Latest news with #Jamshedpur-born
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
The Only Indian In Alien: Earth Cast Has A Shocking Shah Rukh Khan Connection
He made his acting debut with My Name Is Khan, where he played the younger version of Shah Rukh Khan's character. Adarsh Gourav starred in Alien: Earth as the only Indian actor in the ensemble. The American science fiction horror series, now streaming on JioHotstar, released on August 13 following its U.S. debut on Hulu and FX on August 12. In the series, he takes on a central role alongside Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay and Timothy Olyphant. He steps into the role of Slightly, a synthetic child navigating a grim, dystopian future. His performance was layered with emotion and already earning critical acclaim. For the Jamshedpur-born actor-singer, this marks a significant career milestone, positioning an Indian talent at the very core of the iconic Alien franchise. Early Life and Education of Adarsh Gourav Adarsh Gourav Bhagavatula was born on July 8, 1994, into a Telugu-speaking family. He completed his primary education at Loyola School in Jamshedpur. At the age of 13, he moved to Mumbai following his father's job transfer, finishing his schooling at Lilavatibai Podar School. He later pursued higher studies at Narsee Monjee College. Adarsh Gourav's Connection with Music From a young age, Adarsh was deeply connected to music, undergoing nine years of Hindustani classical training, learning the tabla, and fronting indie bands such as Steepsky and Oak Island. Before stepping into mainstream limelight, he performed on MTV Indies and lent his voice to songs, jingles and commercials, steadily building a music-driven profile. He even shared stages with legends like Ilaiyaraaja and Sukhwinder Singh in 2007–08. A student of Suresh Wadkar's music academy, Adarsh was mentored by Padma Wadkar, who provided him with several stage opportunities in Mumbai. While singing at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in 2007, he caught the attention of Nazali Karamyoi from Raell Padamsee's company Ace, which led to audition opportunities. After a year of auditions, he made his acting debut in My Name Is Khan, portraying the teenage days of Shah Rukh Khan's Rizwan Khan. Journey from Bollywood to Hollywood Determined to hone his craft, Adarsh trained at The Drama School in Mumbai before taking on varied roles in Mom, Rukh, Leila and Die Trying. His breakthrough arrived with The White Tiger (2021), in which he played Balram Halwai. The role earned him BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award nominations. To prepare for the part, he even worked at a tea stall. Post-The White Tiger, Adarsh's work traversed both Indian and international projects. He appeared in Extrapolations alongside Meryl Streep and Kit Harington, and in Hindi productions like Hostel Daze, Guns & Gulaabs and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. In 2025, he portrayed Nasir in Superboys of Malegaon, directed by Reema Kagti, a film praised for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances. With Alien: Earth, Adarsh Gourav cements his place as a versatile actor whose journey from a musically inclined boy in Jamshedpur to a global screen presence reflects years of dedication, craft and resilience. First Published: August 14, 2025, 13:59 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Pink Villa
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Meet the Only Indian Actor in Alien: Earth Who Worked at Tea Stall, Sang with Ilaiyaraaja and is Now Making Waves in Hollywood
Adarsh Gourav is the only Indian actor in Alien: Earth, now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in India (August 13) after its U.S. debut on Hulu and FX (August 12). He plays 'Slightly,' a synthetic child navigating a dark, dystopian future, an emotionally layered role that critics are already praising. The performance marks a major milestone for the Jamshedpur-born actor-singer and places an Indian talent at the heart of the iconic Alien franchise. From Jamshedpur to the Alien universe Born in July 1994, Gourav grew up in Jamshedpur before moving to Mumbai at 13. He studied at Loyola School, Lilavatibai Podar, and Narsee Monjee College. His early life was rooted in music: nine years of Hindustani classical training, tabla lessons, and fronting indie bands like Steepsky and Oak Island. He performed on MTV Indies and recorded songs, jingles, and ads, building a music-first résumé long before mainstream stardom. Here's how he got his start in front of the camera At Ajivasan (Suresh Wadkar's academy), Padma Wadkar mentored Gourav and gave him multiple stage opportunities across Mumbai. During a 2007 Mumbai festival performance of Vande Mataram, he was noticed by Nazali Karamyoi of Raell Padamsee's company Ace, which led to acting auditions. According to The Times of India, in 2010, he made his screen debut in My Name Is Khan, playing the younger version of Shah Rukh Khan's character, a high-profile first role for a teenager. Music roots with Ilaiyaraaja and Sukhwinder Singh Before acting took center stage, Gourav shared platforms with Ilaiyaraaja and Sukhwinder Singh in 2007-08. He continued to record for films and campaigns, keeping his classical base while exploring contemporary styles. Those stage hours and studio sessions inform the vocal control and emotional precision visible in his screen work today. The White Tiger breakthrough and method grit After training at The Drama School Mumbai (on advice to pursue acting seriously), Gourav worked steadily in Mom, Rukh, Madly, Leila, and Die Trying. His breakout came with The White Tiger (2021). As Balram Halwai, he earned BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award nominations. For realism, he worked at a tea stall during prep. Post-White Tiger, Gourav appeared internationally (including Explorations with Meryl Streep and Kit Harington) and at home in Hostel Daze, Guns & Gulaabs, and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. With Alien: Earth on Disney+ Hotstar in India and Hulu/FX in the U.S., his portrayal of Slightly positions him as one of the most compelling South Asian actors in the global sci-fi genre.
