He first made a name for himself in the 2008 Danny Boyle film Slumdog Millionaire, where he played the lead role of Jamal Malik. That breakout performance really put him on the map and opened doors to bigger opportunities in Hollywood. He went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for his powerful portrayal in the 2016 film Lion, which further solidified his status as a talented and versatile actor. Over the years, he has taken on a variety of roles, appearing in films like Chappie, The Last Airbender, and The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, showing off his range beyond just dramatic roles.
Before all the fame and red carpets, he actually got his start in acting during school—his very first role was as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in a school production of Twelfth Night. It’s kind of poetic how that early experience set the stage for what was to come. His parents, Anita and Raj, have been supportive throughout his journey. On the personal side, he began dating actress Freida Pinto back in 2009, and their relationship drew quite a bit of media attention. However, after several years together, the couple decided to go their separate ways in 2014. Through every chapter, he’s continued to grow—not just as an actor, but as a person in the spotlight.
He really made a name for himself when he took on the role of Anwar Kharral in the popular teen drama TV series Skins, showcasing his talent early on. Later, he continued to impress audiences with a more mature performance as Neal Sampat in the acclaimed HBO series The Newsroom. He brought depth and authenticity to every scene he was in, proving time and again that he’s a versatile actor. Whether it was portraying the complex journey of Anwar Kharral or stepping into the fast-paced world of journalism as Neal Sampat, he consistently delivered strong performances. Fans have followed his career closely, and he remains a standout presence on screen.