Beyond the spotlight: Bollywood stars and their surprising hidden talents

Mr. Perfectionist isn’t just about perfect scripts—he’s also a sharp mind on the chessboard. Aamir Khan has played competitive chess and even gone head-to-head with grandmaster Viswanathan Anand in exhibition matches. His strategic thinking in films might just be influenced by his love for the game.

Long before he became Bollywood’s “Khiladi,” Akshay Kumar was mastering martial arts in Bangkok—while working as a chef to make ends meet. He holds a black belt in Taekwondo and has trained in Muay Thai. What’s lesser known is his love for cooking; Akshay often whips up meals for his crew on sets and has even considered opening his own restaurant.

While Alia Bhatt is widely celebrated for her acting chops and singing skills, there's another creative side to her that often goes unnoticed — her talent for charcoal sketching. A true artist at heart, Alia has occasionally shared glimpses of her artwork on social media, revealing her flair for visual expression. Her intricate charcoal sketches reflect depth and imagination, showcasing a quieter, more introspective side of the star. Alongside this, Alia has also lent her voice to songs in films like Highway and Udta Punjab, proving that her artistic talents extend well beyond the screen.

Before she became a Bollywood superstar, Deepika Padukone was a sports prodigy. Following in the footsteps of her father, Prakash Padukone, she played badminton at the national level. The discipline and stamina she learned on the court have certainly translated into her acting career.

Parineeti Chopra isn’t just an actress with infectious energy and charm — she’s also a trained Hindustani classical singer with a formal academic background in music. She holds a B.A. Honours degree in music and has spent years honing her vocal skills. Before entering Bollywood, music was a major part of her life, and even after stepping into the film industry, she’s continued to nurture this passion. Parineeti has showcased her singing talent in songs like “Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahin” from Meri Pyaari Bindu, earning praise for her soulful voice and control. Her journey proves that she’s not just a performer on screen but also a true artist at heart.

Randeep Hooda’s passion lies beyond the arc lights—in the stables. A skilled horse rider and polo player, Randeep has represented India in equestrian events. He’s also an advocate for animal welfare and often spends time training horses in his free hours.

When he’s not setting the screen on fire, Salman Khan finds peace in painting. His artworks have been auctioned for charity, and his paintings often reflect deep emotions and abstract ideas. He’s also dabbled in songwriting—penning the lyrics of songs like “Selfish” from Race 3.