Actor from Karnataka, India, previously graced Hollywood's Walk of Fame before Deepika Padukone did.
In the annals of Hollywood history, the name Sabu Dastagir may not resonate as prominently as it once did, but his legacy remains significant. Born in 1924 in Karapura, near Mysore, Karnataka, India, Dastagir made history by becoming the first Kannadiga and Indian to receive a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. This prestigious honour was bestowed upon him in 1960, a full 65 years before Deepika Padukone, the first Indian actress to receive the same recognition, was announced for the class of 2026.
Dastagir's journey to stardom began at the tender age of 11 when he was discovered by British filmmaker Robert Flaherty and cast in the film Elephant Boy (1937). This film catapulted him to instant fame, captivating Western audiences with his charisma and screen presence. His boyish charm and wide-eyed wonder made him one of the most sought-after actors of his time, especially in fantasy epics set in mystical lands inspired by India and the Middle East.
Following the success of Elephant Boy, Dastagir starred in a string of exotic adventure films, including The Drum (1938), The Thief of Bagdad (1940), The Jungle Book (1942), where he played Mowgli, Arabian Nights (1942), Cobra Woman (1944), and more. His roles were often influenced by his father's profession as an elephant handler, providing an authentic touch to his performances.
Dastagir's story is not just one of stardom, but also of breaking barriers and redefining identity. In an era when India was still under colonial rule, he was starring in international blockbusters and winning military honours in the West. He joined the US Army Air Forces during World War II and served bravely as a tail gunner. His bravery was recognised with several honours, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Despite his monumental achievements, Dastagir's name is rarely mentioned in today's pop culture conversations. His untimely death in 1963 due to a heart attack further contributed to his legacy being forgotten. Nevertheless, his place in history as the first Indian-origin actor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame remains uncontested.
[1] "Sabu," IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001555/ [2] "Sabu," The Hollywood Reporter, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sabu-dastagir-dead-at-39-1024700/ [3] "First Indian-origin actor Sabu Dastagir honoured with Hollywood Walk of Fame," The Indian Express, https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movies/first-indian-origin-actor-sabu-dastagir-honoured-with-hollywood-walk-of-fame-6249968/ [4] "Sabu," Biography.com, https://www.biography.com/actor/sabu
- "Despite his significant contributions to cinema and pop-culture, essentially reshaping the landscape of fantasy epics and breaking barriers as an Indian actor under colonial rule, Sabu Dastagir's name is scarcely mentioned in today's pop-culture conversations."
- "Sabu Dastagir, the first Kannadiga and Indian to receive a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, was not just an entertainer, but also a representative of Indian culture in the global entertainment industry."
- "Sabu Dastagir's journey, marked by stardom, bravery, and service during World War II, continues to inspire celebrities and fans alike, reminding us of the profound influence of culture on cinema and entertainment."
