Freida Pinto

Freida Selena Pinto was born on 18 October 1984 in Bombay, Maharashtra. Demonstrating an interest in performance from a young age, Pinto resolved to become an actress. As a student at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, she participated in amateur plays. Following graduation, she worked briefly as a model and television presenter. Her breakthrough came in 2008 with the drama Slumdog Millionaire, earning her a SAG Award and a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She garnered critical acclaim for roles in Miral (2010), Trishna (2011), and Desert Dancer (2014). Pinto also enjoyed commercial success with Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and Immortals (2011). Notable credits include You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010), Love Sonia (2018), Hillbilly Elegy (2020), and Mr. Malcolm's List (2022).

Pinto has a middle class upbringing in Bombay and was influenced by Sushmita Sen's Miss Universe victory in 1994. Following an English literature degree, with minors in psychology and economics, at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, she dabbled in acting and modeling. Her determination solidified upon watching Monster (2003), citing it as 'transformational'. Pinto then committed to a modeling career, first with Elite Model Management India before venturing into film and television roles. Despite initial unsuccessful auditions, Pinto persisted and eventually landed her defining role in Slumdog Millionaire. She is also actively involved in humanitarian causes and promotes gender equality.