The Hindi film industry has been one of the most sought-after domains in our country. From its very inception, people have been keenly drawn towards it and have also established an exceptional connection with it. Even today, film stars, movies and the world of showbiz hold a special place in the hearts of countless Indians, who consume a significant portion of content daily. However, did you know that some of the most known faces in the film industry use a different name than what they were born with? Well then, check out some of the popular Bollywood celebs who changed their names before entering films.
One of the most sought-after actresses in Tinseltown currently, Kiara Advani has made a name for herself with films like, Kabir Singh, Shershaah, Jug Jug Jeeyo, Bhool Bhulaiyya 2 among others. Interestingly, Kiara’s real name is Aliya Advani. She was advised by Salman Khan to change her name to Kiara since there is already her namesake actress, Alia Bhatt in the film industry.
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Ajay Devgn is known to be a man of few words. He has been credited for an impeccable filmography, which includes some mega hits like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Singham, Golmaal, Gangaajal among so many others. Ajay’s birth name happens to be Vishal Veeru Devgn, and it was in his belief in numerology that the actor changed his name.
The bubbly dimple girl of Bollywood, Preity Zinta has been loved by millions of audiences worldwide. She has made her impeccable presence in the film industry, and has worked in a plethora of films. Hailing from Himachal Pradesh, Preity’s actual name is Preetam Singh Zinta.
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Bollywood’s much-loved bhaijaan, Salman Khan has been a heartthrob for fans across generations. From his acting skills, dance moves to a brilliant host, Salman has been winning hearts always. His name, Salman is a shorter version of his Quranic birth name, which is Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan.
One of the highest-paid actresses of her generation, Katrina Kaif is a queen of hearts. She has been winning hearts for her acting skills and unparalleled beauty. Despite hailing from British origins, she has made a name for herself in the Hindi film industry and has even opened her own cosmetic brand. For the unversed, Katrina’s real name is Katrina Turquotte.
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The chote Nawab of Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan is a real-life prince and indeed lives his life king-size. For the unversed, Saif is the current Nawab of the estate of Pataudi in Haryana. Married to Kareena Kapoor, the actor manages to swoon hearts with his handsome looks. Saif’s real name, according to his birth certificate is Sajib Ali Khan.
Ageing like a fine wine, Shilpa Shetty is known for her perfectly enviable physique and much talked-about personality. She has nailed her finesse in acting by acing all kinds of roles from romantic to thrillers. Many do not know that at the time of her birth, she was named as Ashwini Shetty. However, her mother, Sunanda Shetty later changed it to Shilpa, based on numerology.
The OG khiladi of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar knows the perfect way to rule both at the box-office as well as the hearts of his fans. He is loved by his massive fanbase, who never leaves a moment to know more about him. Interestingly, his real name is not Akshay and is actually Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia. According to the actor, he was the one who wished to change his name and shorten it up a bit.
The baby doll of Bollywood, Sunny Leone grabbed eyeballs with her beauty and suave dance moves. Be it her fashion sense or just her true real self, she is bound to create an instant sensation amidst her fans. Sunny, who is an Indian born in Canada has her real name as Karenjit Kaur Vohra.
An absolute charmer and handsome hunk, John Abraham needs no introduction. Known for his macho-like physique, dimple smile and love for bikes, John has always made his female fans go weak in their knees. Not many know that the actor’s real name is Farhan Abraham, which has been registered even on his birth certificate.
Yesteryear legendary actress, Rekha continues to win hearts with her gorgeous personality and unmissable beauty. The actress has a massive fan base even today, and it is her rustic, old-world beauty that has made people go gaga over her. She was initially named as Bhanurekha Ganesan by her father, Gemini Ganesan. However, she later shortened it to just Rekha.
Sunny Deol has undoubtedly been one of the game changer actors of his decade in Bollywood. Son of legendary actor, Dharmendra, Sunny has carved his own niche and fame in films. Popularly known as the 'Angry Man' of Bollywood, Sunny's real name is Ajay Singh Deol. However, the actor uses a shorter name Sunny for himself.
One of the most beautiful actresses, a diva in every sense, Madhubala was one of the most-loved divas in the 70s. Her dreamy beauty and exemplary acting mettle was highly praised back then, and continues to set inspiration for the new generation of actors. Interestingly, much like her royal aura, she too had a royal-like real name. For the unversed, Madhubala's actual name was Begum Mumtaz Jahan Dehelvi.
The epic dancer and hunk, Tiger Shroff has been a youth inspiration for many reasons. His chiselled jawline, perfectly sculpted abs and charming personality have made women go weaker in their knees for him. His real name is Jai Hemant Shroff. It has been his father, Jackie Shroff, who used to call him ‘Tiger’ out of affection. And so, he became unanimously referred to as Tiger Shroff itself.
Which one of these names did surprise you the most? Let us know.
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