The Internet Goes Wild After Frieda Pinto’s Slumdog Millionaire Throwback—Here’s Why

Freida Pinto, the Indian actress who captivated audiences with her role as Latika in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire (2008), has become a trending topic on social media.

A post on X (formerly Twitter) posed the question: “What actor or actress did you expect would have a big career, but then disappeared?” One user responded with images of Pinto from Slumdog Millionaire, captioning them, “She should’ve been everywhere after Slumdog Millionaire.”

The post has amassed over 15 million views since last week, sparking a heated debate about Pinto’s career trajectory.

she should’ve been everywhere after slumdog millionaire https://t.co/DHWf4L4Gyp pic.twitter.com/qQrYahlkUk

— s (@emdex00) January 1, 2025

A Range of Reactions

The viral post has elicited mixed responses from users on the platform. One user praised Pinto, saying, “Agreed, she’s really beautiful. When I watched this movie, I was like, ‘Oh, she’s so beautiful, isn’t she Miss Universe?’ and her acting is also really good.” Another user defended her career, stating, “Freida Pinto has done 12 Hollywood movies post-Slumdog Millionaire,” pointing out that Pinto has maintained a steady presence in the industry.

Others shared personal anecdotes about their admiration for her. “When I was a kid, I thought she was a princess,” one user nostalgically remarked. However, not all comments were complimentary. One user posted a disrespectful remark, stating, “Come on, stop exaggerating. She has a proper face for endorsing liquid dish washing soaps.” Meanwhile, another chimed in with, “When I was a kid, I thought she was the most beautiful actress ever.”

A Promising Start and a Diverse Career

Freida Pinto rose to international fame with Slumdog Millionaire, a film that won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Pinto’s portrayal of Latika, the love interest of the film’s protagonist, earned her critical acclaim and recognition as a rising star. She was nominated for a BAFTA Award and won a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast.

After her breakout role, Pinto appeared in several Hollywood films, including Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Immortals (2011), Desert Dancer (2014), and Love Sonia (2018).

She also made notable television appearances in series like Guerrilla (2017) and The Path (2018). Despite her consistent work, some feel Pinto has not achieved the level of stardom expected after such a strong debut.

Beyond Acting: Advocacy and Representation

In addition to her acting career, Pinto is an advocate for social causes, including gender equality and education for girls. She has worked with organizations like Plan International and the Girl Rising campaign, further solidifying her reputation as a global changemaker.

Hollywood’s Complex Dynamics

The recent debate on X highlights broader issues within the entertainment industry. For many, Pinto’s career reflects the challenges faced by actors of color in Hollywood, where opportunities for non-white performers remain limited. While Pinto has built a respectable portfolio, public perception of her success varies widely.

Ultimately, the discussion around Freida Pinto underscores the complexities of Hollywood stardom and the often unpredictable nature of an actor’s career trajectory.

Whether she should be a bigger star is subjective, but her contributions to cinema and advocacy continue to make her a significant figure in the global entertainment landscape.