’TWAS A STARRY 2016 FOR INDIA
CHRIS HEMSWORTH
The adventure enthusiast along with wife, actor Elsa Pataky, took part in a Spanish adventure programme in February, climbing a 18,000ft mountain, Chantang, in Ladakh. The happy couple also posted pictures from their stay in India. This included a photo of Chris posing with a cow. From Chris Hemsworth to Will Smith to Jason Isaacs, here’s a look at Hollywood stars who descended on our side of the world this year
ELLEN PAGE
The Juno star visited in May to shoot her show, Gaycation, which explores the lives of the LGBT community in various countries. She also caught up with Apurva Asrani, scriptwriter of Bollywood film, Aligarh, that touched upon the subject. “Ellen was moved by our film, saying it was also relevant to the US audience,” Apurva had told us.
JASON ISAACS
The Harry Potter actor shot for the film, Mumbai Hotel, based on 26/11 terror attacks in October. In Mumbai, he also met foster families to understand if India safeguards children’s interests. Isaacs also visited the only Indian café run by acid attack survivors, in Agra.
WILL SMITH
Will Smith was here in August for a dinner hosted by actor Akshay Kumar at his Mumbai house. “It was an intimate dinner,” Akki had told us. Actors Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonakshi Sinha and filmmaker Karan Johar also attended and posted pictures on social media.
BRENDAN FRASER
The Mummy fame actor was here in June to shoot for the film, The Field, alongside actor Ronit Roy. Portions of the film were shot in Delhi and Mumbai.
HERE’S MORE...
British actor Sir Ian McKellen was part of a global programme to celebrate Shakespeare’s works, coinciding with his 400th death anniversary in May. Also, Daphne Zuniga visited Mumbai in February where she shot for Duane Adler’s film, Heartbeat.