The Heartbreaking Life Of Sabu, The First Indian Superstar

When you think of Indian actors in Hollywood, I’m certain that several names will come to mind, but "Sabu" isn't one of them. Why did India’s first international star’s name fade away from the world’s collective memory? Let’s take a stroll down the past’s cobbled roads and discover the intriguing and scandalous life of Sabu, Hollywood's forgotten superstar.
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[@hazelanglin5907]

I watched Jungle book and thief of Baghdad as a child. I loved watching Sabu.

[@trevormccarthy9019]

42 combat missions ! ? Wow a real hero.. not a Hollywood actor pretending to be one

[@cwavt8849]

In past generations, when history was taught in schools instead of life celebrations and gender "theory", the people of this great nation were proud and quick to serve. Many actors and actresses served in any way that they could. Some were already famous so their active roles in any dangerous position were eliminated, they still raised money and entertained the troops. Others who weren't in the acting profession served on the front lines and, before they even made it to Hollywood, were actual heroes. They rarely spoke about the bravery and hardships they endured. These weren't soy boys. They most definitely weren't betas. Lee Marvin, James Garner and countless others were leading men because they were men, real men, practically bursting with "toxic" masculinity ❤. I miss the good old days 🫤

[@filly3594]

When I was growing up, I watched every movie I could find that had Sabu in it. I was mesmerized by the way he spoke and liked his acting. It's very sad how his life played out during his last years.

[@avicennitegh1377]

Unbelievably beautiful man.

[@Factinate]

Couldn't agree more

[@npadiscovery12]

I'm a huge fan. This talented young man had such an endearing charm and a natural sense of naivety that made him unforgettable. 'The Thief of Baghdad' is an absolutely beloved classic, as is 'Black Narcissus

[@vondradavis951]

Mm

[@barneybrown2092]

"Black Narcissus" is such an underrated classic.

[@BLuddenify]

His own country was needlessly cruel, he was a child and an orphan when he was whisked away to make movies.

[@Loretta-do6dm]

My parents loved him. I grew up knowing who he was and seeing him in old movies. Very handsome with a sweet persona. My oarents also liked turan bey.

[@LizRob187]

Turhan

[@gwenking7700]

He seems like a beautiful spirit inside and out ❤❤

[@alyssstout8112]

He was such a handsome young man and it’s so sad that he passed away so young. 💔💔💔

[@mid-ohioguardian6927]

Phuck Factinate and all their ads !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@faisalahmad3309]

My late uncle was named sabu also. A great uncle he was

[@theodorecarter6601]

I like the 1942 Jungle Book movie.

[@Mignon-n4b]

Huge crush when I was a kid. Can see why. And why could no-one see that his supposed 'daughter' was as white as her mother?! Not much Indian there!

[@cocoaorange1]

She might have taken after her mom. Some mixed race kids have fair complexions.

[@MrTommyboy68]

So did his doctor submit him to a stress test? I have seen this numerous times, a doctor performed a stress test which the patient passed with flying colors only to drop dead within a few days of a major heart attack.

[@LINDABELLAMY-q3j]

❤❤❤❤❤ WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY, AND HOW LOVED HE WAS.GLAD TO HEAR HE HAD A BEAUTIFUL WIFE AND CHILDREN.I LOVED ALL HIS FILMS.SIR R I P.❤❤❤❤❤

[@cottoncandisandi6109]

It really is insane , how Sabu isn't well known in India . I'm obsessed with old films and early Hollywood . I belong to a few international clubs / groups , pertaining to this subject . Only one gentleman from India within the fandom . Who is relatively young ( early 30's). Could discuss Sabu and his film history . 🤔

[@romad357]

When Sabu was in the USAAF in 1944, my father was one of his gunnery instructors. He said that Sabu was a total pain in the butt during the entire training course, arrogant and entitled. Oh, gunners were NOT officers, but were enlisted.

[@patrioticyank4940]

That does not surprise me one bit a total pain in the butt i bet he was lol.

[@lindahill130]

A child in the 50s i loved sabu

[@Loner-Wolf]

The irony of the doctor's words.

