The actor Ben Kingsley changed his name from Krishna Bhanji in order to more easily find work in the film industry. At the time, there were few Indian actors working in Hollywood, and he felt that a Western-sounding name would give him a better chance of getting roles.
He has since said that he regrets changing his name, as it caused him to lose touch with his Indian heritage.
When Ben Kingsley was starting out as an actor, he decided to change his name from Krishna Pandit Bhanji to something that would be more memorable and easy for casting directors to pronounce. He chose the stage name “Ben Kingsley” after his father’s middle name and his grandfather’s first name.
Kingsley has said that he changed his name because of the prejudice against Asian actors in the British entertainment industry. In an interview with The Guardian, he explained, “I changed my name early on because I wanted to disguise myself so I wouldn’t get pigeon-holed…
If you’re called Harold Smith it doesn’t matter what color you are, but if you’re called Hari Singh – which is my real name – then they think, ‘Oh Christ, another Indian.'”
Kingsley isn’t the only actor to have changed his or her name in order to succeed in Hollywood. Many actors and actresses have Anglicized their names in order to get ahead in show business.
Credit: en.wikipedia.org
What is Ben Kingsley’s Religion?
British actor Ben Kingsley was born Krishna Bhanji on December 31, 1943, in Snainton, Yorkshire, England. His mother, Anna Lyna Mary (Goodwin), was a model and dressmaker who died when Kingsley was nine.
His father, Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, was an Indian medical doctor who worked as a pathologist at the King George Hospital in Uttoxeter; he also taught at St. Peter’s College in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Kingsley attended Leighton Park School and Pendleton College before embarking on an acting career with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. He made his film debut in the 1968 adaptation of John Osborne’s The Birthday Party. Kingsley has stated that he is “not religious”, but is “spiritual”.
How Did They Make Ben Kingsley Look Like Gandhi?
To make Ben Kingsley look like Gandhi, the filmmakers used a combination of makeup and costume. First, they applied makeup to his face to make him look more Indian. They then put him in a traditional Indian dhoti and turban.
Finally, they added a prosthetic nose and teeth to complete the transformation.
What is Ben Kingsley’s Real Name?
Sir Ben Kingsley’s real name is Krishna Bhanji. He was born in Yorkshire, England, to a Gujarati Indian father, Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, and an English mother, Anna Lyna Mary (Goodman). His paternal grandfather was an aristocratic landowner in Kenya.
Kingsley’s mother was Jewish; her ancestors emigrated from Russia and Lithuania. He was educated at Manchester Grammar School, where he excelled in drama. After graduating from grammar school, he worked for a short time as a journalist for the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Where Does Ben Kingsley Originate From?
Ben Kingsley was born in Yorkshire, England on December 31, 1943. His birth name is Krishna Bhanji and he was the son of Anna Lyna Mary (Goodman), a model and actress, and Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, a doctor.
His parents were both Indian immigrants to Britain; his father was from Kenya and his mother from Gujarat.
Kingsley grew up in Pendlebury, near Manchester. He was educated at Manchester Grammar School, where he excelled in drama. After grammar school, he attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
Ben Kingsley Wins Best Actor: 1983 Oscars
Ben Kingsley Parents
Ben Kingsley was born Krishna Bhanji in Snainton, North Riding of Yorkshire, England, to Anna Lyna Mary (Goodwin), a model and actress, and Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, a doctor. His grandfather, Jan Smuts, was a prominent lawyer in South Africa; his father served as mayor of Johannesburg. Kingsley’s mother is British.
He spent his early childhood in Pendlebury, Lancashire. When he was age 9 he joined the cast of Hitler: The Last Ten Days (1973) playing the role of Hitler Youth leader Peter Högl. After winning an award for his performance as Mozart in a school production at age 11, he started receiving acting lessons.
Is Ben Kingsley Indian
Yes, Ben Kingsley is of Indian descent. His father, Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, was Kenyan-born Indian, while his mother, Anna Lyna Mary (née Goodman), was English.
Kingsley’s paternal grandfather was an extremely successful Gujarati businessman, and Kingsley’s maternal grandfather ran several theatres in England and was also influential in the West End. Kingsley was brought up in Pendlebury, near Manchester.
He attended Manchester Grammar School, where he excelled at drama. After grammar school, he worked for a short time as a door-to-door insurance salesman before going to university.
Related Post: Why Did Andrew Lincoln Change His Name?
Ben Kingsley’s Net Worth
Ben Kingsley is an actor who has a net worth of $70 million. He was born in Yorkshire, England in December 1943. Kingsley began his acting career in the late 1960s with stage roles and appearances in British television series.
His breakout film role came as Mohandas Gandhi in the 1982 movie Gandhi which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Some of his other notable films include Bugsy, Schindler’s List, Sexy Beast, House of Sand and Fog, Lucky Number Slevin, and Shutter Island. In addition to his work onscreen, Kingsley has also worked as a voice actor including roles in the animated films Prince of Egypt and The Jungle Book 2.
Conclusion
Ben Kingsley changed his name from Krishna Bhanji to Ben Kingsley because he wanted a more “English-sounding” name. He thought that it would help him get more acting roles. He also thought that it would make people take him more seriously as an actor.
