In the glitzy world of Bollywood, an identity isn’t always what it seems. While audiences fall in love with the screen names they see on posters, many stars wear a mask from the very beginning, starting with their screen names. Some changes are subtle, others dramatic, but almost all are deliberate. Whether for easier recall, astrological advice, or to avoid name clashes, screen names have long shaped Bollywood legacies. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular Bollywood actresses who made their screen names memorable by changing them entirely.
Why Do Bollywood Actresses Change Their Names?
Changing a name in the film industry is nothing new; it’s almost a rite of passage. Some actresses take on catchier screen names to sound more glamorous or relatable to a wider audience. Others opt for screen names that are numerologically ‘lucky’, and in some cases, production houses recommend changes for branding purposes. There’s also the desire to shed ethnic or regional identifiers in favour of something more pan-Indian, more commercial, or simply more dramatic.
Whatever the reason, the new name becomes part of their identity, and most fans never get to know the real one. Let’s pull back the curtain and uncover the real identities of some of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
1. Katrina Kaif – Real Name: Katrina Turquotte
Before she became the face of several major blockbusters and one of Bollywood’s most recognisable stars, Katrina Kaif was known as Katrina Turquotte. Born to a British mother and a Kashmiri father, she began her modelling career under her birth name. When she transitioned into Bollywood, her surname was changed to ‘Kaif’, allegedly suggested by filmmaker Ayesha Shroff to give her a more Indian identity and make her more relatable to the audience. Today, few can imagine Bollywood without the name “Katrina Kaif”.
2. Rekha – Real Name: Bhanurekha Ganesan
Rekha’s screen name might be shorter, but her legacy is monumental. Born Bhanurekha Ganesan to South Indian superstar Gemini Ganesan and actress Pushpavalli, she entered the film industry at a very young age. Her transformation into ‘Rekha’ marked not just a name change but also a reinvention. The name change helped distance her from early controversies and gave her the mystique that would later define her persona.
3. Madhubala – Real Name: Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi
One of the most iconic faces of classic Bollywood, Madhubala’s ethereal beauty and tragic life story are legendary. However, she wasn’t born with that enchanting name. She started life as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi and entered the film world as a child artiste. Her screen name was changed early in her career to match her on-screen presence and appeal to the audience’s imagination. It worked wonders; Madhubala became a symbol of grace and old-world charm in Indian cinema.
4. Tabu – Real Name: Tabassum Fatima Hashmi
Known for her powerful performances in both commercial and parallel cinema, Tabu made a mark with her minimalist acting and deep character portrayals. But few know that her full name is Tabassum Fatima Hashmi. ‘Tabu’ was a nickname that eventually stuck as her screen name, much like her unorthodox career path. It’s short, memorable, and now iconic, perfectly matching her unique place in Bollywood.
5. Meena Kumari – Real Name: Mahjabeen Bano
Regarded as the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood, Meena Kumari had an illustrious yet heart-wrenching journey in the film industry. She was born Mahjabeen Bano but was rechristened by filmmaker Vijay Bhatt, who gave her the name Meena Kumari for the film Leather Face. The new name lent her a poetic, graceful aura that matched her acting style. It was under this name that she delivered timeless classics like Pakeezah and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam.
6. Sridevi – Real Name: Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan
Sridevi’s real name reflects her South Indian roots, Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan, but she rose to unparalleled fame in both southern cinema and Bollywood under her more palatable and shortened screen name. ‘Sridevi’ became synonymous with charisma, versatility, and glamour in the 1980s and ’90s. Her name might have changed, but her talent always shone through in every frame.
7. Nargis – Real Name: Fatima Rashid
Before she became one of the most respected actresses of Indian cinema, known for her role in Mother India, Nargis was born as Fatima Rashid. The name ‘Nargis’ was inspired by the narcissus flower and was seen as a more poetic and romantic choice for her image. It also helped craft her public persona during a time when Muslim names were often softened for the mainstream audience.
8. Preity Zinta – Real Name: Preetam Singh Zinta
While the change in this case isn’t as dramatic as others, Preity Zinta’s real name is actually Preetam Singh Zinta. The feminine version of the name better suited her bubbly personality and romantic heroine image. Preity never needed a total reinvention; just a tweak was enough to capture hearts across the country.
9. Mallika Sherawat – Real Name: Reema Lamba
Famous for her bold image and headline-making roles, Mallika Sherawat was born Reema Lamba. She adopted the name Mallika (meaning ‘queen’) to carve out a new identity that matched her on-screen persona. ‘Sherawat’ was taken from her mother’s maiden name. The reinvention helped her break stereotypes and stand out in a male-dominated industry.
10. Jiah Khan – Real Name: Nafisa Khan
Though her life was tragically cut short, Jiah Khan made a significant impact with her debut in Nishabd. Born as Nafisa Khan in New York, she adopted the name Jiah after reading Gia Carangi’s biography, an American model with a turbulent life. The change was symbolic and represented a desire to create a bold, modern identity in Bollywood.
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In an industry built on dreams and personas, screen names hold immense power. For many Bollywood actresses, changing their name was the first step toward reinvention, a gateway into a life of lights, cameras, and stardom. These changes are more than cosmetic; they often symbolise transformation, freedom, or even survival in a fiercely competitive industry. While their real names may remain hidden in the shadows, their screen names will forever shine in Bollywood’s cinematic history.
FAQs
1. Why do Bollywood actresses change their real names?
They often do so for better recall, numerological beliefs, industry branding, or to appear more relatable to a wider audience.
2. Are these name changes legal or just for the screen?
Mostly, they’re screen names only. Some actresses legally change their names, while others keep it limited to their professional work.
3. Do actors also change their names in Bollywood?
Yes, many male actors like Akshay Kumar (born Rajiv Bhatia) and Salman Khan (born Abdul Rashid Khan) have changed their names too.
4. Does changing a name actually help in getting roles?
While a name alone doesn’t guarantee success, a catchy or memorable name can definitely help in brand recall and media visibility.
5. Are there actresses who have retained their real names?
Yes, actresses like Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra have used their real names and still achieved tremendous success.
