Before Deepika, there was Sabu: The first Indian to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame decades ago

Deepika Padukone’s induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026 has been widely celebrated as a landmark moment — and rightfully so. Recognised in the Motion Pictures category, she joins the ranks of international cinema legends, becoming one of the few Indian actors to receive such a coveted honour. But while the internet hailed her as the first Indian to receive this recognition, history tells us otherwise.

Decades before Deepika's name would grace Hollywood Boulevard, another Indian actor had already made his mark — Sabu Dastagir, a pioneering star from Mysore who found fame in Hollywood's golden era. Sabu was awarded a star on the Walk of Fame in 1960, quietly becoming the first Indian to receive the distinction.

Born in 1924 into a family of mahouts, Sabu’s life took a dramatic turn when he was discovered by filmmaker Robert Flaherty, who cast him in ‘Elephant Boy’ (1937), a British film inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s work. His natural charm and charisma soon earned him a place in Hollywood’s fantasy-adventure genre, with lead roles in ‘The Drum’ (1938), ‘The Thief of Bagdad’ (1940), and ‘Arabian Nights’ (1942).

By the 1940s, Sabu had become one of the few non-white actors in mainstream American cinema, gaining popularity at a time when diversity was far from the industry norm. He became a US citizen in 1944 and even served in the American Army during World War II. Yet, despite his early stardom, the post-war years saw a decline in his career, and he died tragically young at the age of 39.

Deepika Padukone’s recognition marks a powerful moment for Indian representation on the global stage, but it also serves as a reminder of those who paved the way. As the spotlight shines on her in 2026, it’s worth remembering the trailblazing legacy of Sabu Dastagir — the first Indian star to be immortalised on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.