Remember when Prem, Rohit, and Rahul became household names after filmmakers popularised them by showing the lead protagonists in the movie with similar names? There have also been cases where Bollywood actors have decided to change their names.
The explanations ranged from adopting a different persona to shortening a large name into a small one. Though we continue to pursue the old anecdote “What’s In A Name,” there have been several times when Bollywood stars and characters have shown that name does matter.
Let’s look at the list of Bollywood actresses who adopted reel names to establish their image in the industry.
Katrina Kaif- Katrina Turquotte
Katrina Kaif is one of the most stunning, respectful, and wanted actresses in the Bollywood industry. When Katrina began her career in Bollywood, she changed her surname to her father’s because she felt it would be easier to pronounce. Though some industry inmates have doubted Katrina’s paternal background.
Mallika Sherawat- Reema Lamba
According to sources, Mallika Sherawat revealed in one of her interviews that her father Mukesh Lamba disowned her because she left her husband’s home to pursue a career in Bollywood.
Her father even forbade her from using his surname. Mallika had no choice but to change her name as a result. She used the name ‘Mallika Sherawat’ after her friends proposed it.
Bhumika Chawla- Rachna Chawla
After starring opposite Salman Khan in Tere Naam, the Tere Naam actress became a household name. Bhumika Chawla is an actress and model whose real name is Rachna Chawla. Yuvakudu, a Telugu film, was her first film.
She changed her name because she wanted to achieve more fame in Bollywood, and Bhumika was different from Rachna.
Tabu- Tabassum Fatima Hashmi
Tabu, who comes from a wealthy background, is one of the most refined and pursued actresses in the Bollywood industry. Tabu began her career in advertising films before transitioning to offbeat art films.
She has earned two national awards for her appealing performances in Astitva and Chandni Bar. She used the name Tabu to shorten her long name.
Mandakini- Yasmeen Joseph
Mandakini was one of the most seductive Bollywood actresses of her day, even though having appeared in just a few Bollywood films.
Raj Kapoor, a well-known actor and director, saw her and suggested she change her name. Her actual name was Yasmeen Joseph, but she goes by Mandakini.
Sridevi- Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapam
Sridevi was one of the versatile actresses in the Indian film industry. Her full name, Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapam, was difficult to recall and pronounce, so she abbreviated it to Shree.
Despite adopting the name ‘Shree,’ she never attempted to correct her name in the film credits, and hence the public recognised her as ‘Sridevi’
Mahima Chaudhary- Ritu Chaudhary
Mahima Chaudhary began her Bollywood career in the film Pardes, where she made a sensational debut opposite King Khan. Subhash Ghai, who is superstitious, decided to direct the film when the actress’s name begins with the letter “M.”
As a result, Ritu didn’t think twice about adopting the onscreen name Mahima Chaudhary for her role in the film.
Rekha- Bhanurekha Ganesan
Rekha was born as Bhanurekha Ganesan to Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan and Telugu actress Pushpawali. When she began her film career, she shortened her name to Rekha.
Reena Roy- Saira Ali
Reena Roy was born Saira Ali, but after her mother’s divorce, she changed the names of all four of her children. Reena’s name was changed from Saira Ali to Roopa Roy by her mother. Reena Roy’s name was changed from Roopa Roy to Reena Roy when she was cast in her first film, Zaroorat.
Manyata Dutt- Dilnawaz Shaikh
After her item number in Gangajal, Manyata Dutt gained fame in the industry. Sara Khan was her screen name in Bollywood, though her real name is Dilnavaz Sheik. Prakash Jha, the director of Gangajal, gave her the screen name Manyata. Manyata later married Sanjay Dutt and assumed the name Manyata Dutt permanently.