[@sabrinapetersen5358]

Sabu, he was 39 years old!did he have a heart attack?!?

[@heidibee501]

Like every life there was good and there was bad. The arson and the burglary make me wonder 8f he was actually targeted. Did he and his wife divorce?

[@cindychristian1700]

No. Someone said in the comments that she was his widow and died in 2022 at the age of 98.

[@melissakrauss9180]

Did anybody ever find out how he had a heart attack at such a young age? Did he drink a lot? Use drugs? It doesn't make any sense.

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

And he had just had a physical a couple of days before. He was supposedly in good health

[@faithlesshound5621]

@@gloriamontgomery6900 That's a common story, getting a clean bill of health at an executive medical check one day and having a heart attack or even dropping dead the next week. I suppose those who DON'T get a clean bill of health are more likely to die, though.

[@georgeackerman1441]

The stress of finding work could not have helped ​@@faithlesshound5621

[@FLStelth]

"Died" isn't a bad word. "Passed" is ridiculously childish.

[@wilsonscott2370]

It's to avoid the algorithm. Some sites use such euphemisms as unalived. One uses pew pew for g(u)n.

[@jaysverrisson1536]

@@wilsonscott2370 It's not just on KZbin, but in print media and general conversation, too. Apparently, "death" and "died" are considered too harsh or triggering now. Even in obituaries, hardly anyone dies anymore! Absurd.

[@ellentravers7889]

One of my first jobs as a journalist was writing obituaries. I Would have been fired for using "passed." It's a euphemism used by the squeamish. There is nothing wrong with saying someone died when they did. Passed is nebulous and inexact; where did they pass to? No one knows.

[@DethStroke-fo7he]

@FLStelth - In USA in his era, animals died: they had no soul; humans passed: they had souls and went on to the next world That was how religious people considered it. Don’t be so judgmental.

[@lordeden2732]

Unalived is bl**dy ridiculous

[@ritastevenson5532]

Dark details in entertainment industry.. Are and we're quite well hidden. Via hook or crook ..... secrets were Hidden.. Money buys silence. In those countries ie India bribes were cheap due to extreme poverty, starvation, No clothes .wearing the same clothes .. Till ragged. ❤🎉 🎉❤❤

[@andreaparke4899]

What about his brother.

[@janysmahoney1271]

The 1 the only Mowglia Fantastic young man destined f stardom

[@bradparmar4728]

Some Upper echelons of Hollywood may have played a part on his demise! My Take! Him India, they so called Eastern European- mideastern culture who pioneered Hollywood ....

[@ivonnehermkens7432]

Jealousy was Sabu's I'll faithed life.

[@brandyyolidio4213]

My brother called himself Sabu anytime he had to use a nickname after he saw Jungle Book 😂 He was quite impressed

[@ericklynch6873]

Thanks

[@Factinate]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the support 💜

[@johnmitchelljr]

Thank you. Well done. Fate will stream roller you.

[@janysmahoney1271]

Respect t this talented young man at a times when nonwhites struggled t b recognised by Holly's

[@cathyhunnemeder3064]

Living a life of poverty in the maharaja’s stables? I don’t think so

[@peterkavanagh64]

It's good to check weather his body is.ok . Body parts

[@sonofednawelthorpe8609]

Very bad computer voice or illiterate. Nar siss uss

[@dolinaj1]

Welcome to AI.

[@dolinaj1]

Welcome to AI.

[@anitarichmond8930]

Oh,I’m a big fan. This beautiful young man exuded naivety and an endearing charm. “The Thief of Baghdad” is a much beloved film, as is “Black Narcissus” 🍿

[@christinecremen4151]

For me , too.

[@Lucinda-zr9su]

Not to mention he was stunningly gorgeous.

[@sharonshearouse5611]

I liked Black Narcissus

[@georgeackerman1441]

I sah the jungle book on TV as a boy and had a huge crush on him !

[@mid-ohioguardian6927]

Phuck Factinate and all their ads !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@PapaC-o9b]

i growed up watching Sabu he was one of the greats didn't know he died so young.

