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{{Short description|English actress  (born 1983)}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
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| caption            = Fagun at the Annual 64th Cannes Film Festival
| caption            = Fagun at the Annual 64th Cannes Film Festival
| birth_name        =  
| birth_name        =  
| birth_date        = <!-- {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1986|10|12}} -->
| birth_date        =  
| birth_place        = [[Leicester]], Leicestershire, England, UK
| birth_place        = [[Leicester]], Leicestershire, England, UK
| death_date        = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} Death date then birth -->
| death_date        = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} Death date then birth -->
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| othername          =  
| othername          =  
| alma_mater        = [[University of Cambridge]] [[University College London| University College London Medical School]], [[Royal Central School of Speech and Drama]], [[London College of Fashion]]
| alma_mater        = [[University of Cambridge]] [[University College London| University College London Medical School]], [[Royal Central School of Speech and Drama]], [[London College of Fashion]]
| occupation        = Actress, director, writer, producer, global ambassador, activist, fashion designer, philanthropist,  
| occupation        = Actress, director, writer, producer, global ambassador, activist, fashion designer, philanthropist,
| yearsactive        = Since 2011
| yearsactive        = Since 2011
| spouse            =  
| spouse            =  
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'''Fagun Thakrar''' is an English actress, writer-director, social entrepreneur and activist. Fagun has appeared in several British, American, and [[Cinema of India|Indian]] cinema, receiving accolades for her performances.<ref name="glamsham">{{cite web|url=http://www.glamsham.com/movies/interviews/13-fagun-thakrar-interview-061104.asp |title=Interview With Fagun Thakrar |publisher=glamsham.com |accessdate=19 June 2012}}</ref> In her films, Fagun has starred alongside actors such as [[Martin Sheen]], [[Donald Sutherland]], and [[Brie Larson]]. As an activist, Fagun Thakrar is involved in many global non-profits. She supports initiatives focused on global health and holistic well-being, and subsequently founded the Creatively Inspired Life Foundation to empower young people through creativity.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Creatively Inspired Life – Helping Young People through the Arts|url=https://www.creativelyinspiredlife.org/|access-date=2021-06-28|language=en-US}}</ref>  
'''Fagun Thakrar''' is an English actress, writer-director, founder, social entrepreneur and activist. Fagun has appeared in several British, American, and [[Cinema of India|Indian]] cinema.<ref name="glamsham">{{cite web|url=http://www.glamsham.com/movies/interviews/13-fagun-thakrar-interview-061104.asp |title=Interview With Fagun Thakrar |publisher=glamsham.com |accessdate=19 June 2012}}</ref> Fagun is the founder and CEO of the Purpose Movie Studio.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Purpose Movie Studio |url=https://thepurposemoviestudio.com/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |language=en}}</ref> Fagun is involved in many global non-profit organizations, particularly in initiatives related to global health and holistic well-being. She also established the Creatively Inspired Life Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Elena |date=2021-04-19 |title=Fagun Thakrar expands creativity focused not-for-profit - News & insight |url=https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/2021/fagun-thakrar-expands-creativity-focused-not-for-profit/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Cambridge Judge Business School |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Creatively Inspired Life – Helping Young People through the Arts |url=https://creativelyinspiredlife.org/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |language=en}}</ref> In March 2023, Fagun was selected as a Young Global Leader by the [[World Economic Forum]], recognizing her as one of the world's most promising leaders.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-14 |title=Here are 2023's Young Global Leaders, from macroeconomics to opera |url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/03/young-global-leaders-ygl-class-of-2023/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=World Economic Forum |language=en}}</ref>
==Early life==
Fagun was born in [[Leicester]], Leicestershire, England.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moviescopemag.com/24-fps/one-to-watch/actor/fagun-thakrar-one-to-watch/ |title=Fagun Thakrar – One To Watch – movieScope Magazine &#124; movieScope Magazine |publisher=Moviescopemag.com |date=14 August 2010 |accessdate=19 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227141402/http://www.moviescopemag.com/24-fps/one-to-watch/actor/fagun-thakrar-one-to-watch/ |archive-date=27 December 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She studied at [[Beauchamp College]] in [[Oadby]].


