A Hollywood sensation was a playback singer with Ilaiyaraaja, debuted with Shah Rukh Khan. Who is Alien: Earth star Adarsh Gourav?

Economic Times

a day ago

Adarsh Gourav is currently grabbing headlines for his role in Alien: Earth. But did you know he started the journey as a playback singer?
Besides seeing him do some amazing acting work, you might have come across a few melodious singing videos of him, especially ghazals that could make even a robot shed a tear. Yes, we're talking about Adarsh Gourav. He's officially the only Indian actor in Alien: Earth , the latest entry in the iconic Alien franchise. The series dropped on Hulu and FX in the US on August 12, and it's currently streaming on Disney Hotstar in India today, August 13.So, how did a small-town boy from Jamshedpur end up battling strange nightmares in one of Hollywood's biggest sci-fi universes? Let's take a ride through his journey, from tabla lessons and tea stalls to the red carpet and beyond.
The actor is currently making headlines for his role in Alien: Earth . Adarsh plays Slightly, a synthetic child (think android with feelings and existential crises). It's a complex role in a dark, dystopian future, and Adarsh nails it. Critics have already started raving about his layered performance. And if you're wondering how an Indian actor cracked the Alien universe, well, it turns out talent travels faster than light.Born in July 1994, Adarsh grew up in Jamshedpur. His father worked at the Central Bank of India, while his mother was a homemaker. The family moved to Mumbai when he was 13, a shift that changed everything. From Loyola School to Lilavatibai Podar and Narsee Monjee College, his student life was as grounded as it was ambitious.
Long before he faced the camera, Adarsh was all about sur and taal. Trained in Hindustani classical music for nine years, he dreamed of becoming a playback singer. He jammed with indie bands like Steepsky and Oak Island, and even made an appearance on MTV Indies . If you haven't heard his vocals yet, trust us, it's worth a YouTube dive. Adarsh's musical journey took a surprising turn when he sang with legends like Sukhwinder Singh and composer Ilaiyaraaja in 2007 and 2008 . He got early gigs singing for films, jingles, and ad campaigns. But destiny had bigger plans, and a script.During a coversation with Brut, Adarsh told that he used to go to Ajivasan to Suresh Wadkar's Academy , where Padma Wadkar was gus guru. She gave him lots of opportunities to sing, not just for film, but also for stage shows across Mumbai. One of the stage happened at Mumbai festival in 2007. And, while singing Vande Mataram on stage, Nazali Karamyoi who used to work for Raell Padamsee's company called Ace. She noticed Adarsh and aksed him if he is interested in acting. And, like any 13 year old, he said yes in excitement.
In 2010, he stepped in front of the camera for the first time in My Name Is Khan, playing the younger version of Shah Rukh Khan's character. Not a bad way to debut, right? From there, the acting bug truly bit.
Adarsh refined his skills at The Drama School in Mumbai, going from child actor to serious performer, after Anurag Kashyap recommended to take it seriously. He worked his way up with notable roles in films and shows like Mom, Rukh, Madly, Leila, and Die Trying. No shortcuts, just pure grind.
The turning point came in 2021 with The White Tiger. His performance as Balram Halwai earned him nominations for a BAFTA and an Independent Spirit Award. Fun fact: to prepare, he actually worked at a tea stall. Talk about method acting.
Post- White Tiger , doors opened globally. He starred in Explorations alongside Meryl Streep and Kit Harington, proving he could hold his own with the best. Back home, his work in Hostel Daze, Guns & Gulaabs, and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan made him a household name.
Now, he is a international star. With Alien: Earth , Adarsh is making a galactic statement. Co-stars are already calling him one of the most compelling actors to watch, and fans are loving the emotional depth he brings to a character. Despite the fame, Adarsh stays grounded. He is in a long-term relationship with graphic designer Radhika Kolgaonkar. So, next time you're scrolling and hear a soulful ghazal, pause. It might just be Adarsh Gourav doing what he does best: quietly stealing the show.