[@psefti]

When he visited our city an stayed at our city’s best hotel, where my Greek Grandfather was the chef, Sabu thanked him personally for the great dinner my grandfather prepared just for him.

[@hellskitchen10036]

When I was kid in the 50's Sabu was my favorite actor. I always wondered what happened to him.

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

His widow should not to be confused with the stage actress of the same name who was born a decade later and died in 2009. His widow was about the same age as Sabu, born in 1923, and she passed away at the age of 98 in 2022.

[@DavidUrban-y3c]

The only movie I remember him on was The Thief of Baghdad. It was such ashame that he died so young.

[@CarolLustgarten]

Great job. 😔 sad he died so young. Though he accomplished much in his short life. Glad his son is a success.😊😊

[@otaku1524]

Funny that Sabu couldn't get a work permit to work in his native country (India) but found some fame in a few British and American films. He lived a star-crossed life, fortune seemed to stay two steps ahead of him. Being involved in a paternity suit (Settled out of court)), a case of arson with his house, and his brother murder in 1960. His death in 1963, even tho' he was in perfect health. And best known today for the subject of a John Prine song: 'Sabu Visits The Twin Cities Alone'.

[@JaniceVineyard-kf6wm]

He was a tough gifted young man, figures hollywood did him in.

[@teel714]

Thank you for the profile on Sabu. My two favorite films of his are "Jungle Book" and "Black Narcissus".

[@miapdx503]

Same! Now I want to see them again 😏

[@janethayes5941]

Mine as well😊

[@billspooks]

Thank You for posting this. Thank You... I saw Sabu in "Thief of Baghdad" when I was a little boy. I fell in love with him. He inspired me with his charm. I read he was graceful and intelligent, very uncommon for someone of his age. I have never forgotten him.

[@Christine-hr8in]

Sadly there's NOTHING Like Indian Spite and Envy.....

[@jameshepburn4631]

The daughter of the English actress with the paternity suit sure doesn’t look any part Indian. Kid looks pure white. Compare her to the two children Sabu had with Cooper who both look swarthy with dark hair. Easy to believe Sabu is the father of those two.

[@shonweather]

Agree.

[@JuliaAlexandra180]

Black Narcissus is a masterpiece.

[@springsogourne]

I had a major crush on him when I was a youngster. His character in Jungle book ❤❤

[@lindacosta3265]

Sabu reminds me of James Mason, a great British actor, born in 1915

[@stirlingmoss9637]

Do you even know James Mason?

[@lindacosta3265]

@@stirlingmoss9637 of course! The Lolita Humfrey! And the 7000 Submarine Leagues, and others that I have watched, like the Ceaser Betrayal and others… he is unforgettable

[@eugenegilleno9344]

Which Maharajah ? ….there were dozens of them in India. ….and to be able to work in an overlord’s stable he must have been born into a higher caste, and not as poor as those living in poverty. Sabu is well known here in the UK. Especially for his role in Kyber Rifles as Ghunga Din. Typically the narration contains modern views on times that a lot of people cannot understand of those harder times of the past.

[@bewareofpigeons]

Maybe Mysore, since it was mentioned by the narrator.

[@Imanimal-lover]

Gorgeous Sabu ... So handsome.

[@springsogourne]

I had a major crush on him when I was a youngster. His character in Jungle book and the Thief of Baghdad ❤❤

[@MariaPerez-zm6hj]

An amazing life. I had seen some of his movies and he was a natural. Love his work. Great contribution to the world of cinema. Sabu may you rest in peace.

[@myeyeswentdeaf6213]

When I was kid, my bedroom was ‘Jungle Book’ themed. My parents made my bedroom like that when I was born, so I didn’t really pick it myself, but it was cool.