==Early life==
Fagun has studied five degrees at internationally renowned universities. Initially Fagun moved to London to study medicine at [[University College London]].<ref name="Fagun Thakrar {{!}} HuffPost">{{Cite web|title=Fagun Thakrar {{!}} HuffPost|url=https://www.huffpost.com/author/fagun-thakrar|access-date=2021-06-28|website=www.huffpost.com|language=en}}</ref> Later, she diversified her education by training in classical acting at the [[Royal Central School of Speech and Drama|Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD)]] and the [[Royal Academy of Dramatic Art|Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London]]<ref name="Fagun Thakrar {{!}} HuffPost" /> and pursued film directing studies in the US.<ref name=":0" /> She also holds a master's degree from the [[London College of Fashion]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Arif-Fear|first=Elizabeth|date=2019-02-05|title=Empowering women through the arts: Meet women's NGO the Fagun Foundation, led by actress and activist Fagun Thakrar|url=https://voiceofsalam.com/2019/02/05/empowering-women-through-the-arts-meet-the-fagun-foundation/|access-date=2021-06-28|website=Voice of Salam|language=en}}</ref> Subsequently, Fagun acquired an MBA to broaden her scope in the business sector. She has further advanced her academic qualifications by earning a fifth degree from the [[University of Cambridge]].<ref name="jbs.cam.ac.uk">{{Cite web|date=2021-04-19|title=Fagun Thakrar expands creativity focused not-for-profit - News & insight|url=https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/insight/2021/fagun-thakrar-expands-creativity-focused-not-for-profit/|access-date=2021-06-28|website=Cambridge Judge Business School|language=en-GB}}</ref>  
Fagun was born in [[Leicester]], Leicestershire, England.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moviescopemag.com/24-fps/one-to-watch/actor/fagun-thakrar-one-to-watch/ |title=Fagun Thakrar – One To Watch – movieScope Magazine &#124; movieScope Magazine |publisher=Moviescopemag.com |date=14 August 2010 |accessdate=19 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227141402/http://www.moviescopemag.com/24-fps/one-to-watch/actor/fagun-thakrar-one-to-watch/ |archive-date=27 December 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She studied at [[Beauchamp College]] in [[Oadby]]. Fagun has studied five degrees at internationally renowned universities. Initially Fagun moved to London to study medicine at [[University College London]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fagun Thakrar {{!}} HuffPost|url=https://www.huffpost.com/author/fagun-thakrar|access-date=2021-06-28|website=www.huffpost.com|language=en}}</ref> Fagun later trained in classical acting at the [[Royal Central School of Speech and Drama|Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD) and the]] [[Royal Academy of Dramatic Art|Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fagun Thakrar {{!}} HuffPost|url=https://www.huffpost.com/author/fagun-thakrar|access-date=2021-06-28|website=www.huffpost.com|language=en}}</ref> Fagun obtained another master's degree from the [[London College of Fashion|London College of Fashion and she has studied film direction in the United States.]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Arif-Fear|first=Elizabeth|date=2019-02-05|title=Empowering women through the arts: Meet women’s NGO the Fagun Foundation, led by actress and activist Fagun Thakrar|url=https://voiceofsalam.com/2019/02/05/empowering-women-through-the-arts-meet-the-fagun-foundation/|access-date=2021-06-28|website=Voice of Salam|language=en}}</ref> Fagun has her fifth degree from the [[University of Cambridge]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-19|title=Fagun Thakrar expands creativity focused not-for-profit - News & insight|url=https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/insight/2021/fagun-thakrar-expands-creativity-focused-not-for-profit/|access-date=2021-06-28|website=Cambridge Judge Business School|language=en-GB}}</ref>  


