From Ranbir Kapoor to Sara Ali Khan: Bollywood stars who studied at top global universities
In a world where legacies can often decide careers, a few Bollywood names chose to first earn their stripes in lecture halls rather than limelight. Their international degrees are not mere trivia but markers of how global education shaped their perspectives long before the spotlight found them.From Sara Ali Khan walking the halls of Columbia University to Parineeti Chopra diving into economics at Manchester, these actors combined privilege with preparation. Here’s a closer look at five actors whose academic choices prove that a film career doesn’t always begin on set. Sometimes, it starts with a student ID.
Sara Ali Khan
Columbia University, New YorkBefore rising to prominence in Bollywood, Sara Ali Khan was buried in political theory essays at Columbia University. She graduated in 2016 with a degree in History and Political Science. Her decision to attend one of the Ivy League’s most competitive institutions was not just driven by academics but also by her desire to step away from the public gaze during her formative years.Sara completed the four-year course in just three, a feat that involved back-to-back semesters and sleepless nights. Her discipline, paired with her love for literature and current affairs, often comes through in interviews. In 2025, as she toggles between commercial cinema and performance-driven roles, her educational background remains a quiet influence, reflected in her choice of scripts and the clarity with which she articulates her journey.
Parineeti Chopra
University of Manchester, United KingdomParineeti Chopra, before movie sets, was knee-deep in economics coursework. She holds a triple honours degree in Business, Finance and Economics from the University of Manchester, one of the UK’s top research universities and a member of the elite Russell Group.What began as a roadmap towards investment banking took a sharp turn when she moved back to India and interned in marketing at Yash Raj Films. One foot in finance, the other in film, she soon switched roles, literally, and debuted on screen. Her background in finance, however, was never wasted. She often credits her education for helping her understand branding, contracts and the business of cinema.
Soha Ali Khan
University of Oxford & London School of EconomicsThere are pedigrees, and then there is Soha Ali Khan, who can casually mention both Oxford and the London School of Economics on her CV. She studied Modern History at Balliol College, University of Oxford, and then went on to earn a Master’s in International Relations from LSE.While her filmography may be modest in size, her education has had a longer shelf life. Soha has spoken openly about how her academic exposure shaped the way she views politics, performance and public life. Her book, The Perils of Being Moderately Famous, is equal parts humour and insight, the kind of perspective that could only come from someone who understands the world through both headlines and historiography. She remains a respected voice in social discourse and literature, standing out in Bollywood’s often apolitical landscape.
Ranbir Kapoor
School of Visual Arts & Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, New YorkRanbir Kapoor’s preparation for stardom involved more than just lineage. He studied filmmaking at the School of Visual Arts in New York and then trained in method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, which counts Robert De Niro and Al Pacino among its alumni.Ranbir’s academic detour was intentional. He wanted to learn the mechanics of cinema including direction, cinematography and scriptwriting before stepping in front of the lens. This foundation is visible in his performances, especially in nuanced roles like Rocket Singh or Tamasha, where technique subtly complements instinct. Ranbir continues to be a reminder that serious craft often begins with serious study.
Imran Khan
New York Film Academy, Los AngelesImran Khan’s rise in Bollywood may have slowed, but his academic choices still make him stand out. After spending his early years shuttling between India and the US, he enrolled at the New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus, where he specialised in filmmaking.His debut, Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, made him a youth icon, but few knew that he had already studied screenwriting, editing and camera work in a structured setting. While Imran took a break from acting, in 2025 he has hinted at a return, this time behind the camera. His education in LA, paired with his cross-cultural upbringing, continues to influence his quiet but deliberate choices in storytelling.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
