The prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame will see some big names added to its illustrious stretch in 2025, and among them is Deepika Padukone, one of India’s most successful actors on the global stage. The announcement, made on Wednesday evening by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s selection panel, drew instant celebration from Indian fans. Many even believed that Deepika is the first Indian star to receive this honour. But the truth lies in a remarkable, and often overlooked, piece of cinematic history.
Sabu Dastagir: The First Indian Star in Hollywood
While Padukone’s recognition is monumental, the distinction of being the first Indian on the Hollywood Walk of Fame goes to Sabu Dastagir, a name that may not be widely known in India today but once shone brightly in pre-war Hollywood.
Sabu, born in Mysore in 1924, was the son of a mahout and was discovered by American director Robert Flaherty, who cast him in the 1937 film Elephant Boy, based on Rudyard Kipling’s writing. Sabu’s charisma and screen presence led to a string of successful roles in Hollywood, including The Drum (1938), The Thief of Bagdad (1940), and Mowgli (1942).
A source of inspiration for generations of aspiring Indian actors, Sabu’s Hollywood stardom peaked during a time when very few non-white actors made it to mainstream cinema.
From Stardom to Service: Sabu’s Hollywood CareerIn 1944, Sabu took American citizenship and joined the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. After the war, his film career lost momentum, and by the 1950s, he was working mostly in European productions that failed to recreate his earlier success.
In an almost full-circle moment, he was considered for a lead role in Mehboob Khan’s Mother India (1957), but he couldn’t obtain the necessary work permit. The role eventually went to Sunil Dutt. Sabu passed away in 1963 at the age of 39 due to a heart attack, without ever acting in an Indian film.
Paving the Way for Future Indian Artists
Sabu’s early success laid the foundation for Indian actors to venture into global cinema. In the decades following his passing, stars like Kabir Bedi, Amrish Puri, and Om Puri found occasional roles in Western films. Later, Aishwarya Rai, Irrfan Khan, and Priyanka Chopra earned recognition in crossover projects, with Chopra and Padukone securing lead roles in major productions.
While Deepika Padukone’s addition to the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a proud moment for India, it is also a time to remember Sabu Dastagir — the original trailblazer whose legacy deserves renewed recognition.