Fagun's educational experience was chronicled in a special segment for [[ITV Network|ITV]] News for maintaining her "straight A" record under a particularly challenging course load in high school and college.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anglotopia.net/british-entertainment/celebrities/interview-with-brit-star-fagun-thakrar/ |title=Interview With Brit Star Fagun Thakrar – Anglotopia.net &#124; Anglotopia – For People That Love Britain |date=28 September 2010 |accessdate=19 June 2012}}</ref>
Fagun's educational achievements was chronicled in a special segment for [[ITV News]] for maintaining her "straight A" record under a particularly challenging course load in high school and college.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anglotopia.net/british-entertainment/celebrities/interview-with-brit-star-fagun-thakrar/ |title=Interview With Brit Star Fagun Thakrar – Anglotopia.net &#124; Anglotopia – For People That Love Britain |date=28 September 2010 |accessdate=19 June 2012}}</ref>


==Film career==
==Film career==


=== Acting ===
=== Acting ===
Whilst studying, Fagun competed against thousands of contestants and won [[BBC]]'s Bolly Idol, after which she was offered her first lead stage role in Precious Bazaar by [[Samir Bhamra]]. For her first cinematic role, Fagun starred as Nabeela in the film, ''[[Brick Lane (2007 film)|Brick Lane]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconeer.com/past_issues/2010/september-2010/sep10-cinema-hollywood-chat-with-fagun-thakrar.html |title=CINEMA: Hollywood Beckons: Chat with Fagun Thakrar &#124; SEPTEMBER 2010 &#124; Celebrating 11 Years |publisher=Siliconeer |accessdate=19 June 2012}}</ref> shot on location in London. She then played Mandy Edge for the long running BBC hospital TV series, ''[[Holby City]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/fashion/article432206.ece |title=New Indian Express |publisher=The New Indian Express |accessdate=19 June 2012}}</ref>
Whilst studying, Fagun competed against thousands of contestants and won [[BBC]]'s Bolly Idol, an adoption of [[Pop idol|Pop]] and [[American Idol|America idol]] after which she was offered her first lead stage role.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Notable Alumni - Beauchamp College |url=https://www.beauchamp.org.uk/alumni/alumni-network/notable-alumni/ |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=www.beauchamp.org.uk}}</ref>  


Fagun's film acting career has focused on projects with deep social awareness.  Her roles include the title part of Zohra and the lead part of Deepa Verma, in the thriller Blood and Curry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whereandnow.com/index.php?section=where-to-travel-to-now&article=celebrity-travel-fagun-thakrar |title=Celebrity Travel: Fagun Thakrar |publisher=Whereandnow.com |access-date=2012-06-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020311/http://www.whereandnow.com/index.php?section=where-to-travel-to-now&article=celebrity-travel-fagun-thakrar |archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref> Fagun portrayed Rekha opposite [[Martin Sheen]] and [[Kal Penn]] in the American film [[Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain|Bhopal: Prayer for Rain.]]
For her first cinematic role, Fagun starred as Nabeela in the film, ''[[Brick Lane (2007 film)|Brick Lane]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconeer.com/past_issues/2010/september-2010/sep10-cinema-hollywood-chat-with-fagun-thakrar.html |title=CINEMA: Hollywood Beckons: Chat with Fagun Thakrar &#124; SEPTEMBER 2010 &#124; Celebrating 11 Years |publisher=Siliconeer |accessdate=19 June 2012}}</ref> shot on location in London. She then played Mandy Edge for the long running BBC hospital TV series, ''[[Holby City]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/fashion/article432206.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307180550/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/fashion/article432206.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 March 2014 |title=New Indian Express |publisher=The New Indian Express |accessdate=19 June 2012}}</ref> Her acting roles include the title part of Zohra and the lead part of Deepa Verma, in the thriller Blood and Curry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whereandnow.com/index.php?section=where-to-travel-to-now&article=celebrity-travel-fagun-thakrar |title=Celebrity Travel: Fagun Thakrar |publisher=Whereandnow.com |access-date=2012-06-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020311/http://www.whereandnow.com/index.php?section=where-to-travel-to-now&article=celebrity-travel-fagun-thakrar |archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref> Fagun portrayed Rekha opposite [[Martin Sheen]] and [[Kal Penn]] in the American film ''[[Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain|Bhopal: Prayer for Rain.]]''


