With board results around the corner, many students across the country are anxiously waiting to figure out their next step,what to study, which college to choose, and what path to follow. While it may feel overwhelming, sometimes a little inspiration can go a long way. Interestingly, some of India’s most well-known actors once sat in classrooms just like these, unsure of where life would take them. Here’s a look at seven film and television personalities who studied at Delhi University’s prestigious St. Stephen’s College.
Kabir Bedi
Kabir Bedi pursued History at St. Stephen’s College and was actively involved in theatre during his student days. He was part of the college’s Shakespeare Society, where he not only acted but also directed and produced plays. One of his notable productions was Julius Caesar, which featured his classmate, future politician Kapil Sibal, in the lead role.
The vetran actor went on to become one of the few Indian actors to achieve international fame, working across films, television and theatre in multiple countries. In India, he is remembered for roles like the antagonist in Khoon Bhari Maang and as Shah Jahan in Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story. His contribution to the arts was recognised globally when he was awarded the Italian honour Cavaliere.
Richa Chadha
Richa Chadha also studied History at St. Stephen’s College, completing her honours degree before stepping into the world of acting. While her parents believed her interest in acting might fade, she saw it as her true calling. She reportedly turned down stable career options in journalism and media to pursue acting full-time, accoding to Forbes India.
Her decision paid off, as she went on to build a strong career in Hindi cinema with films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Fukrey and Masaan.
Shekhar Kapur
Before becoming a celebrated filmmaker, Shekhar Kapur studied Economics at St. Stephen’s College. For the unversed, he initially followed a completely different career path and became a Chartered Accountant, even working abroad. However, his passion for storytelling eventually led him to cinema.
He gained widespread recognition with films like Masoom and Mr. India. His international breakthrough came with Bandit Queen, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and earned critical acclaim worldwide. He later directed globally successful films like Elizabeth.
Konkona Sen Sharma
Konkona Sen Sharma has often spoken fondly of her time at St. Stephen’s College. She has recalled enjoying the freedom of campus life, participating in theatre activities, and spending time with friends around Delhi University, according to TOI.
Today, she is known for her powerful performances in films like Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Wake Up Sid and Lipstick Under My Burkha. Apart from acting, Konkona has also ventured into filmmaking, earning praise for her directorial work. She was last seen in Accused, currently streaming on Netflix.
Suraj Sharma
Suraj Sharma was still a student at St. Stephen’s College when he landed the lead role in Life of Pi. His debut performance in the film, directed by Ang Lee, brought him global recognition and critical acclaim.
Balancing studies and a sudden rise to fame was not easy, he even missed exams due to his film commitments. Despite the challenges, Sharma went on to build an international career, appearing in projects like Homeland and The Night Agent.
Roshan Seth
Roshan Seth studied History at St. Stephen’s before moving abroad and establishing himself in international cinema. He is best known for portraying Jawaharlal Nehru in Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi, a role that earned him a BAFTA nomination.
Over the years, he has appeared in several acclaimed films and television projects, including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, A Passage to India and Monsoon Wedding, building a strong presence in global cinema.
Divya Seth
Divya Seth was also associated with the Shakespeare Society at St. Stephen’s College, where she honed her acting skills. She later became a familiar face on Indian television, starting with the iconic show Hum Log, one of the country’s earliest soap operas.
She has since worked across television, films and web series, including projects like Duranga and The Married Woman.
Kabir Bedi
Kabir Bedi pursued History at St. Stephen’s College and was actively involved in theatre during his student days. He was part of the college’s Shakespeare Society, where he not only acted but also directed and produced plays. One of his notable productions was Julius Caesar, which featured his classmate, future politician Kapil Sibal, in the lead role.
The vetran actor went on to become one of the few Indian actors to achieve international fame, working across films, television and theatre in multiple countries. In India, he is remembered for roles like the antagonist in Khoon Bhari Maang and as Shah Jahan in Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story. His contribution to the arts was recognised globally when he was awarded the Italian honour Cavaliere.
Richa Chadha
Richa Chadha also studied History at St. Stephen’s College, completing her honours degree before stepping into the world of acting. While her parents believed her interest in acting might fade, she saw it as her true calling. She reportedly turned down stable career options in journalism and media to pursue acting full-time, accoding to Forbes India.
Her decision paid off, as she went on to build a strong career in Hindi cinema with films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Fukrey and Masaan.
Shekhar Kapur
Before becoming a celebrated filmmaker, Shekhar Kapur studied Economics at St. Stephen’s College. For the unversed, he initially followed a completely different career path and became a Chartered Accountant, even working abroad. However, his passion for storytelling eventually led him to cinema.
He gained widespread recognition with films like Masoom and Mr. India. His international breakthrough came with Bandit Queen, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and earned critical acclaim worldwide. He later directed globally successful films like Elizabeth.
Konkona Sen Sharma
Konkona Sen Sharma has often spoken fondly of her time at St. Stephen’s College. She has recalled enjoying the freedom of campus life, participating in theatre activities, and spending time with friends around Delhi University, according to TOI.
Today, she is known for her powerful performances in films like Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Wake Up Sid and Lipstick Under My Burkha. Apart from acting, Konkona has also ventured into filmmaking, earning praise for her directorial work. She was last seen in Accused, currently streaming on Netflix.
Suraj Sharma
Suraj Sharma was still a student at St. Stephen’s College when he landed the lead role in Life of Pi. His debut performance in the film, directed by Ang Lee, brought him global recognition and critical acclaim.
Balancing studies and a sudden rise to fame was not easy, he even missed exams due to his film commitments. Despite the challenges, Sharma went on to build an international career, appearing in projects like Homeland and The Night Agent.
Roshan Seth
Roshan Seth studied History at St. Stephen’s before moving abroad and establishing himself in international cinema. He is best known for portraying Jawaharlal Nehru in Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi, a role that earned him a BAFTA nomination.
Over the years, he has appeared in several acclaimed films and television projects, including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, A Passage to India and Monsoon Wedding, building a strong presence in global cinema.
Divya Seth
Divya Seth was also associated with the Shakespeare Society at St. Stephen’s College, where she honed her acting skills. She later became a familiar face on Indian television, starting with the iconic show Hum Log, one of the country’s earliest soap operas.
She has since worked across television, films and web series, including projects like Duranga and The Married Woman.
