125 Awesome Indian Actress Names From Movies And TV

Oluniyi Akande
Jan 15, 2024 By Oluniyi Akande
Originally Published on Apr 20, 2022
Fact-checked by Shreya Yadav
Indian film actress Sonam Kapoor at the inauguration of a fashion outlet

The Indian film industry can be easily divided into multiple categories; the English film industry, the Kannada film industry, the Bengali film industry, the Malayalam film industry, the Telugu film industry, the Marathi film industry, and the Hindi film industry.

One of the biggest reasons behind the increasing popularity of Indian movies and TV series is the awesome Indian actresses. These beautiful and talented leading ladies are driving the growth of the Indian film industry.

Famous North Indian Actress Names

Deepika Padukone, Sushmita Sen, Anushka Shetty, Anushka Sharma, and Priyanka Chopra are some of the most popular names in the Indian film industry. Here are some of the most popular north Indian actress names for you to check out:  

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Sanskrit, Indian origin)meaning ‘prosperity or wealth’. No wonder she is an asset in the Bollywood film industry.

Alia Bhat (Arabic origin) meaning 'supreme or exalted'. It is the closest name to the most classic name of Ali.

Amrita Singh (Bengali, Indian origin) meaning ‘full of nectar’ was a graceful actress.

Ananya Pandey (Sanskrit, Indian origin) meaning 'unique' or 'that has no equivalent and is matchless'.

Anushka Sharma (Indian origin) has multiple meanings. Some believe ‘Anushka’ means grace. The first movie of Anushka Sharma was 'Rab Ne Bana De Jodi'.

Asha Parekh (Hindi, Indian origin) means 'hope'. She was an extremely popular actress of Hindi movies.

Deepika Padukone (Sanskrit, Indian origin) has derived from the word 'Deepak' meaning a ‘light’ or a 'lamp'. ‘Deepika’ is the female name for someone who lights up or brightens a space. Deepika Padukone has acted in more than three films that were blockbusters and made her Bollywood debut opposite Shahrukh Khan.

Dimple Kapadia (Assamese origin) meaning a ‘natural hollow on the surface of the body'.

Genelia D'souza (Hindi origin) means ‘charming’. Genelia has worked in Tamil and Telugu.

Hema Malini (Hindu, Indian origin) meaning 'golden' or 'beautiful and attractive' and is widely used.

Jacqueline Fernandes (French origin) meaning 'supplanter’.

Janhavi Kapoor (Nepali origin) meaning the ‘river Ganga’, is now starting her career in Bollywood.

Jaya Bachan (Hindi, Indian origin) meaning 'victory'. It is a winning moment of celebration.

Juhi Chawla (Indian origin) meaning 'jasmine flower', is a winner of several Filmfare awards.

Kajol (Indian origin) meaning 'kohl or mascara'. This is also a word used alternatively for eyeliner.

Kangana Ranaut (Hindu, Indian origin) meaning a bracelet that can be worn around your wrists.

Karishma Kapoor (Indian origin) meaning 'miracle' was popular in the '90s.

Katrina Kaif (German origin) meaning ‘something that is pure’. Katrina has given many Bollywood films commercial success.

Kriti Sanon (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'a creation'. She is a popular actress in Hindi movies.

Lisa Haydon (Hebrew origin) meaning 'God's oath'. Lisa is a famous actress and model.

Madhubala (Sanskrit, Indian origin) meaning ‘a sweet maiden’.

Madhuri Dixit (Sanskrit, Indian origin) meaning ‘sweetness of the girl’ or the ‘charm of feminine beauty’.

Manisha Koirala (Hindi, Indian origin) meaning ‘wisdom’ was very popular during her peak acting career in Bollywood films.

Meena Kumari (Hindu, Indian origin) has multiple meanings. It means 'a precious blue stone', 'fish', 'jewel', and 'light'.

Meenakshi Sheshadri (Bengali, Indian origin) meaning ‘fish like eyes’ was also a beautiful female lead in many movies.

