In a heartwarming and surprising revelation, celebrated British actor Hugh Grant has disclosed a personal connection to India, endearing himself further to his massive fanbase in the country. The star shared that his father was born in British India, a fact he discovered while handling official paperwork, and humorously concluded this makes him "half Indian."
A Nostalgic Look Back at Filming in Kolkata
The revelation came during a candid conversation with actor Rahul Khanna at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS) 2025. Grant took a trip down memory lane, reflecting on his first visit to India in 1988 for the filming of the movie 'La Nuit Bengali' in Kolkata (then Calcutta).
He described the experience fondly, despite the film's limited release. "I thoroughly enjoyed being in Calcutta," Grant said, recalling how people warned him of a culture shock. He was pleasantly swept into the city's high society, attending cocktail parties and even playing polo, a lifestyle that fascinated him.
The Emotional Discovery of Family History
The most poignant moment of the summit was when Grant unveiled his family's historical link to the Indian subcontinent. He explained that his father, now 97 and a former soldier, was born in British India in 1928.
"I had to find his birth certificate for some visa application, and it was really tough," Grant shared. The document pointed to an obscure town in northern India, a region that is part of present-day Pakistan. This discovery led to his light-hearted yet touching remark: "He was born in either India or Pakistan. I guess that makes me half Indian, really." The audience erupted in delight at this personal connection.
From Rom-Com King to Complex Characters
While discussing his career, Hugh Grant acknowledged his iconic status built on beloved romantic comedies like 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', 'Notting Hill', and 'Love Actually'. However, he noted a significant shift in recent years towards darker, more complex roles.
He stated he has been playing "narcissists, weirdos and murderers," earning some of the best reviews of his career for performances in projects like 'Heretic'. When asked about Indian cinema, Grant admitted he isn't deeply versed in Bollywood but expressed reverence for the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, whose studio he once used, calling him a "great genius."
This heartfelt sharing of his Indian roots has undoubtedly strengthened Hugh Grant's unique bond with his admirers in India, adding a new, personal chapter to his long-standing relationship with the country.