Internationally acclaimed film director, [[Shekhar Kapur]], hand-picked Fagun to perform and lead the entourage on the official red carpet at the [[Cannes Film festival]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fantastikindia.fr/site/Interview-de-Rakeysh-Omprakash|title=FANTASTIKINDIA: Interview de Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra}}</ref> for the premiere of his movie, [[:fr:Bollywood, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told|Bollywood, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told]]. Fagun was the first person to perform on the red carpet in the festival's 65-year history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tabloid/shekhar-and-i-are-good-friends/article1-707572.aspx |work=Hindustan Times|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313025258/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tabloid/shekhar-and-i-are-good-friends/article1-707572.aspx |archive-date=13 March 2014 |df=dmy |title=Hindustan Times - Archive News }}</ref>
She attended the [[Cannes Film Festival]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hindustan Times - Archive News |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tabloid/shekhar-and-i-are-good-friends/article1-707572.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313025258/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tabloid/shekhar-and-i-are-good-friends/article1-707572.aspx |archive-date=13 March 2014 |work=Hindustan Times |df=dmy}}</ref> She was hand-picked by internationally acclaimed film director [[Shekhar Kapur]] for the premiere of the movie ''[[:fr:Bollywood, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told|Bollywood, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told]]''.


In addition to her acting credits on film, Fagun has performed in several Shakespeare plays, including as Juliet in [[Romeo and Juliet]].  She has also appeared in commercials representing [[L'Oréal]], [[IBM]] and [[Vodafone]].
In addition to her acting credits on film, Fagun has performed in several Shakespeare plays, including as Juliet in ''[[Romeo and Juliet]]''. She has also appeared in commercials representing [[L'Oréal]], [[IBM]] and [[Vodafone]].


=== Writing and directing ===
=== Writing and directing ===
As a writer and director, Fagun uses the power of storytelling through film to educate, entertain, and influence a wide audience. She is particularly drawn to films that shine a light on critical issues and can make positive changes through education and inspiration.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-19|title=Fagun Thakrar expands creativity focused not-for-profit - News & insight|url=https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/insight/2021/fagun-thakrar-expands-creativity-focused-not-for-profit/|access-date=2021-06-28|website=Cambridge Judge Business School|language=en-GB}}</ref>
As a writer and director Fagun intends to focus on films about social issues.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/2021/fagun-thakrar-expands-creativity-focused-not-for-profit/ | title=Fagun Thakrar expands creativity focused not-for-profit - News & insight | date=19 April 2021 }}</ref>


Fagun is currently directing a documentary How Our Brains Are Affected by Meditation.<ref>{{Citation|title=How Our Brains Are Affected by Meditation|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6230018/|access-date=2019-06-18}}</ref> The documentary analyses the intersection between Neuroscience, the Brain and Meditation and documents the neuroscience basis of meditation and its favourable impact on the human brain.
Fagun is currently directing a documentary How Our Brains Are Affected by Meditation.<ref>{{Citation|title=How Our Brains Are Affected by Meditation|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6230018/|access-date=2019-06-18}}</ref>  


==Non-profit activities==
==Non-profit activities==


=== Global activism ===
=== Global activism ===
In April 2019, Fagun became the Global Ambassador for The International Forum Advocating for Women's Brain and Health, they have an annual meeting that takes place in Zurich, Switzerland. The forum brings together experts and representatives from a wide range of scientific disciplines and various fields of practice contributing to the study and improvement of brain and health.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forum-wbp.com/fagun-thakrar/|title=Fagun Thakrar – International Forum on Woman's Brain & Mental Health|last=forum-wbp|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-18}}</ref> Fagun served as the key-note speaker and master of ceremonies for the 2019 forum. A key highlight of the program was her interview with first humanistic robot, [[Sophia (robot)|Sophia.]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/press-release-fagun-thakrar-sophia-102245877.html|title=Press Release: Fagun Thakrar and Sophia on AI & Brain Health|website=in.news.yahoo.com|language=en-IN|access-date=2019-06-24}}</ref>


