If you think that all the Bollywood stars are no-brainers and have hardly seen a day in college, you are sadly mistaken, because some of the Bollywood brigade can even give lawyers, doctors, economists and scientists a run for their money with their intelligence and qualifications. Here’s presenting 10 of many Bollywood celebrities with exceptional intelligence. And mind you, these celebrities are 10 out of many such examples.
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B’wood Celebrities with Exceptional Intelligence:
10. Parineeti Chopra
26 year old Indian actor Parineeti Chopra, who made her Bollywood debut in 2011 ‘Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl’ and gained significant recognition with her second film ‘Ishaqzaade’ in 2012 has established herself as one of the most powerful actors to have emerged in recent times. Also known for humanitarian works, Chopra has already been the recipient of Filmfare, Scree, Stardust, Star Guild, Zee Cine and the National Film awards, among many others. But what many people don’t know is the fact that she always wanted to be an investment banker and at the age of 17 received a triple honours degree in business, finance and economics from Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom. Also, she has obtained an internship in the marketing department, joining the production company of Yash Raj Films Studio as a public-relations consultant, before grabbing her first movie as an actor.
9. Soha Ali Khan
Daughter of actor Sharmila Tagore and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and sister of actor Saif Ali Khan; Soha Ali Khan is known for her work in ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Tum Mile’, ‘Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns’, etc. She has attended The British School, New Delhi and studied modern history at Balliol College, Oxford and earned a masters degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science, before joining the film industry. So you see, she is more than just a pretty face.
8. Vidya Balan
Considered as one of the icons in India, 37 year old Indian actor Vidya Balan has carved a niche for herself, refusing to be governed by the traditional norms and for establishing films which can work well, solely based on the female lead. She has received 54 film awards, including a National Film Award, four International Indian Film Academy Awards, and five awards each from the Filmfare, Screen, Star Guild, and Zee Cine award ceremonies. This feisty and sassy actor boasts of a bachelor as well as a master’s degree in sociology.
7. R. Madhavan
44 year old Indian actor, writer, film producer and television host R. Madhavan, who is known for films like ‘Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein’, ‘Guru’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Tanu weds Manu’, etc; is the recipient of many prestigious awards including two Filmfare awards. Now, this handsome lad too has more in his kitty than his charming looks. At the age of 18, was chosen to represent India as its cultural ambassador from Rajaram College, Kolhapur to Stettler, Alberta after his graduation in electronics. At 22, he was awarded the Maharashtra NCC Best Cadet, allowing him to make a trip with seven others as NCC Cadets to England. Because of this honour, he received training with the Royal Army, the Navy and the Air Force. But, due to some age related issue, he couldn’t qualify and ventured into public speaking by taking courses in it. He won the Indian Championship for Public Speaking and was subsequently selected to represent India at the Young Businessmen Conference in Tokyo, Japan in 1992. Now, that’s something!
6. Randeep Hooda
38 year old Indian film actor, known for his films like ‘Monsoon Wedding’, ‘Jism 2’, ‘D’, ‘Rang Rasiya’, ‘Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster’, etc; is considered to be one of the most desirable Indian men currently. But it is not only good looks that this man can boast of. He has received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in business management and human resource management. Besides, he has also worked in the marketing department of an airline.
5. Imran Khan
32 year old Indian actor Imran Khan, for his works in ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’, ‘Delhi Belly’, ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu ’, ‘I Hate Luv Storys’, ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’, among others, is also part of the Bollywood brigade of ‘Brainyards’. He pursued a degree in filmmaking at the Los Angeles branch of the New York Film Academy. After receiving his degree, he ventured into market research and advertising.
4. Preity Zinta
40 year old Indian film actor and producer Preity Zinta, who is considered to be one of the most popular actors in India has more than the bubbly looks and her acting skills. She graduated college with an English honours degree, and then started a graduate programme in psychology. She earned a postgraduate degree in criminal psychology. Now, not many can brag about that!
3. John Abraham
Indian film actor, producer, model and bodybuilder John Abraham has made the muscular long haired look trendy since he joined Bollywood. Known for his looks, this 42 year old has received the bachelor’s degree in economics from Jai Hind College. Besides, he also received an MMS from MET college. So, his beauty is much more than skin deep.
2. Amitabh Bachchan
One of the most famous persons on planet, 72 year Indian film actor Amitabh Bachchan, who is considered to be one of the greatest actors the world has ever seen, is also someone who has a brain to match his personality and talent. Bachchan is an alumnus of Sherwood College, Nainital. He later attended Kirori Mal College, Delhi University In 2003, he was conferred with the Honorary Citizenship of the French town of Deauville. He was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Jhansi, India, in 2004, the University of Delhi in 2006, the De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, in 2006, the Leeds Metropolitan University in Yorkshire, UK, in 2007, the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, in 2011 and the Jodhpur National University in 2013. In May 2014, La Trobe University in Australia named a Scholarship after Bachchan.
1. Ameesha Patel
38 year old Indian film actor Ameesha Patel, who became the nation’s sweetheart in 2000 with her Bollywood debut ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai ’, and has since then, starred in many blockbusters also is an example of beauty with brains. After studying at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai, she headed overseas to study Economics at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Patel’s career began as an economic analyst at Khandwala Securities Limited after graduation. Later on, she received an offer from Morgan Stanley but turned it down. Besides, she is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, which she has been learning since the age of 5 years.