The growing relationship between Nollywood and India’s entertainment industry has opened new doors for Nigerian actors. The latest star to make that move is Osas Ighodaro, who recently landed the lead role of Zara Ogun in the Nolly-Bollywood micro-drama series Imported Bahu.
While Osas’ new project has generated excitement among fans, she is not the first Nigerian actor to feature in an Indian-backed production. Over the years, several Nollywood stars have appeared in films and series that brought together Nigerian and Indian talent.
Several of these cross-cultural projects were driven by Indian filmmaker Hamisha Daryani Ahuja. Through productions such as Namaste Wahala, Postcards, and Imported Bahu, she has helped create a bridge between Nollywood and India’s entertainment industry, giving Nigerian actors opportunities to reach new audiences.
From veterans like Richard Mofe-Damijo and Joke Silva to younger stars such as Nancy Isime and Tobi Bakre, here are 10 Nollywood actors who have crossed into Indian cinema.
1. Osas Ighodaro
Osas Ighodaro is the latest Nollywood star to make headlines for crossing into Indian cinema. In June 2026, it was announced that she had landed the lead role of Zara Ogun in Imported Bahu, a Nolly-Bollywood micro-drama series produced by Hamisha Daryani Ahuja.
Before Imported Bahu, Osas had already appeared in the 2020 cross-cultural romantic comedy Namaste Wahala, where she played Preemo, a rival to the film’s lead character. Her involvement in both productions makes her one of the few Nigerian actresses with multiple credits in Indian-backed projects.
2. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is one of the biggest Nollywood names to feature in Indian-backed productions. In 2020, he starred in Namaste Wahala, the romantic comedy that brought together Nigerian and Indian actors in a story about love, culture, and family expectations.
RMD later strengthened his connection to Indian cinema with a role in Postcards, the Netflix drama series created by Hamisha Daryani Ahuja. His appearances in both projects helped introduce him to audiences beyond Africa.
3. Sola Sobowale
Sola Sobowale is another Nollywood veteran who has been part of the growing collaboration between Nigerian and Indian filmmakers. She appeared in Namaste Wahala, the 2020 romantic comedy that blended Nigerian and Indian cultures through a cross-cultural love story.
The actress later returned in Postcards, where she shared the screen with actors from both countries. Her involvement in the productions further highlights her status as one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses.
4. Nancy Isime
Nancy Isime added an Indian-backed production to her growing filmography when she joined the cast of Postcards. The Netflix drama series brought together actors from Nigeria and India in a story about migration, family, ambition, and identity.
Known for her energetic screen presence, Nancy was among the Nollywood stars selected for the cross-cultural project. Her role in Postcards expanded her international reach and introduced her to a wider audience.
5. Tobi Bakre
Tobi Bakre also became part of the growing partnership between Nollywood and Indian filmmakers through his role in Postcards. The actor and reality TV star featured in the series alongside RMD, Sola Sobowale, and Nancy Isime.
Since moving from reality television into acting, Tobi has built a reputation for strong performances in films and television projects. His appearance in Postcards added an Indian-backed production to his growing résumé.
6. Rahama Sadau
Rahama Sadau is one of the most recognizable faces in Kannywood and Nollywood. She played Zainab, a Nigerian woman married to an Indian doctor, in Postcards.
Her character’s story highlighted the cultural connections and challenges that can come with cross-border relationships. Through the series, Rahama joined the list of Nigerian actors featured in productions linking Nollywood and Indian cinema.
7. Ini Dima-Okojie
Ini Dima-Okojie played one of the most important Nigerian roles in Namaste Wahala. She starred as Didi, a successful Nigerian lawyer whose relationship with an Indian investment banker drives the story.
As the film’s female lead, Ini helped bring the cross-cultural romance to life. The movie’s success on Netflix gave her performance international visibility and introduced her to audiences beyond Nigeria.
8. Joke Silva
Veteran actress Joke Silva was among the respected Nollywood stars who featured in Namaste Wahala. She played Shola, the mother of Didi, the Nigerian lawyer at the center of the film.
Known for bringing depth and authority to her roles, Silva added experience to the cast as she portrayed a mother navigating her daughter’s relationship with a man from a different cultural background.
9. Ibrahim Suleiman
Ibrahim Suleiman has appeared in more than one Indian-backed production. In Namaste Wahala, he played Somto, a lawyer and potential suitor who finds himself caught in the story’s love triangle.
He later appeared in Postcards, further strengthening his connection to projects that bring together Nigerian and Indian talent. His roles in both productions showcased his versatility as an actor.
10. Anee Icha
Anee Icha was part of the ensemble cast of Namaste Wahala. In the romantic comedy, she played Angie, one of Didi’s close friends and confidantes.
Although her role was a supporting one, she helped bring warmth and humour to the story as the characters navigated love, family expectations, and cultural differences.
Bonus: Broda Shaggi
Before becoming one of Nigeria’s most popular actors, Broda Shaggi built a massive following as a comedian, skit maker, and content creator. The entertainer, whose real name is Samuel Perry, made a memorable appearance in Namaste Wahala as a hilarious Lagos taxi driver.
Though his role was brief, his trademark humour added comic relief to the film and left a lasting impression on viewers.
Conclusion
Osas Ighodaro’s lead role in Imported Bahu is the latest example of the growing connection between Nollywood and India’s entertainment industry. While collaborations between the two film worlds remain relatively rare, projects such as Namaste Wahala, Postcards, and Imported Bahu have shown the potential of cross-cultural storytelling.
As filmmakers continue to explore stories that connect audiences across continents, more Nigerian actors may find opportunities in Indian-backed productions. For now, these stars have helped build a bridge between two of the world’s most vibrant film industries.