Fagun started her own foundation in January 2017, the Fagun Foundation. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls and women across the globe to overcome barriers in their educational, professional and personal lives through the transformative power of creativity. The organisation manages a global network a creative professionals and links women all around the world to help them improve their personal and professional well-being.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fagun Thakrar at Women in Film Oscar event|url=http://entertainment.chennaipatrika.com/post/2017/03/02/Fagun-Thakrar-at-Women-in-Film-Oscar-event.aspx|website=ChennaiPatrika|accessdate=12 March 2017}}</ref>
Fagun was appointed as the Global Ambassador for The International Forum Advocating for Women's Brain and Health, which holds an annual meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. The organization unites experts and representatives from various scientific disciplines and practice fields, with the aim of advancing the study and enhancement of brain and mental health.<ref>{{Cite web |last=forum-wbp |title=Fagun Thakrar – International Forum on Woman's Brain & Mental Health |url=https://www.forum-wbp.com/fagun-thakrar/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609105356/https://www.forum-wbp.com/fagun-thakrar/ |archive-date=2023-06-09 |access-date=2019-06-18 |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
Fagun founded The Creatively Inspired Life Foundation, a non-profit organization to help young people to overcome barriers through the power of creativity.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fagun Thakrar at Women in Film Oscar event|url=http://entertainment.chennaipatrika.com/post/2017/03/02/Fagun-Thakrar-at-Women-in-Film-Oscar-event.aspx|website=ChennaiPatrika|accessdate=12 March 2017}}</ref>  


Fagun served as the international spokeswoman for ''SAHARA'' (South Asian Helpline And Referral Agency), a [[culturally sensitive]] organization that supports women in [[Southern California]]'s growing community of South Asians through personal crises, including domestic violence. Fagun continues to work with The United Nations and Amnesty International, among other global organization.
Fagun served as the international spokeswoman for ''SAHARA'' (South Asian Helpline And Referral Agency), a [[culturally sensitive]] organization that supports women in [[Southern California]] through personal crisis.  


=== Community involvement ===
Fagun continues to work with The United Nations and Amnesty International, among other global organizations<ref>{{cite web | url=https://justcelebritymag.com/2010/09/04/introducing-fagun-thakrar/ | title=Introducing Fagun Thakrar | date=4 September 2010 }}</ref>
In addition to her work with global non-profits, Fagun is also active with local community organizations.  She is a particularly strong proponent of local causes that support the holistic health and wellness within her community.  Fagun is champion of healthy living and regularly shares her expertise in yoga and meditation throughout the world, guiding groups as diverse as disadvantaged children and world leaders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/press-release/fagun-thakrar-leads-yoga-mega-event-people-central-london-un-invitation|title=Press Release: Fagun Thakrar Leads Yoga Event at UN Invitation|date=21 June 2019|website=The Quint|language=en|access-date=2019-06-24}}</ref>


==Style==
==Awards and honors==
The [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] ([[Bafta|BAFTA]]) honored Fagun on their selective Newcomers Program, awarded to international rising stars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=2018-07-24 |title=Coming To America: BAFTA LA Expands Newcomers Program To International Talent & Biz |url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/bafta-la-expands-newcomers-program-1202432482/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-07-28 |title=BAFTA Los Angeles Announces the 2017-18 Newcomers Program Participants |url=https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/bafta-los-angeles-announces-the-2017-18-newcomers-program-participants |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=www.bafta.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wyche |first=Elbert |date=2017-07-28 |title=BAFTA LA announces Newcomer Programme participants |url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/-bafta-la-announces-newcomer-programme-participants/5120411.article |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=Screen }}</ref>


===Red Carpet Icon===
Fagun was awarded the Leicester Arts Achievement Award for her contribution and supporting young people in the arts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fagun Thakrar Becomes First Actor that Leicester Honors with Prestigious Award for Artistic Achievement |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/fagun_thakrar_becomes_first_actor_that_leicester_honors_with_prestigious_award_for_artistic_achievement/prweb14252284.htm |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=PRWeb}}</ref>
Fagun Thakrar has established herself as fashion icon on the red carpet. At the 68th Cannes films festival, she was named best dressed by Gala and by the press.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cannes Film Festival: Fagun Thakrar joins Aishwarya Rai Bachchan|url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2015/5/27/17-Cannes-Film-Festival-Fagun-Thakrar-joins-Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan.html|website=News Track India|accessdate=24 February 2016}}</ref> Fagun has been consistently listed as among the best dressed personalities at Cannes since her debut.


