Celebrities Who Changed Their Names Before Entering Bollywood
Feb 21, 2025
CELEB LOOKS
etimes.inAmitabh Bachchan
The megastar Amitabh Bachchan was originally named Inquilab Srivastava. His father, the renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, renamed him Amitabh, which means “eternal light,” giving him a strong, memorable identity.
Dilip Kumar
Dilip Kumar, one of Indian cinema’s greatest actors, chose to adopt a stage name as he stepped into Bollywood. This name change from Muhammad Yusuf Khan to Dilip Kumar helped him create a unique and unforgettable presence in the industry.
Madhubala
The ethereal Madhubala, originally named as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi known for her beauty and grace, opted for a shorter and more captivating name that complemented her charm and screen presence.
Rajesh Khanna
Before becoming Bollywood’s first superstar, Jatin Khanna rebranded himself as Rajesh Khanna. The name suited his larger-than-life persona and left an indelible mark on the industry.
Rekha
The evergreen Rekha shortened her name from Bhanurekha Ganesan to create a more modern and elegant identity. This change helped her become one of Bollywood’s most iconic actresses.
Akshay Kumar
Action superstar Akshay Kumar adopted a shorter from Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia and punchier name to establish himself in Bollywood. The name change reflected his vibrant personality and mass appeal.
Sridevi
Sridevi shortened her long, traditional name, Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan to create a simple yet striking identity. This new name perfectly captured her charm and magnetic on-screen presence.
Govinda
Govinda decided to drop the last part of his name that is from Govind Arun Ahuja to Govinda, giving himself a catchy and memorable moniker. It was a move that matched his vibrant energy and comic timing in Bollywood.
Katrina Kaif
Born to a British mother and Indian father, Katrina Kaif, originally Katrin Tuquotte adopted her father’s surname to appeal to Indian audiences. The change gave her a relatable identity and aided her rise to stardom.
John Abraham
Before his debut, John Abraham swapped his first name to a more globally recognized one. Orginally Farhan Abraham and now John Abraham. This change helped him stand out in Bollywood and beyond as a model-turned-actor.
Thanks For Reading!
Next: Madhuri Dixit redefines power dressing with her boss lady style
Read Next