Lee Jung-jae, the globally recognized star of the hit Netflix series Squid Game, has expressed his interest in working in Bollywood. In a recent virtual interview, the Emmy-winning actor stated, "I would love to be a part of a Bollywood film if I was given the opportunity". This revelation has created a buzz among Indian filmmakers and fans alike, opening up the possibility of a future collaboration between the Korean star and the Indian film industry.
Lee Jung-jae's career has spanned decades, but his role as Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game catapulted him to international fame. The series, which premiered in 2021, became a global phenomenon, breaking records for Netflix and captivating audiences with its dystopian survival thriller storyline. The show was nominated for 17 Emmys, winning six, including Best Actor in a Drama for Lee and Best Guest Actress in a Drama for Lee You-mi. Lee's portrayal of Gi-hun, a flawed but ultimately determined character, resonated with viewers worldwide.
When asked about the success of Squid Game, Lee attributed it to timing and the reflection of real-world struggles in the show's characters. He noted that the series was released during the pandemic and a time of global economic hardship, which mirrored the characters' desperation and resonated with audiences. The third and final season of Squid Game recently debuted and has already broken records, drawing 60.1 million views in its first three days.
Lee Jung-jae's interest in Bollywood is not just a passing comment. He has a genuine appreciation for Indian cinema, expressing regret that he doesn't have many opportunities to watch Indian films in Korea. He specifically mentioned enjoying a war film from India and hopes that more Indian movies will be released in Korean theaters, giving him and other Koreans more chances to see them and potentially meet Indian stars.
Despite his global fame, Lee remains grounded and focused on his work. Following the success of Squid Game, he is careful in choosing projects, emphasizing the importance of good content that can be enjoyed across different cultures. He is also aware of the need for sustainable solutions in the creative economy, acknowledging the rising production costs in the streaming era.
Beyond Squid Game, Lee Jung-jae is a versatile actor with a diverse filmography. He is currently starring in a romance drama titled Annoying Love, marking his return to television after several years. This new role showcases his willingness to explore different genres and characters, further solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted performer.
Lee's journey to stardom began with humble roots. He grew up in challenging circumstances and initially dreamt of becoming a taxi driver. However, his talent and dedication led him to become one of the most recognized Korean actors in the world. He was the first Asian actor to win Outstanding Lead Actor for a non-English speaking role at the Emmys.
Lee Jung-jae's openness to working in Bollywood signifies a growing interest in cross-cultural collaborations within the entertainment industry. It reflects the increasing globalization of content and the willingness of actors to explore opportunities beyond their home countries. Whether this interest materializes into a concrete project remains to be seen, but the prospect of seeing Lee Jung-jae in a Bollywood film is undoubtedly exciting for fans of both Korean and Indian cinema.