Nargis (Arabic origin) means ‘that which loves beauty’. The English meaning is also associated with the flower Narcissus.

Neetu Singh (Indian origin) meaning 'sign of love'. She was a famous actress in the early '90s.

Nutan (Gujrati origin) meaning something which is ‘new, novel’ or 'anything 'fresh'.

Padmini Kolhapure (Sanskrit origin) meaning a ‘lotus’. She was a popular actress in the early '90s.

Parineeti Chopra (Hindu, Indian origin) is the name of a ‘bird’ according to Hindu mythology.

Parveen Babi (Persian origin) meaning a 'cluster of stars’.

Pooja Batra (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'worship’. Pooja was a supporting role in Bollywood movies.

Poonam Dhillon (Indian origin) meaning ‘full moon’’. She was also a popular actress in the early '90s

Preity Zinta (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'affection or love'. She is a popular actress in the early '00s.

Priyanka Chopra (Sanskrit, Indian origin) meaning a 'symbol of love'. Priyanka Chopra has now changed her name to Priyanka Chopra Jonas after marrying Nick Jonas.

Rakhee Gulzar (Indian origin) meaning ‘a symbol of protection’ and was a famous female lead in Noir films.

Rani Mukherji (Sanskrit origin) meaning ‘queen or princess’.

Raveena Tandon (Indian origin) meaning 'the beauty of the Sun'.

Rekha Ganesan (Hindi, Indian origin) means a 'decorative pattern of lines'.

Rhea Chakraborty (Greek origin) meaning 'something that flows or has a firm ground base'.

Richa Chadda (Sanskrit origin) meaning ‘ruler of the Vedas’.

Saira Banu (Hebrew origin) means a ‘reputed position for a female’. Saira is the variation of the name Sarah, which means 'princess'.

Sanya Malhotra (Arabic origin) means ‘brilliance’.

Sara Khan (Hebrew Origin) meaning 'beautiful and charming princess or a queen'.

Shabana Azami (Arabic origin) meaning 'something that belongs to the night'.

Sharmila Tagore (Hindu, Indian origin) means ‘ shy, comfort, or joy’.

Shibani Dandekar (Indian origin) means 'goddess Durga', who is also a model and an actress.

Shilpa Shetty (Sanskrit, Indian origin) meaning a ‘piece of art or an ornament’. Shilpa also means a 'sculpture art or a statue that has aesthetic features'.

Smita Patil (Hindi, Indian origin) is named for females who have ever-smiling faces.

Sonali Bendre (Indian origin) meaning 'golden’, has won a beauty pageant and started an acting career.

Sonam Kapoor (Tibetan origin) means 'merit'. Sonam also stands for 'fortune or beautiful like gold'.

Sridevi (Sanskrit, Indian origin) meaning a ‘prefix used to address the names of Gods and Goddesses’ in Hindu culture. The name signifies respect for God.

Sushmita Sen (Sanskrit, Indian origin) means ‘someone who has a beautiful smile’. 'Smitha' means smile.

Taapsee Pannu (Indian origin) means 'active'.

Urmila Matondkar (Hindi, Indian origin) meaning is ‘enchantress’. Urmila is a holy name of the wife of Lord Lakshman, and the daughter of King Janaka.

Vidya Balan (Sanskrit origin) means ‘knowledge’. The Goddess Sarasvati is known as the goddess of knowledge. It differs from education and has a holistic approach.

Zeenat Aman (Islamic origin) means ‘something that relates to beauty or decoration’.

Famous South Indian Actress Names

South India is the home to Telugu and Tamil films where the film career of many actresses has taken off. Here are some famous South Indian actress names: -

Aditi Rao (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'boundless' has worked in several Bollywood films.

Ameesha Patel (Arabic origin) meaning 'a lively woman' who was popular in Hindi movies.

Anupama Pameswaram (Sanskrit origin) means ‘unparalleled’. She rose to popularity in recent times.

Anushka Shetty, (Hebrew origin) means 'the one who is favored'. She has appeared in numerous Telugu movies produced in Andhra Pradesh, including the lead role in the 'Bahubali' 'series.

