy movies Bareilly Ki Barfi and Luka Chupi. Sanon won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 2021 comedy-drama Mimi. Kriti Sanon holds a degree in engineering from the Jaypee Institute of Technology.
