The South Indian film industry has witnessed numerous talented actresses who carved their own path to stardom. However, not all of them stepped into the limelight with their birth names.
Some of these stars chose stage names to resonate better with audiences or to align with the industry’s trends. Here’s a look at five prominent South actresses who changed their names and made a mark in cinema.
1. Nayanthara
Often hailed as the “Lady Superstar” of South Indian cinema, Nayanthara started her journey as a TV host before debuting in the film Manassinakkare (2003), directed by Sathyan Anthikad. Known for her stellar performances in blockbuster hits like Viswasam, Raja Rani, Bigil, and Chandramukhi, she has become a powerhouse performer. Interestingly, her real name is Diana Mariam Kurian.
2. Anushka Shetty
Born as Sweety Shetty, this popular actress adopted the name Anushka Shetty to mark her foray into the industry. With critically acclaimed roles in Baahubali, Arundhati, and Deiva Thirumagal, Anushka is one of the highest-paid actresses in South India. She is also a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including three Filmfare Awards South.
3. Rambha
Known for her charm and on-screen presence, Rambha was born as Vijayalakshmi Yeedi. She appeared in several Indian films across multiple languages, including Hindi cinema hits like Jallad, Gharwali Baharwali, and Beti No. 1. Rambha’s decision to adopt a catchy stage name contributed to her widespread recognition.
4. Sneha
Born as Suhasini Rajaram Naidu, Sneha became a household name in Tamil and Telugu cinema. She made her debut with the Malayalam film Ingane Oru Nilapakshi and went on to deliver memorable performances in movies like Autograph, Pudhupettai, and Vasool Raja MBBS. Her simple yet elegant persona resonates with her stage name, Sneha, which means “love” in Sanskrit.
5. Bhumika Chawla
Although widely recognized for her role in Bollywood’s Tere Naam alongside Salman Khan, Bhumika Chawla, born as Rachna Chawla, found greater success in Tollywood. With a career spanning over two decades, she has acted in more than 50 films in Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. Bhumika also ventured into film production with the 2010 release Thakita Thakita.