[@shonsaunders420]

My grandfather told me a story about Sabu, and it went something like this: My grandfather was in his mid 20’s, and had recently moved to California from Texas with his wife and kids, and went to work with his father doing landscaping. He says he was doing work on Sabu’s house, when a beautiful white woman began talking to him in the backyard. She told my grandfather that she was married to Sabu, but that she wasn’t allowed to leave the house or speak to anyone due to Sabu’s jealousy. My grandfather said there was a boy watching them, and that when Sabu returned home, the kid told him about the conversation between my grandfather and the woman. When my grandfather and great grandfather were leaving at the end of the day, my great grandfather realized he left his jacket on the property, and ran back to get it. When he returned to the truck, he told my grandfather that Sabu told him not to bring my grandfather back to the house. I’d never even heard of Sabu until he told me that story, but that story always stuck with me.

[@sallyclay1974]

I grew up in the fifties. I remember him. Terrific actor!

[@jamescrawford9883]

Elephant Boy was not made by Hollywood! It was a British film.

[@wilbertplijnaar3992]

It also wasn't directed by Alexander Korda but by Robert Flaherty. Korda produced Elephant Boy.

[@vickieelisa2248]

Loved the Theif of Bagdad as a kid. So starved of positive images of people of color that Sabu was pleasurable to watch

[@tonyyoung3985]

One of the reasons my generation remembers him is because of a gag on Happy Days when Mr. C claimed that Potsie was actually a primitive named Sabu. That and late night showings of Thief of Baghdad cemented his name into our collective conscious.

[@SelenaKnight-n7h]

He should've been advertising toothpaste with those perfect teeth.

[@am4793]

I always find stories of these short lives distressing. Sabu's parents died young, his brother died young, his dsughter died young, his wife died young.

[@Meyokko-q5u]

Dang

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

His wife did NOT die young. She lived to be 98 years old. She passed away in 2022. Do not confuse her with the stage actress Marilyn Cooper, who wasn't that young when she passed in 2009.

[@am4793]

@@ValleyoftheRogue you are 100% correct. She lived to 98 years. Just googled it.

[@ladylaois8184]

He was a Freemason ? On his grave, interesting, im surprised he didn't get on more? It makes me question his untimely end?

[@magdatorruellas9122]

Interesting… a Masons sigil on his tombstone?

[@genniejefferson6588]

Beautiful family.loved his movies.

[@lynhook7093]

I loved him when I was young ❤

[@kamranhashmi1575]

He was a bengali 😊

[@furtherdefinitions1]

The Thief of Baghdad is always among my top ten favorite movies of all time, and nobody else could have played that part better than Sabu.

[@kaleahcollins4567]

It's clear that he was of a low caste most likely an untouchable ( only untouchables would do stable work etc. This may be the reason why India never allowed his work permits nor do they acknowledge him as Their first international star. In india you are born into your caste and can not change its generationally inherited. India would not recognize him as nothing more then a untouchable. But in the west none of that matter . The book little black sambo wasnt an African child he was an indian child of the untouchable caste most likely of souther origin.

[@wilsonscott2370]

It's Narcissus. Black Narcissist is a modern film about Kanye West.

[@Annapurna818]

There is a new version of Black Narcissus on cable.

[@debrathomas360]

🤣

[@jefffisher1297]

For anyone who has never seen "Thief of Baghdad", and who likes fantasy films of today, like The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, watch Thief of Baghdad and remember this was 1940. You will not be disappointed...

[@mtchet123]

What's Wrong with "being civilized"? As an Indian I know the Western Culture ( Excluding today's Woke culture, of course) is way Superior.

[@ritawilbur6128]

Sabu is DEFINITELY the Indian actor I think of! He was my first movie screen crush! (I'm a Gen Xer, by the way.) He was so insanely beautiful. And such a sincere and passionate actor. I love him still. Hollywood didn't deserve him.

[@DethStroke-fo7he]

My brother and I were fascinated by how Sabu could talk to the audience : he was such an artful speaker. I find it odd he died from a heart attack 2 days after a great physical exam. He was probably murdered and the civil authorities covered it up. Brown people did not fare well then unless they were servants. If he flew over 40 missions, he served more than most Hollywood actors. Ronald Reagan got to make movies for his army service!

