Gulshan Grover started on his path in international cinema at a time when the benefits of Internet available to artistes today didn’t exist. From having to inform filmmakers in the West himself about who he was to now having multiple Hollywood projects under his belt, the actor has had quite the journey.

Grover is happy that the “mud path” he created is being taken by other Indian actors. He shares that when he started off in the West, even approaching people was a tough task.

“I started in an era when there was no Internet or other way to find out who you are. I’d [have to] tell the studio or filmmaker in Hollywood about my films in India... I’m glad I made a mud path, and that it is being cemented and followed by my wonderful colleagues. They are making us proud, whether it’s Priyanka Chopra Jonas, late Irrfan or the others,” says the 65-year-old, who has done films such as Beeper (2002), Blind Ambition (2008), and Prisoners Of The Sun (2013) in the West.

Recently, Jonas was chosen to announce the Academy Award nominations, along with her husband, singer Nick Jonas. However, her credibility to be given this task was questioned by a social media user. Grover feels this was not right. “I congratulated her when she announced it. A certain journalist saying what are her credentials is incorrect. She has done over 60 films, produced films in different Indian languages, and now in the West. She is not only a star we love but also a filmmaker. Priyanka was absolutely qualified,” reasons Grover, who was recently seen in the film Mumbai Saga.

He also feels that an Indian star’s presence benefits the international projects they become part of. He says, “It gets the attention of millions of people from this part of the world. The kind of fan following we have here for Indian celebs — whether it’s cricket or Bollywood — no other country has it. I used to say, when they (international filmmakers) would be casting me in films, ‘You are going to have an experience you’ve never had’.”