7 Global Personalities Who Are Complete And Absolute Indophiles

Indian culture has a reputation of mystifying the world and it has had a profound impact on people of various generations, across the globe. Here are some notable examples of people who have always been enchanted and enamored by India, one way or the other.

1. William Dalrymple

An avid historian and traveler, Dalrymple won numerous awards that stand testament to his works that explore various events, and stories of people throughout history. His books to do with Indian history deal with various topics that we as Indians would never have been curious about. In 1989, he moved to Delhi, where he lived for 5 years researching material for his book City of Djinns. It gives an excellent account of life in Delhi past and present, pointing towards his attention to detail.

His other books about India are also very well researched as they deal with different periods of Indian history like the Mughal empire and the British Raj. His most recent book, published in 2013, was about the Anglo-Afghan wars of 1839.

snipview.com

2. Tom Alter

Born in the hill station of Mussorie, Alter began his career as a sports coach until he was inspired by Rajesh Khanna to work his way into films and theatre. He is known throughout the industry for his ability to speak impeccable Hindi and identifies as being Indian despite having American parentage.

He has appeared in numerous Hindi and regional films like Sardar and Bheja Fry. On stage, he has performed as Rabrindranath Tagore and starred in William Dalrymple's City Of Djinns.

BCCL

3. Gregory David Roberts

He is best known for his work on his novel Shantaram which runs along the lines of his own life. Roberts was convicted in prison after robbing banks and credit unions in Australia after his marriage broke down due to his heroin addiction.

Roberts escaped prison and fled to India where he was inspired to write Shantaram, a name his best friend's mother had given him. After completing six years in prison from being extradited in Europe, he finally completed the novel he was working on. He set up several charitable foundations to assist the poor people of Mumbai and became involved in contributing to the Zeitz Foundation.

ew.com

4. Katy Perry

Known to incorporate Indian design and motifs in her elaborate costumes, the American pop-star got engaged and married in India while taking home some fantastic memories with her. She performed live at the opening of IPL5 where she sang the song 'California Gurls' to a Bollywood-inspired beat. Her marriage to her ex-husband Russell Brand was conducted as a traditional Hindu ceremony in Rajasthan.

BCCL

5. Caron Rawnsley

This 70-year-old Irishman was devastated when he saw the appalling condition of the Gulab Sagar step well near Jodhpur. Without the help of any government initiative or NGO, he began cleaning the site alone, paying for the reparation with his own money. It is not confirmed whether the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation responded to his letter asking for assistance to preserving the city's heritage sites.

Courtesy of Rohit Singh

6. Joanna Lumley

The British model, actress and activist was born in Kashmir where her father was the commander of the 6th Gurkha Regiment. She is best known for her role as 'Patsy' in the hit sitcom, Absolutely Fabulous.

In 2008, she became the public face of the Gurkha Justice Campaign which was devoted to securing the right of settlement for several Gurkha soldiers who had served in the British Army. She is also a passionate supporter of the welfare of the Dongria Kondha tribals in India, who are under threat due to government development plans.

dailymail.co.uk/Jeff Moore

7. Roberto Cavalli

The Italian fashion designer is reported to have commented on how he finds it easier to work with Bollywood stars rather than their Hollywood counterparts. He has made dresses for Shilpa Shetty, Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor and Genelia D'souza.

Cavalli's family, who are also Indophiles, are huge fans of the Taj Mahal.

hollywoodreporter.com