[@LillianCenteno-u3r]

He was so handsome. I watched him as a kid on the Family Classic on WGN-TV in Chicago during the mid-60's to 1985 with Frazier Thomas. So many good old films including Jungle Book with Sabu.

[@sarahboardman1337]

IaT WAS EXTREMELY SUS THAT HE DIED OF HEART ATTACK 2 DAYS AFTER A CHECK UP. FAMILY COULD HAVE SUED THE DR OR WAS HE POISONED??? NOTE HE HAD A MASONIC EMBLEM ON HIS GRAVE. my entire family loved sabu and we watched all his films with love in our hearts here in the UK.

[@elishebaxoxo]

I love your story telling.Loved the concept but do you really think Sabu in the world of Hollyweird Men with power corrupted him long before his service🤢🤮

[@bachman1485]

Once again, an interesting bio ruined by AI narration with unnatural speech flow and faulty emphasis. Why don't you do it right and hire real people to do the work? Money (greed), I guess, like everything else these days.

[@donnameyer9424]

He seemed to be a really nice young man. GOD BLESS 🙌 🙏 HIM!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂

[@denisewatson5295]

Thank you for sharing his story ❤. I loved him in the Jungle Book movie. RIP 😢 😔 🙏 🕊 ☮ 😌

[@jchapman8248]

I wonder if Sabu was the inspiration for the character of Haddji on Johnny Quest?

[@stevenleslie8557]

I really liked Haddji in JQ. He added a lot of exotic mystery to the series.

[@stevenleslie8557]

Indian royalty were always treated well in America. Sabu might not have been royalty but he played the part well. People really loved him. Sad he died so young.

[@nadiazeeb1868]

That’s so sad. Rest peacefully young man! 🙏✝️😪❤️🇺🇸

[@noelhernandez363]

When it rains, it POURS!! I haven't seen thief of Bagdad in a looooonng time! I think it's time for a re-watch!! 😂🍿🥤

[@jameschancey251]

"Hey look Ma here comes The Elephant Boy, bundled all up in his corduroy, headed down south towards Illinois from the jungles of East St. Paul." John Prine "Sabu Visits The Twin Cities Alone"

[@kimmickal]

Wow! He would have been 100 years old in 2024!

[@orianakorkosz4692]

Interesting but please! stop using the word "pass/passing" people die or are dead. There not bad words, they are the correct descriptive word for that event/act. Pass/passing are ridicules words that mean nothing and are so coy.

[@nayselpeebles2664]

HANDSOME, EXTREMELY TALENTED........WW2 HERO WAR VET.........A CREDIT TO INDIA & THE UNITED STATES.

[@angelsolitaire6456]

I watched his movies when i was a kid....and i remember him as SABU. Sad that he passed away in a very young age. RIP

[@dianelitman5956]

Black Narcissus is another of his movies , which is quite beautiful.

[@chieromancer]

Sabu had a house in Chatsworth. I worked for the people who bought the house after he died.

[@Apoplexy1000]

“Passed” is too close to excreted for me to embrace as a euphemism for expired.

[@cocoaorange1]

I watched a few of his films. I never knew he was married and had kids That is sad about his brother.

[@ossier2796]

I celebrate him for rising to greatness in the face of adversity

[@phaasch]

18:30 whats with the masonic symbolism on his memorial?

[@anitarichmond8930]

@@phaasch I noticed that too

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

He was a member of the Hollywood Masonic Lodge.

[@nolundipukwana1286]

My question too

[@nolundipukwana1286]

​@lizhall-m4poh no

[@EnsignAhkinum]

Too close to the animals. Kinki.

[@brencarr3629]

Thank you for this video

[@earlmcornell]

He didn’t die but transformed into Eartha Kitt❣️💃🏾

[@TheMarapasa]

I ALWAYS THOUGHT SABU WAS PHILIPINO PLAYING .... OTHER EXOTICS

[@lordeden2732]

Probably was.Hollywoods publicity office always did lie about actors

[@invisibleray6987]

Sabu 😂

[@ossier2796]

I remember him well.