===Fashion line===
Fagun's career achievements were featured alongside those of actors, including Dame Judi Dench, in a historical book on British actors on stage and cinema over the past eight decades.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiablooms.com/showbiz-details/B/5064/fagun-thakrar-chosen-to-be-in-the-book-of-the-history-of-british-actors.html | title=Fagun Thakrar chosen to be in the book of the history of British actors &#124; Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management | date=26 October 2016 }}</ref>
Fagun is the head fashion designer of her own line, the Fagun Collection, which features high fashion crystal embroidered clutches and accessories.<ref name="glamsham" /> Her line launched at the 2011 Oscars red carpet with [[Serena Williams]], and has subsequently been a prominent part of other international celebrities' wardrobes.


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Thakrar, Fagun}}
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:English film actresses]]
[[Category:English film actresses]]
[[Category:English television actresses]]
[[Category:English television actresses]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Leicester]]
[[Category:Actresses from Leicester]]
[[Category:Actresses from Leicestershire]]
[[Category:Alumni of University College London]]
[[Category:Alumni of University College London]]
[[Category:Alumni of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]]
[[Category:Alumni of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]]
[[Category:English people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:English people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:English people of Gujarati descent]]
[[Category:English people of Gujarati descent]]
[[Category:1983 births]]

Latest revision as of 09:42, 14 December 2025


Fagun
Fagun at the Annual 64th Cannes Film Festival
Born
Leicester, Leicestershire, England, UK
Alma materUniversity of Cambridge University College London Medical School, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London College of Fashion
OccupationActress, director, writer, producer, global ambassador, activist, fashion designer, philanthropist,
Years activeSince 2011

Fagun Thakrar is an English actress, writer-director, founder, social entrepreneur and activist. Fagun has appeared in several British, American, and Indian cinema.[1] Fagun is the founder and CEO of the Purpose Movie Studio.[2] Fagun is involved in many global non-profit organizations, particularly in initiatives related to global health and holistic well-being. She also established the Creatively Inspired Life Foundation.[3][4] In March 2023, Fagun was selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, recognizing her as one of the world's most promising leaders.[5]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Fagun was born in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.[6] She studied at Beauchamp College in Oadby.

Fagun has studied five degrees at internationally renowned universities. Initially Fagun moved to London to study medicine at University College London.[7] Later, she diversified her education by training in classical acting at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD) and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London[7] and pursued film directing studies in the US.[8] She also holds a master's degree from the London College of Fashion.[8] Subsequently, Fagun acquired an MBA to broaden her scope in the business sector. She has further advanced her academic qualifications by earning a fifth degree from the University of Cambridge.[9]

Fagun's educational achievements was chronicled in a special segment for ITV News for maintaining her "straight A" record under a particularly challenging course load in high school and college.[10]

Film career[edit | edit source]

Acting[edit | edit source]

Whilst studying, Fagun competed against thousands of contestants and won BBC's Bolly Idol, an adoption of Pop and America idol after which she was offered her first lead stage role.[11]

For her first cinematic role, Fagun starred as Nabeela in the film, Brick Lane,[12] shot on location in London. She then played Mandy Edge for the long running BBC hospital TV series, Holby City.[13] Her acting roles include the title part of Zohra and the lead part of Deepa Verma, in the thriller Blood and Curry.[14] Fagun portrayed Rekha opposite Martin Sheen and Kal Penn in the American film Bhopal: Prayer for Rain.

She attended the Cannes Film Festival in 2011.[15] She was hand-picked by internationally acclaimed film director Shekhar Kapur for the premiere of the movie Bollywood, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.

In addition to her acting credits on film, Fagun has performed in several Shakespeare plays, including as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. She has also appeared in commercials representing L'Oréal, IBM and Vodafone.