Hansika Motwani (Indian origin) meaning 'swan', is a known actress for her role in several superhit films.

Ileana D'Cruz (Norman origin) meaning ‘sun or ray’, has worked in both South Indian and Hindi films.

Kajal Aggarwal (Hindi, Indian origin) means 'black-colored kohl that is used as an eyeliner'. She is a popular Telugu actress.

Keerti Suresh (Hindu, Indian origin) meaning 'fame'.

Kriti Kharbanda (Indian origin) meaning 'work of art', is a famous film actress who made her debut with the Telugu film 'Boni'.

Malvika Sharma (Indian origin) means 'one who lived in Malva region'. She has acted in many hit South Indian films.

Nayanthara, (Tamil, Indian origin) meaning 'super sight'. She is a popular name in Telugu and Tamil films, including the popular movie 'Raja Rani'.

Nazriya Nazim (Arabic origin) meaning 'beauty', is a film actress in Malayalam and Tamil films.

Nithya Menen (Indian origin) meaning 'eternal', is a popular actress who has won several filmfare awards.

Nivetha (Indian origin) meaning 'soft', made her debut as a child artist in Malayalam movies.

Rakul Preet (Hebrew origin) means 'obedient or gift from God'.She is a famous South Indian female artist.

Rashi khanna (Indian origin) meaning ‘zodiac sign’. She is a famous South Indian actress.

Rashmika Mandanna (Sanskrit, Indian origin) imeaning 'a ray of light'. She is a popular name in the South Indian film industry.

Sai Pallavi (Tamil origin) means ‘one who is divine’ and she has starred in super hit films.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu (Hebrew origin) which means ‘told by God’. Samantha Ruth Prabhu is a popular name in South India.

Shri Divya (Indian origin) meaning 'pure', is a popular film actress who started her career as a child artist.

Shriya Saran (Indian origin) meaning ‘fortunate’. She is a popular actress.

Shruti Hasan (Sanskrit, Indian origin) means 'what is heard' or 'musical notes'.

Sonali Kulkarni (Indian origin) meaning 'golden' who has worked in Bollywood and Marathi films.

Tamanna Bhatia (Hindi, Indian origin) means 'a longing or a desire'. She is a popular name in Telugu and Tamil film industry.

Trisha Krishnan (Hindi, Indian origin) meaning ‘desire or thirst’ and is a widely known actress in the Tamil and Telugu film industry.

Vimala Rama (Indian origin) meaning 'pure', is a famous actress popular for her roles in Telugu films.

Hindi Actress Names From TV and Film

Here are some of the most well-known Hindi actress names from the TV and film industry:

Aanchal Munjal (Indian origin) meaning 'a girl who provides shelter to needy', rose to popularity for her remarkable character.

Ankita Lokhande (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'marked' and is a popular name in the Hindi TV industry.

Anushka Sen (Hebrew) meaning 'grace', became famous for her female role.

Divyanka Tripathi (Indian origin) meaning 'a divine person who is a gift of god'. She is a popular actress in Hindi TV series.

Drashti Dhami (Gujrati origin) meaning 'eyesight' is a popular actress in the Hindi TV series.

Hina Khan (Indian origin) meaning 'henna' and is a famous face for TV and films.

Jennifer Winget (English origin) meaning 'fair phantom'.

Kavita Kaushik (Hindi origin) meaning 'poem', became widely known for her role.

Madalsa Sharma (Indian origin) meaning 'languid' is a popular actress in the Hindi TV industry.

Mahhi Vij (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'goddess', is a famous face for TV and films.

Mouni Roy (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'silent'. She is a popular celebrity often seen in mythological roles and daily soaps.

Rashmi Desai (Kannada origin) means 'ray of light'.  

Rubina Dialik (Arabic origin) meaning 'blessed with love' andbecame famous for her female role.

Rupali Ganguli (Indian origin) meaning 'most beautiful'.

Sanaya Irani (Arabic origin) meaning 'praiseworthy' and is a famous actress in the Hindi TV series.

