Bollywood, based in Mumbai, India, stands as one of the largest film industries globally, producing more films annually than any other. While it’s only one part of Indian cinema—alongside Telugu, Tamil, Bhojpuri, and more—Bollywood boasts a massive workforce and draws talent from all backgrounds.
Among its diverse stars are Slavic actresses, many of whom speak little Hindi yet bring their unique flair to the screen. It’s no surprise that models and actresses of Slavic descent are increasingly drawn to this dynamic industry.
Nargis Fakhri
An American actress of Pakistani-Czech descent, Nargis made her Bollywood debut with Rockstar (2011) opposite Ranbir Kapoor and quickly became a fan favorite. Known for her roles in Madras Cafe and Main Tera Hero, she’s recognized for her Western charm and versatility in Bollywood.
Claudia Ciesla
Polish-born Claudia entered Bollywood with an item number in Khiladi 786 (2012). She became popular with her appearance on Bigg Boss Season 3. She continues to work as a model and actress in India, frequently appearing on reality TV and in music videos.
Suzanna Mukherjee
Born in Ukraine to a Bengali father and a Ukrainian-Russian mother, Suzanna has appeared in films like Badmashiyaan and Raaz Reboot. Her multilingual background and fluency in Hindi have helped her connect with Indian audiences in both TV and cinema.
Natasa Stankovic
A Serbian model and actress, Natasa gained fame with her dance performance in DJ Waley Babu and her role in Satyagraha. She’s also known for her appearances on Indian reality shows like Bigg Boss and Nach Baliye.
Yana Gupta
Originally from the Czech Republic, Yana became a sensation in Bollywood with her item number Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo. She has since appeared in films like Dum and Ek Ajnabee and is known for her striking dance performances.
Lisa Ray
Canadian-born to a Bengali father and Polish mother, Lisa Ray is known for her roles in Kasoor and Water. Her impactful performances and poise have earned her a distinguished place in Indian cinema.
Elena Boeva
A Bulgarian model and actress, Elena has appeared in Indian commercials and reality shows, adding an international presence to Bollywood through her modeling and acting roles.
Kristina Akheeva
Russian-born Kristina made her Bollywood debut in Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 with Sunny Deol. She has since expanded her career to Tollywood, bridging Bollywood with her versatile acting across different languages.
Jelena Jakovljević
A former Miss Yugoslavia and Serbian beauty queen, Jelena had a brief Bollywood stint and is best known for her work in fashion shows and pageants.
Dijana Dejanovic
Hailing from Bosnia & Herzegovina, Dijana gained recognition in Bollywood with her role in Main Aur Charles (2015) and has become known for her beauty and screen presence.
Leila Becic
Leila, born in Switzerland to Bosnian parents, is a model and actress known for her work in Bollywood, often combining her European modeling career with Indian cinema.
Nevena Krstic
Serbian fashion model Nevena has gained popularity in Indian fashion circles, frequently appearing in Indian fashion shows, commercials, and photoshoots.
Nikolina Nikoleski
Originally from Croatia, Nikolina is a skilled Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer. She regularly performs on Indian TV shows, showcasing her expertise in Indian classical dance.
Daria Farkas
Daria, a Croatian model, has established herself in the Indian fashion industry, appearing in Bollywood commercials, fashion shows, and music videos.
Elena Kazan
A German-Russian actress, Elena has appeared in Bollywood films like Agent Vinod and Prague. Her multilingual abilities and international appeal have helped her land diverse roles in Indian cinema.
These women have left a memorable impact on Bollywood, adding international flair and appeal to Indian cinema with their unique backgrounds and talent.
