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Oscar Winner Ben Kingsley's Transformative Name Change Unlocked Stardom
4 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Actor Ben Kingsley changed his name to overcome cultural bias
- Name change led to immediate career opportunities
- Kingsley later won an Academy Award for playing Mahatma Gandhi
In 2025, actor Ben Kingsley, formerly known as Krishna Bhanji, reflects on his transformative decision to change his name earlier in his career. Kingsley, who was born in 1943, believed that his original name would limit his roles due to cultural biases in the acting industry. The name change, which occurred several decades ago, immediately opened up new opportunities for the aspiring actor.
Kingsley's gamble paid off, as he went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1983 for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi. This landmark achievement cemented his status as a renowned and versatile performer. Today, at the age of 82, Kingsley continues to identify as Ben Kingsley, the name that has become synonymous with his acclaimed body of work.
