Indian Film Stars Who Adopted Stage Names Before Their First Movie

You know those stars you see splashed across magazine covers and dominating the big screen? Well, get this – a bunch of them aren’t even using their real names. Crazy right? From musicians to models to movie stars, tons of celebs actually changed their names before making it big. And we are not just talking little tweaks either – we’re talking ditching their birth names altogether. Some wanted something catchier or more glamorous. Others wanted to leave behind difficult childhoods or embarrassing nicknames from the past. And a few just thought their original names were too boring or common to stand out. Whatever the case, these celebrities knew changing their names was key to crafting their brands and public images. So they said see ya later to the names they were born with and introduced themselves to the world under brand new monikers. Want to find out which of your favorite celebs aren’t who you think they are? Keep reading to discover the surprising name changes of some of entertainment’s biggest stars!

Rekha

Rekha is the shortened stage name of veteran Indian actress Bhanurekha Ganesan. Born in 1954 in Chennai, she began acting as a child in Telugu films in the 1960s. Her breakthrough role came in the 1970 Hindi film Sawan Bhadon.

Over a career spanning over 50 years, Rekha has acted in over 180 films across many Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. She is known for her versatility and skills as a performer.

Some of her most notable films are Ghar, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Silsila and Khoon Bhari Maang. She has won many honors including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.

Though she maintains privacy today, Rekha was considered one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema. She married industrialist Mukesh Agarwal in 1990, who died by suicide in 1991.

In summary, Rekha is the stage name of Bhanurekha Ganesan, a veteran and acclaimed Indian actress known for her work across many decades.

Kiara Advani

Kiara Advani is the stage name of actress Alia Advani, born in 1992 in Mumbai. Her birth name is Alia Advani.

She is the niece of veteran actor Ashok Kumar. When she made her acting debut in 2014’s Fugly, another actress Alia Bhatt was already famous, so Salman Khan suggested she change her name to Kiara Advani.

Kiara had her breakthrough by playing the lead in the 2016 film M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. Some of her other noteworthy films are Bharat Ane Nenu, Kabir Singh, Good Newwz and Shershaah.

She has received several nominations and awards, including Filmfare nods for Best Actress. Kiara has worked in Hindi, Telugu and English films and established herself as a popular contemporary star.

In summary, Kiara Advani is the stage name of actress Alia Advani, who has emerged as a leading lady in Bollywood over the past few years.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar is the stage name of veteran Bollywood actor Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia. He was born in 1967 in Amritsar, Punjab.

Before entering films, Rajiv studied martial arts in Hong Kong and worked as a chef and waiter. He made his acting debut in 1987’s Aaj. However, his first lead role came in 1991’s Saugandh.

Rajiv’s breakthrough came with 1992’s Khiladi, which established his image as an action hero, earning him the nickname “Khiladi Kumar.” Before his Bollywood debut, he changed his name to Akshay Kumar, inspired by the character Akshay in Aaj.

Over a 30+ year career spanning over 150 films, Akshay has shown versatility across action, comedy and drama genres. Some of his notable works are Sangharsh, Dhadkan, Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Rowdy Rathore and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.

He is a commercially successful high earning actor and recipient of several honors including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. In summary, Akshay Kumar is the stage name of veteran actor Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia.

Ajay Devgn

 

Ajay Devgn is the stage name of acclaimed Bollywood actor Vishal Veeru Devgan. He was born in 1969 in New Delhi to a Punjabi family. His father Veeru Devgan was a stunt choreographer and action film director.

Vishal debuted in 1991 with the hit film Phool Aur Kaante, for which he won Filmfare Award for Best Debut. Before his debut, he changed his name to Ajay Devgn.

Some of Ajay’s most notable films are Jigar, Dilwale, Suhaag, Dil To Pagal Hai, Zakhm, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Gangajal and the Golmaal series. He started out playing intense, action roles but later also garnered acclaim for comedic and dramatic performances.

Ajay has directed films like U Me Aur Hum and Shivaay. He produces projects via his company Ajay Devgn FFilms. He has been married to actress Kajol since 1999.

He has won many honors including two National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards. In 2016, he received the Padma Shri from the Government of India.

Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is the stage name of actress Katrina Turquotte, who was born in 1983 in Hong Kong to an Indian Kashmiri father and English mother. Her birth name Katrina Turquotte had her mother’s surname.

Her father Mohammed Kaif is a British businessman. After entering Bollywood, she adopted her father’s surname and became Katrina Kaif.

She started modeling in Hawaii and London before making her acting debut in the 2004 film Boom. Her breakthrough came with Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya in 2005 and Namastey London in 2007.

Some of Katrina’s popular films are Singh is Kinng, Rajneeti, Ek Tha Tiger, Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Zero. She earned praise for her performances in serious films like Raajneeti and Zero.

Her original British accent was initially challenging but she perfected her Hindi over time. She is one of India’s highest-paid actresses with many awards and nominations.

Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh is the stage name of actor Ranveer Singh Bhavnani, who was born in 1985 in Mumbai to a Sindhi family. His parents are Jagjit Singh and Anju Bhavnani.

Ranveer’s full birth name was Ranveer Singh Bhavnani. When he entered Bollywood, he dropped his surname Bhavnani and went by just Ranveer Singh.

He graduated from Indiana University in the US with degrees in creative writing and theater. Ranveer made his acting debut in the 2010 romantic comedy Band Baaja Baaraat.

He gained wider success playing romantic roles in films like Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat. He has also proven his versatility in comedies like Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Dil Dhadakne Do and Gully Boy.

Ranveer is known for his energetic persona and bold fashion sense off-screen. He has won several awards including three Filmfare Awards and is considered a promising young actor.

In summary, Ranveer Singh’s full birth name was Ranveer Singh Bhavnani, which he shortened for the screen.

Kartik Aaryan

Kartik Aaryan is the stage name of actor Kartik Tiwari. He was born in 1990 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh to father Manish Tiwari, a pediatrician.

His original birth name was Kartik Tiwari. Before entering Bollywood, he changed it to Kartik Aaryan.

Kartik graduated as an engineer from DY Patil College in Navi Mumbai and did not have a film background. He made his acting debut in the 2011 buddy comedy Pyaar Ka Punchnama.

His major breakthrough was the 2018 romantic comedy Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Other successful films include Luka Chuppi, Pati Patni Aur Woh and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

Kartik is known for his versatility in comedies, romance and drama. He has a huge youth fan base. His honors include Filmfare Award for Best Debut and two Screen Awards for Best Actor.

In summary, Kartik Tiwari was the birth name of actor Kartik Aaryan before he adopted his stage name.

 

 

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