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‘I’m taking Hindi classes’: Anya Chalotra on her British-Indian heritage

The actress currently plays Yennefer in Netflix’s The Witcher.

‘I’m taking Hindi classes’: Anya Chalotra on her British-Indian heritage

The Witcher, one of the biggest fantasy series ever produced, returned for its third series last week. Netflix premiered its first five episodes on June 29, with episodes six through eight slated to release on July 27.

The Witcher boasts an impressive cast, including Anya Chalotra, who plays Yennefer, a character that leaves behind a neglected childhood to become the most formidable sorceress ever trained at the magical academy of Aretuza.


The 26-year-old was born to an Indian father and an English mother and is extremely proud of her dual heritage.

In one of her recent interviews, Chalotra opened up about visiting India in 2019 and meeting his paternal relatives in the Indian state of Punjab.

“It completely got me,” the actress told the publication. “It was very special to go with my dad. He got to show me Pathankot, where so many of my aunties and cousins still live. They’ve been keeping up-to-date with our lives and we stay abreast of theirs. Even though we had never met, we became so close so soon. It was everything I had expected Indian culture to be—where your cousins are actually like your siblings.”

Chalotra aims to keep nourishing her roots in India and has, in fact, started taking Hindi classes to improve her command of the language. “I’m taking Hindi classes! I kid you not, I grew up on Bollywood. It was a way for my dad to show me his culture. There was a song from every cult movie—Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., Kal Ho Naa Ho, Main Hoon Na, Veer-Zaara—that I learned and performed for my family at some point.”

Stay tuned to this space for more updates!

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Swaroop Sampat-Rawal UK honour

Swaroop Sampat-Rawal stands inside the University of Worcester after receiving her new Fellowship

UK university honours Swaroop Sampat-Rawal for her journey as a Bollywood star turned educator

Highlights:

  • A new Fellowship from the University of Worcester puts Swaroop back where her academic journey began
  • The Bollywood star-turned-educator says the honour feels “full circle”
  • Her work in life-skills learning for children has gained global attention
  • Worcester already gave her an Honorary Doctorate in 2018
  • She’s also receiving the TREE Award for 2025–26

The University of Worcester has honoured Bollywood star turned educator Swaroop Sampat-Rawal for her contribution to creative education. The recognition brings her back to the campus where she completed her PhD on drama-based life skills training for children.

Swaroop Sampat-Rawal UK honour Swaroop Sampat-Rawal stands inside the University of Worcester after receiving her new Fellowship www.easterneye.biz

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