Sandeepa Dhar (Indian origin) meaning 'a lighted lamp', worked in TV commercials and Hindi films.

Sayani Gupta (Indian origin) meaning 'an evening light' is famous on digital platforms and supporting roles in movies.

Shivangi Joshi (Indian origin) meaning 'beautiful'.

Shraddha Arya (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'devotion or complete faith'is a common name in the Hindi TV industry.

Shweta Tiwari (Hindi origin) meaning 'fair complexion' and is a popular lead actress.

Smriti Irani (Indian origin) meaning 'memory’, was a famous female lead from a daily soap.

Sriti Jha (Indian origin) meaning 'referring to God' and she has worked on many successful projects.

Surbhi Jyoti (Hindi origin) meaning 'sweet fragrance' and hasworked on many commercial projects on TV.

Beautiful Indian Brides Actress Names From the Best Wedding Movies

Here are some of the most beautiful Indian actress names from wedding movies:

Bhumi Pednekar (Indian origin) means 'the Earth', and she has worked in Hindi films as a lead female.

Chitrangada Singh (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'wife of Arjuna', did many commercial Bollywood films.

Diana Penty (Greek origin) which means 'divine', made a debut in Hindi film and is also a model.

Disha Patani (Indian origin) which means 'direction', has recently risen to popularity in Bollywood.

Isha Koppikar (Indian origin) which means 'ruler', was a famous actress in early films of the '00s.

Konkona Sen Sharma (Indian origin) meaning 'clan of Kanwa region' and has worked in Hindi films.

Kubbra Sait (Arabic origin) meaning 'great', became popular in Sacred Games.

Mithila Palkar (Sanskrit origin) meaning 'Kingdom of Mithil in Ancient India', has been popular on the digital platform.

Monica Bedi (Latin origin) meaning 'advisor or truth', played female supporting roles and lead roles in movies.

Mugdha Ghodse (Indian origin) means 'innocent or tender', who made her debut in Bollywood movie.

Mumtaz (Arabic origin) meaning 'excellent', has made a successful acting career.

Nargis Fakhri (Arabic origin) meaning 'who loves beauty', is a popular Bollywood actress and model.

Neha Dhupia (Indian origin) meaning 'love and affection', won a beauty pageant and started working as an actress.

Tara Sutaria (Indian origin) which means 'a star', has worked in Bollywood films.

Tilottama Shome (Sanskrit origin) which means 'sesame seeds'. She generally works in Bollywood art films.

Usha Nadkarni (Indian origin) meaning 'dawn', is a senior and talented actress who worked in Hindi films.

Waheeda Rehman (Arabic origin) meaning 'unique', was a popular actress in the '90s.

Yami Gautam (Indian origin) meaning 'twinkling star', is a successful Bollywood female lead actress.

Yukta Mookhey (Indian origin) which means 'attentive and clever', started her debut in modeling and then in acting.

 

Main image credit: Parsa Venkateshwar Rao Jr / Shutterstock.com

Article image credit: Talukdar David / Shutterstock.com

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Written by Oluniyi Akande

Doctorate specializing in Veterinary Medicine

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Oluniyi AkandeDoctorate specializing in Veterinary Medicine

With an accomplished background as a Veterinarian, SEO content writer, and public speaker, Oluniyi brings a wealth of skills and experience to his work. Holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan, he provides exceptional consulting services to pet owners, animal farms, and agricultural establishments. Oluniyi's impressive writing career spans over five years, during which he has produced over 5000 high-quality short- and long-form pieces of content. His versatility shines through as he tackles a diverse array of topics, including pets, real estate, sports, games, technology, landscaping, healthcare, cosmetics, personal loans, debt management, construction, and agriculture.

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Fact-checked by Shreya Yadav

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Psychology

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Shreya YadavBachelor of Arts specializing in Psychology

Shreya has developed a diverse set of skills through her experience in client servicing, email marketing, content and e-commerce management, digital marketing, and creative content writing. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi. Shreya's passion for ongoing learning and development is a testament to her commitment to excellence.

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