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Top 10 Celebrities Embracing South Asian Roots

5 min read January 19, 2024

South Asian celebrities and notable people have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, politics, business, and science. Here are 10 of the most popular and influential individuals:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Indian actress, singer, film producer, and philanthropist. She is one of the highest-paid actresses in India and has won numerous awards, including a National Film Award and five Filmfare Awards.
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Indian actress and model. She is the winner of the Miss World 1994 pageant and has starred in numerous successful Bollywood films. She is also a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations.
  • Shah Rukh Khan: Indian actor, producer, and television personality. He is one of the most popular and influential actors in Bollywood and has won numerous awards, including 14 Filmfare Awards.
  • Malala Yousafzai: Pakistani activist for female education and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012 for speaking out in favor of education for girls. She survived and has continued to advocate for the rights of girls and women around the world.
  • Satya Nadella: Indian-American business executive and the CEO of Microsoft. He is credited with transforming the company into a cloud computing leader and increasing its market value.
  • Sundar Pichai: Indian-American business executive and the CEO of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. He has been instrumental in the growth and success of Google and its various products.
  • Jhumpa Lahiri: Indian-American author and Pulitzer Prize winner. Her work often explores the lives of Indian immigrants in the United States and has been praised for its细腻和洞察力.
  • Kalpana Chawla: Indian-American astronaut and the first Indian woman in space. She died in the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster in 2003.
  • Arvind Kejriwal: Indian politician and the Chief Minister of Delhi. He is known for his anti-corruption stance and his efforts to improve public services in Delhi.
  • Amitabh Bachchan: Indian actor, film producer, and television personality. He is one of the most iconic and influential actors in Bollywood and has starred in over 200 films.
British Asians (also referred to as Asian Britons) are British citizens of Asian descent. They constitute a significant and growing minority of the people living in the United Kingdom, with 6.9% of the population identifying as Asian/Asian British in the 2011 United Kingdom census. This represented a national demographic increase from a 4.4% share of UK population in 2001. Represented predominantly by South Asian ethnic groups, census data regarding birthplace and ethnicity demonstrate around a million Asian British people derive their ancestry between East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia. Since the 2001 census, British people of general Asian descent have been included in the "Asian/Asian British" grouping ("Asian, Asian Scottish or Asian British" grouping in Scotland) of the UK census questionnaires. Categories for British Indians, British Pakistanis, British Bangladeshis, British Chinese, British Hongkongers and other Asians have existed under an Asian British heading since the 2011 census. In British English usage, especially in less formal contexts, the term "Asian" usually refers to people who trace their ancestry to the Indian subcontinent (South Asia), contrary to other Anglosphere countries such as Australia and the United States, where the term "Asian" usually refers to people who trace their ancestry to the Far East (East Asia or Southeast Asia). There is a long history of migration to the United Kingdom (and its predecessor states) from across Asia. British colonies and protectorates throughout Asia brought lascar sailors and militiamen to port cities in Britain. Immigration of small numbers of South Asians to England began with the arrival of the East India Company to the Indian subcontinent, and the decline of the Mughal Empire, at the end of the 16th century. Between the 17th and mid-19th century, increasingly diverse lascar crews heading for Britain imported East Asians, such as Japanese and Chinese seamen, Southeast Asians, such as Malays, South Asians such as the Indians (including the people from Pakistan), Bengalis and Ceylonese and post-Suez Canal; West Asians, such as Armenians and Yemenis, who settled throughout the United Kingdom. In particular, Indians also came to Britain, for educational or economic reasons, during the British Raj, with most returning to India after a few months or years, and in greater numbers as the Indian independence movement led to the partition of 1947, eventually creating the separate countries of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The most significant wave of Asian immigration to and settlement in the United Kingdom came following the Second World War, with the resumed control of Hong Kong, the breakup of the British Empire and the independence of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and later Bangladesh, especially during the 1950s and 1960s. An influx of Asian immigrants also took place following the expulsion or flight of Indian communities (then holders of British passports) from the newly independent Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in the early 1970s. Since the 2010s British Asians have achieved positions of high political office: Sadiq Khan, of Pakistani descent, became Mayor of London in 2016; Rishi Sunak, of Indian descent, became the first British Asian Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in October 2022; and Humza Yousaf, also of Pakistani descent, became First Minister of Scotland in March 2023. According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, those identifying as Asian British in England & Wales enumerated 5,515,420, or 9.3% of the population.

