Bollywood actors are often regarded as a glamorous lot. Although extremely popular, the general perception is that Bollywood stars have more beauty than brains. In reality, this couldn’t be more further from the truth. This issue, Corporate Citizen highlights some of the most educated actors in Bollywood, debunking once and for all the myth that education and acting can never go hand in hand!
The fashionista of Bollywood and truly one of the most beautiful actresses today has never stayed back from talking about all the social and political issues. Ever wondered what could be the reason behind this? Of course, her education! Sonam completed her pre-university education from the United World College of South East Asia, Singapore. Thereafter, she went ahead and achieved a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of East London. Is it a wonder then that she takes a stand on social and political issues and has an opinion on just about everything? Keep it up Sonam!
Madhuri Dixit is has been India’s Dhak Dhak girl for over three decades now. Everyone knows about her acting and dancing skills but not much is known about her education. As it turns out, Madhuri is far more accomplished academically than many of her peers. She is a microbiologist from Mumbai University, and would have on to pursue her M.Tech, had her acting career not materialised. If Madhuri isn’t the perfect embodiment of beauty with brains, we don’t know who is!
Dr Mohan Agashe is one of the most wellknown theatre and film actors in India. But most people don’t know that he is also a renowned psychiatrist by profession. Dr Agashe studied MBBS and post-graduation at B J Medical College in Pune. Apart from his medical career, he had an illustrious career in clinical psychology and psycho pharmacology. In fact, he is a founding Director of the Maharashtra Institute of Mental Health. It was during medical school that he fell in love with theatre, and decided to pursue it actively. He is one of the few people who have successfully balanced their acting career along with their primary profession. His love for acting and his superior educational qualification also elevated him to the post of the (now former) Director. of FTII.
Born in Haryana into a Punjabi family, Parineeti received her early education at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Ambala Cantonment. She had moved to London at the age of 17 with the dream of becoming an investment banker. Parineeti has a triple honours degree in Business, Finance and Economics from Manchester Business School in United Kingdom. In 2009, she returned to India and joined Yash Raj Films as a public relations consultant, before delving into films. She even said once in an interview that if her acting career doesn’t work out, she wouldn’t worry much as she has stellar credentials to make it in the business world.
Ameesha Patel’s Bollywood career may not have gone exactly the way she planned after her blockbuster debut Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, but then that can be attributed to luck rather than a dearth of talent. She went on to give huge hits like Gadar and Humraaz, before eventually fading out of the industry with a string of forgettable roles.. She may not be the biggest star around, but she definitely is one of the most educated. Patel is a gold medallist in Economics from the Tufts University in Medford in Massachusetts. She has also earned a degree in Bio-Genetic Engineering from Boston University. Now that’s definitely a big achievement!
John Abraham may have been a former Gladrags model who became an actor, but there is no mistaking his sharp business acumen. John completed his schooling from Bombay Scottish and Jai Hind College, and then went on to complete his MBA from Mumbai Educational Trust (MET), post which he was working as a media planner, before venturing into acting, Even now, his management skills are played to the hilt as he has turned into a very successful producer with movies like Vicky Donor and Rocky Handsome, as well as a smart investor, picking up real estate and selling it at a chunky profit. Along with his investment banker wife Priya Runchal, John plans to diversify into several other businesses in the near future. As they say, education is never wasted.
By Neeraj Varty
