Bollywood Stars Who Changed Their Names and Became Superstars

Bollywood has a long-standing trend of actors changing their names to achieve fame and success in the industry. Many aspiring actors entering the film industry adopt names that resonate better with audiences, often leading to immense stardom. Some stars even struggled initially under their real names but became famous after changing them. Let’s take a look at 10 Bollywood superstars who changed their names and became household names.

1. Dilip Kumar (Real Name: Mohammed Yusuf Khan)

One of Bollywood’s greatest legends, Dilip Kumar, was originally named Mohammed Yusuf Khan. When he entered the film industry, he changed his name to Dilip Kumar to appeal to a wider audience. The name change played a significant role in his success, making him one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema.

2. Amitabh Bachchan (Real Name: Inquilaab Srivastava)

Amitabh Bachchan’s original name was Inquilaab Srivastava. His father, renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, changed his name to Amitabh, which means ‘the light that never fades.’ Additionally, the family’s surname was changed from Srivastava to Bachchan. Today, Amitabh Bachchan is regarded as the ‘Shahenshah’ of Bollywood.

3. Shah Rukh Khan (Real Name: Abdul Rahman)

Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK, was originally named Abdul Rahman by his grandmother. However, his parents later changed it to Shah Rukh Khan, which means ‘King’s Face.’ Had his name remained unchanged, he might have been known as Abdul Rahman, the biggest superstar of Bollywood today.

4. Salman Khan (Real Name: Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan)

Salman Khan’s full name is Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan. While he retained his first and last names, he shortened the rest to create a more recognizable stage name. This change helped him become one of the biggest stars in Bollywood.

5. Akshay Kumar (Real Name: Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia)

Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia. He changed his name when he entered the film industry, inspired by his favorite actor’s character named Akshay in one of his early films. The name change proved to be a turning point in his career, making him one of Bollywood’s most successful action stars.

6. Katrina Kaif (Real Name: Katrina Turquotte)

Katrina Kaif was born as Katrina Turquotte. When she entered Bollywood, she changed her surname to Kaif, making it easier for Indian audiences to connect with her. This decision helped her gain massive popularity in the industry.

7. Ajay Devgn (Real Name: Vishal Devgn)

Ajay Devgn was originally named Vishal Devgn. He changed his first name to Ajay when he stepped into Bollywood, as there were already several actors with the name Vishal. Later, he even dropped the extra ‘a’ from his surname, making it ‘Devgn.’

8. Rajinikanth (Real Name: Shivaji Rao Gaekwad)

The legendary South Indian superstar Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. He adopted the name Rajinikanth upon entering the film industry, a change that helped him become one of India’s biggest superstars.

9. Kiara Advani (Real Name: Alia Advani)

Kiara Advani’s real name is Alia Advani. However, since Alia Bhatt was already a well-known actress, she changed her name to Kiara upon Salman Khan’s suggestion. The new name helped her carve her own identity in Bollywood.

10. Sunny Leone (Real Name: Karenjit Kaur Vohra)

Sunny Leone was born as Karenjit Kaur Vohra. She chose the name ‘Sunny’ because her brother’s name was Sunny, and she liked the way it sounded. The name change played a key role in her success in the entertainment industry.

Why Do Bollywood Actors Change Their Names?

There are several reasons why actors change their names in Bollywood:

1. Cultural Adaptation: Some names are difficult for audiences to pronounce or remember.
2. Superstition: Many actors believe in numerology and astrology, choosing names that align with lucky numbers.
3. Industry Preferences: Certain names might not have mass appeal, leading actors to adopt more catchy or relatable ones.
4. To Avoid Confusion: When multiple actors have similar names, changing them helps establish unique identities.

Many Bollywood actors have changed their names to achieve stardom. While talent and hard work play a crucial role in success, a name change has often given actors a fresh start in the industry. Whether it’s Dilip Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, or Akshay Kumar, their new names have undoubtedly contributed to their iconic status in Bollywood.

Would they have been just as successful under their original names? That remains a question, but their legacy in Bollywood is undeniable.