Hugh Grant's Surprising Ancestry

Hugh Grant, the renowned British actor celebrated for his roles in romantic films like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Love Actually, has recently shared that he may have Indian heritage, as his father was born in India.

At 65, Grant revealed that his family has connections to the Indian subcontinent. "My father served as a soldier and was born in India. Locating his birth certificate was quite a challenge; it came from a lesser-known town in northern India," he explained. "So, I suppose that makes me half Indian," he added.

A Journey Back to India

Reflecting on his first trip to India in 1988, Grant recounted his time filming La Nuit Bengali (The Bengali Night) in Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta.

"I was involved in a rather artistic French film in 1988, La Nuit Bengali, shot in Kolkata, which unfortunately didn't receive much of a release. However, I truly enjoyed my time there, despite warnings that it would be a cultural shock for me. It was, but I ended up loving it," he shared.

Experiencing Kolkata's High Society

During his stay, Grant mingled with many locals and found himself immersed in Kolkata's high society. "I somehow got swept into the elite circles of Kolkata, attending cocktail parties and polo events. I was surprised to discover that such a lifestyle still existed there," he noted, reminiscing about gatherings at the Tollygunge Club and interactions with personalities like Moon Moon Sen.

Insights into Indian Cinema

Grant is also familiar with Indian cinema, mentioning, "I've watched some of Satyajit Ray's films, and we utilized his studio, which is quite remarkable. However, I can't claim to have seen much Bollywood."

Memories of Maurice and Merchant Ivory

Years before becoming a heartthrob, Grant starred in Maurice, a 1987 production by Merchant Ivory, directed by the esteemed James Ivory, who collaborated frequently with Indian producer Ismail Merchant.

"They were a unique and wonderful duo, creating beautiful and bold films. I cherished my time with them, and it's unfortunate that Ismail is no longer with us. Jim, however, continues to thrive and win Oscars. Working with them was fascinating, especially since they often had little funding, and any money they did have would vanish mid-production," he recalled.

Unique Experiences on Set

"Ismail would sometimes borrow my mother's car for the evening, only for her to get it back weeks later. When funds ran low, he would cook for the entire cast and crew, making curry. It was a unique experience, and everyone who worked on their films ended up loving them, even if they felt slightly taken advantage of," Grant concluded.