65 Years Before Deepika Padukone: Sabu, the Mysorean Who Made It to the Hollywood Walk of Fame

When Deepika Padukone received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024, it marked a proud moment for Indian cinema. But few know that an Indian from Mysuru got there 65 years earlier. His name? Sabu Dastagir — a boy from the royal stables of Mysore who became Hollywood’s first Indian star.

What is the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles, California. Spread across Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, it’s a public sidewalk embedded with over 2,700 brass stars honoring legends of the entertainment industry — from film and television to music, theatre, and radio.

Each star represents a lifetime of achievement and global influence. For many artists, receiving a star on the Walk of Fame is one of the highest honors in the world of entertainment.

And in 1960, one of those stars was given to a young man from Mysuru.

From Palace Grounds to the Silver Screen

Born in 1924, Sabu was the son of a mahout working in the royal stables of Mysore Palace. His early life was spent among elephants, not film cameras. That changed dramatically when British filmmaker Robert Flaherty visited India and spotted the young boy’s charm and presence.

At just 13 years old, Sabu was cast in Elephant Boy (1937), a film inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s Toomai of the Elephants. It was shot partially in Mysore and partially in the UK. Sabu’s natural performance won global hearts and marked the beginning of a remarkable international career.

Hollywood’s First Indian Star

After Elephant Boy, there was no looking back. Sabu moved to the West and starred in a series of major Hollywood productions through the 1930s and 40s. His most notable films include:

The Thief of Bagdad (1940)
Arabian Nights (1942)
The Jungle Book (1942)
Cobra Woman (1944)

He was often typecast in exotic or princely roles, but Sabu stood out for his charisma, screen presence, and ability to hold his own alongside big stars of the time.

More Than Just an Actor

Sabu’s story wasn’t confined to cinema. In 1944, during World War II, he became a U.S. citizen and enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. He served as a tail gunner on B-24 bombers and completed dozens of combat missions. For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the highest honors given by the U.S. military.

A Star on Hollywood Boulevard

In 1960, Sabu was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making him the first Indian to ever receive the honor. The star is located at 6251 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California — a place that immortalizes the legends of global cinema.
It’s a name that passersby may not recognize today, but one that carved a path few Indians dared to tread in that era.

Gone Too Soon, But Not Forgotten

Despite his early fame, Sabu’s career faded after the war. He never acted in Indian cinema and passed away in 1963 at the young age of 39, reportedly due to a heart attack. With time, his name faded from the spotlight — but his achievements remain unmatched.

His life is a reminder of the countless stories tucked away in the corners of Mysuru’s history — stories that deserve to be remembered and celebrated.

MasthMysore Salutes a True Trailblazer

From the royal stables of Mysore Palace to the stars of Hollywood Boulevard, Sabu Dastagir’s journey was nothing short of legendary. Long before Indian actors became global icons, he was already living that dream — with courage, grace, and talent.
As the world applauds new milestones in Indian cinema, let’s not forget the boy from Mysuru who did it all, long before hashtags and red carpets.

📍Next time you walk through Hollywood, pause at 6251 Hollywood Boulevard. That’s where a piece of Mysuru’s legacy still shines.