Fagun Thakrar, 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. 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.
Early life
Fagun was born in Leicester, Leicestershire, England 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. Fagun has also trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, 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.
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, shot on location in London. She then played Mandy Edge for the long running BBC hospital TV series, Holby City. 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. Fagun portrayed Rekha opposite Martin Sheen and Kal Penn in the American film 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 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. Fagun served as the international spokeswoman for SAHARA, 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.
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. 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. Her line launched at the 2011 Oscars red carpet with Serena Williams, and has subsequently been a prominent part of other international celebrities' wardrobes.
