Fagun Thakrar

Fagun Thakrar,[1] also known as Fagun, is a critically acclaimed English actress, writer-director and activist who has appeared in the English, Hollywood, and Indian cinema, receiving accolades for her performances.[2] 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 Fagun Foundation, to empower young people through creativity.

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

Early life

Fagun was born in Leicester, Leicestershire, England[3] where she studied at Beauchamp College in Oadby. Fagun moved to London to study medicine at University College London. Simultaneously, she also studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Fagun has also trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD), in London, from which she graduated in Summer 2014 with a master's degree. Later, Fagun obtained her third master's degree from the London College of Fashion. Most recently, Fagun has studied film direction in the United States.

Fagun's educational experience 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.[4]

Film career

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,[5] shot on location in London. She then played Mandy Edge for the long running BBC hospital TV series, Holby City.[6]

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.[7] Fagun portrayed Rekha opposite Martin Sheen and Kal Penn in the American film 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[8] for the premiere of his movie, 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.[9]

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

Fagun's films cover a diverse range of subjects, shedding light on the prominent social justice issues of today and providing exposure for many under-represented topics.  Fagun is currently directing a documentary covering the intersection of neurology with meditation.[10]

Non-profit activities

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.[11] 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.[12]

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.[13]

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.

Community involvement

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.[14]

Style

Red Carpet Icon

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.[15] Fagun has been consistently listed as among the best dressed personalities at Cannes since her debut.

Fashion line

Fagun is the head fashion designer of her own line, the Fagun Collection, which features high fashion crystal embroidered clutches and accessories.[2] Her line launched at the 2011 Oscars red carpet with Serena Williams, and has subsequently been a prominent part of other international celebrities' wardrobes.

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References
  1. "Fagun Thakrar". imdb.com.
  2. "Interview With Fagun Thakrar". glamsham.com. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  3. "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.
  4. "Interview With Brit Star Fagun Thakrar – Anglotopia.net | Anglotopia – For People That Love Britain". 28 September 2010. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  5. "CINEMA: Hollywood Beckons: Chat with Fagun Thakrar | SEPTEMBER 2010 | Celebrating 11 Years". Siliconeer. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  6. "New Indian Express". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  7. "Celebrity Travel: Fagun Thakrar". Whereandnow.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
  8. "FANTASTIKINDIA: Interview de Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra".
  9. "Hindustan Times - Archive News". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014.
  10. How Our Brains Are Affected by Meditation, retrieved 18 June 2019
  11. forum-wbp. "Fagun Thakrar – International Forum on Woman's Brain & Mental Health". Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  12. "Press Release: Fagun Thakrar and Sophia on AI & Brain Health". in.news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  13. "Fagun Thakrar at Women in Film Oscar event". ChennaiPatrika. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  14. "Press Release: Fagun Thakrar Leads Yoga Event at UN Invitation". The Quint. 21 June 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  15. "Cannes Film Festival: Fagun Thakrar joins Aishwarya Rai Bachchan". News Track India. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
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