Have you seen the recent collab between Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Indian actress Smriti Irani? Bill Gates’ virtual appearance alongside Smriti Irani in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2' has gone viral, and fans cannot have enough
But this isn’t the first time international stars have found themselves on Indian screens. Bollywood has a fascinating history of roping in global celebrities for cameos, collaborations, and surprise appearances.
Back in 2009, Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor’s ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ made headlines for bringing Hollywood legends Sylvester Stallone and Denise Richards into the mix.
Known for his Rocky and Rambo franchises, Stallone appeared as himself in a fight scene alongside Kareena Kapoor.
Kareena Kapoor and Sylvester Stallone. (Photo courtesy: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment)
Meanwhile, actress Denise Richards, a Bond girl and Hollywood star, did a small cameo alongside Akshay Kumar. The crossover was one of Bollywood’s earliest and most ambitious attempts at blending Hollywood with Hindi cinema.
In 2010, Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Teen Patti’ saw the came of Ben Kinglsey. Celebrated globally for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough’s ‘Gandhi’, the actor played a British mathematician in the film. This was truly one of the most iconic moments in Hindi cinema.
Ben Kinglsey in Teen Patti. (Photo courtesy: Hinduja Ventures)
Fast forward to 2019, when Karan Johar pulled off one of the most unexpected cameos in recent years. Hollywood superstar Will Smith appeared in ‘Student Of The Year 2’ for a dance sequence with Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday, and Tara Sutaria.
Will Smith in SOTY 2. (Photo:Dharma Productions)
Now, Bill Gates has joined this growing list of international icons making their way into Indian entertainment.
Speaking about the collab, Smriti Irani, Former Union Minister and Actor, said, “This marks a historic moment for Indian television. For too long, women’s and children’s health has remained at the margins of mainstream dialogue. Kyunki has always been more than a show; it’s been a movement that mirrors our society. With Bill Gates’ presence, we’re taking that spirit forward — highlighting that when mothers are healthy, children thrive, and communities grow stronger.”
Producer Ekta Kapoor spoke about the collab and said,“Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has always been a reflection of India’s changing social fabric, a show that connects generations through emotion and storytelling. With the new season of Kyunki, our aim was to evolve that legacy by giving entertainment a larger purpose. Having Bill Gates join this journey is truly a moment of pride, not just for us at Balaji but for Indian television as a whole. It is a testament to how stories can transcend boundaries and spark meaningful conversations about issues that truly matter, including women’s and children’s health, nutrition, and the power of community.”
So, from Stallone to Smith and now Gates, the crossover keeps getting bigger and more unexpected. Whose collab impressed you the most?
