Sabu Got There First: The Forgotten Indian Star Who Walked the Fame Before Deepika

Long before Deepika Padukone's record-breaking induction, Sabu Dastagir was the very first Indian-origin thespian to be honored with a star on the Walk of Fame, in 1960. Sabu was born in Mysore in 1924. At the tender age of 13, Sabu's life took a dramatic turn when he was spotted by director Robert Flaherty for the British-Indian classic Elephant Boy (1937), based on the Rudyard Kipling story. The global success of the film launched Sabu into Hollywood stardom, where he was one of the top leading men in fantasy and adventure movies such as The Drum (1938), The Thief of Bagdad (1940), Jungle Book (1942), and Arabian Nights (1942).

 

Key Highlights:

 

Trailblazer: Sabu was the first Indian to lead leading Hollywood and British movies, capturing hearts with his natural charm and athleticism.

 

American Citizen & War Hero: In 1944, he was naturalized as an American citizen and an airman decorated in World War II.

 

Personal Life: Sabu was married to American actress Marilyn Cooper, but he never acted in a Hindi film, although he was proposed a leading role in Mother India.

 

Legacy: Sabu passed away at a young age of 39, but his trailblazing success opened the doors for generations of Indian actors to walk the West.

 

Prospects: Sabu Dastagir's legacy as India's original Hollywood icon is a living testament to the doors that were opened by pioneering Indian talent—years ahead of today's era of worldwide stardom. His star on the Walk of Fame shines as a testament to a sensational, pioneering career.

 

Source: The Statesman