Deepika Padukone's Walk of Fame honour made headlines—but was she really the first Indian to earn a star? A look back into Hollywood history stirs up an unexpected name
Sabu Dastagir, inducted as 'Sabu', and Deepika Padukone. Pics/Hollywood Walk of Fame, Instagram
When Deepika Padukone was recently announced as one of the newest inductees into the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, it marked a proud moment for Indian cinema. With her work in international projects like xXx: Return of Xander Cage and her growing global presence, Padukone’s recognition reflects how far Indian actors have come on the world stage. But decades before this, another Indian had already left his mark in Hollywood—Sabu Dastagir. Born in 1925 in Mysore, Sabu began acting in international films as a teenager and quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the earliest Indian-origin stars in global cinema.
First: Who was Sabu Dastagir?
Sabu Dastagir, born in 1925 in Karapur, Mysore (then British India), is widely regarded as one of the earliest Indian-origin actors to gain global attention in Hollywood. Known simply as “Sabu” in the West, his journey from a stable boy in India to a beloved screen presence in both British and American cinema is the stuff of legends. However, while Sabu’s legacy is exceptional, the long-held belief that he was the first Indian to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame isn’t entirely accurate—at least not by today’s standards of national representation.
Sabu made his debut in the British-American film Elephant Boy (1937), which catapulted him into fame at a young age. He followed it up with notable roles in The Drum, The Thief of Bagdad (1940), and Arabian Nights (1942), quickly becoming a teen icon. His charm, screen presence, and acting prowess earned him widespread acclaim, and he was frequently credited for bringing a unique blend of innocence and heroism to the big screen.
Sabu Dastagir secured U.S. citizenship in the 1940s
By the 1940s, Sabu had permanently relocated to the United States. In 1944, during World War II, he became a naturalised American citizen and even joined the U.S. Army, serving with distinction. After the war, he continued to work in Hollywood, and in 1960, he was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Misconception clarified
It’s at this point that the technical distinction becomes important. While Sabu was born in India and is of Indian heritage, he was no longer an Indian citizen at the time of receiving the Walk of Fame honour. He was a U.S. citizen by then. Therefore, while he remains the first actor of Indian origin to receive a star, he was not the first Indian national to be awarded this recognition.
This is why Deepika Padukone’s recent induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame holds a distinct and historic place in Indian cinematic history. She is the first Indian citizen to be honoured with a star, marking a milestone not just for her individual career but for the country as a whole. Her contribution to global cinema, as an Indian national actively working across industries, underscores the growing influence and reach of Indian actors in international entertainment.
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Some speculation has existed about the details of Sabu's name, with claims that it may have originally been Selar Shaikh Sabu or Sabu Francis. However, such theories remain unverified and do not change the documented facts of his career or citizenship.
Honouring Sabu Dastagir's timeless art and global legacy
This isn’t to downplay Sabu’s extraordinary accomplishments. His induction was historic in its own right, and his performances introduced Indian talent to Western audiences in an era of limited representation. He will always be remembered as a trailblazer whose career bridged two worlds.
But when it comes to the honour of being the first Indian national to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, that distinction belongs to Deepika Padukone. Her win is not only symbolic of her own success, but also a moment of pride for Indian cinema and its growing global recognition.
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