Hugh Grant Reveals Unexpected Indian Heritage at Mumbai Summit

British actor Hugh Grant revealed a surprising personal connection to India. He shared the news during the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in Mumbai on December 6, 2025. Grant stated his father was born in British India in 1928.

This revelation adds a new layer to the actor’s long career. It came during a conversation about his first visit to India in 1988.

A Personal History Shared Publicly

Grant discussed finding his father’s birth certificate for a visa. He described it as a challenging process. The document listed an obscure town in northern British India.

The actor humorously concluded this makes him “half Indian.” He acknowledged the town might be in modern-day Pakistan. According to Reuters, this personal story captivated the live audience.

It was a rare glimpse into the star’s family history. The moment was both candid and warmly received.

Reflections on Early Career and Indian Cinema

Grant also reflected on filming “The Bengali Night” in Kolkata in 1988. He recalled being swept into the city’s high society. The experience included attending cocktail parties and even playing polo.

He admitted he is not very familiar with mainstream Bollywood. However, he praised the work of legendary Indian director Satyajit Ray. Grant had used Ray’s studio during his film shoot decades ago.

His comments painted a picture of a formative professional experience. The actor clearly holds fond memories of his time there.

The revelation of Hugh Grant’s Indian heritage adds a fascinating personal chapter to his public story. It connects his family narrative directly to a significant period of history. This news provides a fresh perspective on the internationally beloved star.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Hugh Grant reveal about his heritage?

Hugh Grant revealed his father was born in British India in 1928. He joked that this technically makes him “half Indian.” The actor found this information on an old birth certificate.

Where was Hugh Grant’s father born?

His father was born in an obscure town in northern British India. Grant noted the location might be in modern-day Pakistan. He discovered this while applying for a visa.

When did Hugh Grant first visit India?

Grant first visited India in 1988 to film “The Bengali Night.” The movie was shot in Kolkata, which was then called Calcutta. He described having a lovely time during the shoot.

What Indian filmmaker does Hugh Grant admire?

Hugh Grant expressed admiration for Satyajit Ray. He acknowledged Ray as a “great genius.” Grant used Ray’s studio while filming in Kolkata decades ago.

Why did Hugh Grant discuss this now?

The revelation came during a public interview at a leadership summit. He was sharing personal stories about his connection to India. The discovery was prompted by a recent visa application process.