Most Famous South Asian People

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South Asian Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

South Asia is a region rich in culture, history, and diversity. Home to countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, this region has a deep cultural heritage that has influenced various aspects of global society. Throughout history, South Asians have made significant contributions in the fields of science, art, and spirituality, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated today.

1. Indus Valley Civilization

One of the earliest well-known inheritances of the South Asian heritage is the Indus Valley Civilization. Flourishing in the Indus River Valley around 2500 BCE, this ancient civilization is often referred to as one of the world’s oldest urban societies. The Indus Valley Civilization is credited with developing an advanced city-planning system, intricate drainage and sanitation systems, and an extensive trade network. Archaeological discoveries have revealed fascinating artifacts like seals, jewelry, pottery, and even evidence of written language. This ancient civilization laid the foundation for a rich cultural heritage in South Asia.

2. Buddhism

Buddhism, an ancient religion that originated in India, is another significant inheritance associated with the South Asian heritage. Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Buddha, Buddhism emphasizes the importance of attaining enlightenment and living a compassionate life. This spiritual tradition spread across South Asia and had a profound impact on art, architecture, and philosophy. Magnificent Buddhist monuments such as the famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves in India, the ancient city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, and the numerous monasteries in Nepal bear witness to the lasting influence of Buddhism in the region.

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3. Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire, which ruled parts of South Asia from the 16th to the 19th century, left a significant imprint on the cultural heritage of the region. The Mughals were known for their architectural marvels, including the iconic Taj Mahal. This grand mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Mughals also contributed to the development of art, literature, and cuisine. Their empire fostered a rich cultural exchange, blending Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences to create a distinctive Mughal style.

Notable South Asian Heritage Inheritances:

  • Indus Valley Civilization
  • Buddhism
  • Mughal Empire

The South Asian community continues to honor and celebrate these inheritances, which have played a significant role in shaping the diverse tapestry of the region. From the ancient marvels of the Indus Valley Civilization to the spiritual teachings of Buddhism and the architectural wonders of the Mughal Empire, these historical inheritances stand as testaments to the ingenuity, creativity, and resilience of the people of South Asia.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Phuthi, Twa and Tutsi roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Ethnic Factsheet: The South Asian People

South Asian Ethnicity

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Ethnic Group Population (approx.) Primary Countries Percentage of South Asian Population
Bengali 300 million Bangladesh, India 23%
Indian 1.38 billion India 65%
Pakistani 225 million Pakistan 13%
Sri Lankan 22 million Sri Lanka 1.3%
Nepali 30 million Nepal 2.3%

The Ancient Heritage of South Asian Ethnic Groups

South Asian Ethnicity: References and Resources

When it comes to studying the South Asian ethnic group, there are several references and resources that can provide a deeper understanding of their history, culture, and traditions.

  • Academic Journals: Journals such as the South Asian Journal of Global Business Research or the South Asian Journal of Management provide academic articles and research papers related to various aspects of the South Asian ethnic group, including business, economics, and management.
  • Books: Books like The South Asian Health Solution by Ronesh Sinha or The South Asian Americans edited by Karen Leonard offer detailed insights into the history, identity, and experiences of South Asians in the United States.
  • Documentaries: Documentaries like The Story of India by Michael Wood or Born to Dance: The Story of Kathak directed by Aditi Mangaldas shed light on various aspects of South Asian history, art, and traditions.
  • Online Resources: Websites like SouthAsia.com or South Asian Voices provide a wealth of information on current events, culture, and news pertaining to South Asia.
  • Museum Exhibits: Museums like the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art or the British Museum’s South Asia Collection offer curated exhibits that showcase the art, history, and cultural artifacts of South Asia.

These references and resources can be a great starting point for those interested in digging deeper into the South Asian ethnic group. Whether it’s through academic journals, books, documentaries, online resources, or museum exhibits, there are numerous opportunities to learn and gain a comprehensive understanding of this diverse and vibrant community.

That concludes the information we can provide about famous South Asian individuals. Thank you for reading.

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Syarif Muhamad

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