Writing and directing[edit | edit source]

As a writer and director Fagun intends to focus on films about social issues.[16]

Fagun is currently directing a documentary How Our Brains Are Affected by Meditation.[17]

Non-profit activities[edit | edit source]

Global activism[edit | edit source]

Fagun was appointed as the Global Ambassador for The International Forum Advocating for Women's Brain and Health, which holds an annual meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. The organization unites experts and representatives from various scientific disciplines and practice fields, with the aim of advancing the study and enhancement of brain and mental health.[18]

Fagun founded The Creatively Inspired Life Foundation, a non-profit organization to help young people to overcome barriers through the power of creativity.[19]

Fagun served as the international spokeswoman for SAHARA (South Asian Helpline And Referral Agency), a culturally sensitive organization that supports women in Southern California through personal crisis.

Fagun continues to work with The United Nations and Amnesty International, among other global organizations[20]

Awards and honors[edit | edit source]

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) honored Fagun on their selective Newcomers Program, awarded to international rising stars.[21][22][23]

Fagun was awarded the Leicester Arts Achievement Award for her contribution and supporting young people in the arts.[24]

Fagun's career achievements were featured alongside those of actors, including Dame Judi Dench, in a historical book on British actors on stage and cinema over the past eight decades.[25]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Interview With Fagun Thakrar". glamsham.com. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  2. ↑ "The Purpose Movie Studio". Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  3. ↑ Morgan, Elena (19 April 2021). "Fagun Thakrar expands creativity focused not-for-profit - News & insight". Cambridge Judge Business School. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  4. ↑ "Creatively Inspired Life – Helping Young People through the Arts". Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  5. ↑ "Here are 2023's Young Global Leaders, from macroeconomics to opera". World Economic Forum. 14 March 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  6. ↑ "Fagun Thakrar – One To Watch – movieScope Magazine | movieScope Magazine". Moviescopemag.com. 14 August 2010. Archived from the original on 27 December 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Fagun Thakrar | HuffPost". www.huffpost.com. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Arif-Fear, Elizabeth (5 February 2019). "Empowering women through the arts: Meet women's NGO the Fagun Foundation, led by actress and activist Fagun Thakrar". Voice of Salam. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  9. ↑ "Fagun Thakrar expands creativity focused not-for-profit - News & insight". Cambridge Judge Business School. 19 April 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  10. ↑ "Interview With Brit Star Fagun Thakrar – Anglotopia.net | Anglotopia – For People That Love Britain". 28 September 2010. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  11. ↑ "Notable Alumni - Beauchamp College". www.beauchamp.org.uk. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  12. ↑ "CINEMA: Hollywood Beckons: Chat with Fagun Thakrar | SEPTEMBER 2010 | Celebrating 11 Years". Siliconeer. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  13. ↑ "New Indian Express". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  14. ↑ "Celebrity Travel: Fagun Thakrar". Whereandnow.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  15. ↑ "Hindustan Times - Archive News". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014.
  16. ↑ "Fagun Thakrar expands creativity focused not-for-profit - News & insight". 19 April 2021.
  17. ↑ How Our Brains Are Affected by Meditation, retrieved 18 June 2019
  18. ↑ forum-wbp. "Fagun Thakrar – International Forum on Woman's Brain & Mental Health". Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  19. ↑ "Fagun Thakrar at Women in Film Oscar event". ChennaiPatrika. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  20. ↑ "Introducing Fagun Thakrar". 4 September 2010.
  21. ↑ Wiseman, Andreas (24 July 2018). "Coming To America: BAFTA LA Expands Newcomers Program To International Talent & Biz". Deadline. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  22. ↑ "BAFTA Los Angeles Announces the 2017-18 Newcomers Program Participants". www.bafta.org. 28 July 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  23. ↑ Wyche, Elbert (28 July 2017). "BAFTA LA announces Newcomer Programme participants". Screen. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  24. ↑ "Fagun Thakrar Becomes First Actor that Leicester Honors with Prestigious Award for Artistic Achievement". PRWeb. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  25. ↑ "Fagun Thakrar chosen to be in the book of the history of British actors | Indiablooms - First Portal on Digital News Management". 26 October 2016.

External links[edit | edit source]

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