Top 20 Indian Actresses
Originally published by Joy on May 2020 and updated by Charity K on August 2022 and updated by Vanessa R on June 2023 and Updated by Purity M on February 2024
India has risen in the film industry in the recent past. Producing popular TV shows and epic movies, giving birth to beautiful super stars from their vibrant movie scene. Find detailed on this list, ten of India’s finest actresses, known and loved the world over.
1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas by Bollywood Hungama. Wikicommons
Priyanka Chopra Jonas was born on 18 July 1982. She is an Indian singer, actress, and film producer, and she also holds the Miss World 2000 pageant title. Arguably India’s most popular celebrity, Chopra has received various awards, including a National Film Award and five Filmfare Awards. She was honoured in 2016 by the Government of India with the Padma Shri and Forbes listed her among the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2017 and 2018,
Chopra originally wanted to study aeronautical engineering. Her pageant wins, however, made her catch the attention of the Indian film industry. She made her Bollywood debut in The Hero, a romance story about a spy in 2003. Chopra continued to establish herself with starring roles in the top-grossing productions, and she later toses to fame by portraying a range of characters in numerous films. Two of her most recent movies are Isn’t It Romantic, and The Sky Is Pink, both premiered in 2019.
Despite keeping her off-screen life private, Chopra’s marriage to the American singer and actor Nick Jonas keeps her the subject of extensive media coverage.
2. Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone by Bollywood Hungama. Wikicommons.
Born 5 January 1986, Deepika Padukone is an Indian producer and film actress. She ranks as one of the highest-paid actresses in India, her honors comprising three Filmfare Awards. She is at the top of lists of the country’s most popular people, and in 2018, Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Padukone is married to Ranveer Singh, who is often her co-star in movies.
Padukone, the daughter of famous badminton player Prakash Padukone, was born in Copenhagen and raised in Bangalore. As a youngster, she played badminton at the national championships level but left her career in the sport to be a fashion model. Soon she got offers for film roles, making her acting debut in 2006 as the lead role in Aishwarya. Her first Bollywood release was a romantic movie called Om Shanti Om,in 2007. Padukones’ performance in it won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Padukone is the chairperson of the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image and is the founder of the Live Love Laugh Foundation, which creates awareness on mental health in India.
3. Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor. Photo by India FM. Wikicommons
Kareena Kapoor Khan was born on 21 September 1980 and is an Indian actress who appears in Hindi films. Her parents are actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita, and so is her older sister, actress Karisma Kapoor. She is known for playing a variety of characters in different film genres. She acts in romantic comedies to crime dramas and Kapoor is the recipient of several awards, including six Filmfare Awards.
4. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan receives Outlook Business Outstanding Woman Award. Photo by Bollywood Hungama. Wikicommons
Beauty runs the Bollywood culture it seems, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is nothing short of stunning. She has often been cited in the media as “the most beautiful woman in the world”.
She was born on 1 November 1973 and is an Indian actress and the winner of the Miss World 1994 pageant. She made her acting debut in a film called Iruvar in 1997 and rose to the top thereafter. Through her flourishing acting profession, she has defined herself as one of the most influential celebrities in India. Rai has accepted many distinctions, including the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the Government of France in 2012.
In 2007, Rai married actor Abhishek Bachchan and together they have one daughter. Off-screen, she has duties as a brand ambassador for several charity organizations and campaigns.
5. Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif. Photo by Bollywood Hungama. Wikicommons
Born Katrina Turquotte, on 16 July 1983 is an English actress who works in Hindi films. She has built a name in Bollywood and is among India’s highest-paid actresses.
Born in Hong Kong, Kaif lived in several countries before moving to London. She got her first modeling gig as a young girl and later followed a career as a fashion model. In 2003, at a fashion show in London, filmmaker Kaizad Gustad discovered Kaif and cast her in Boom, a total commercial failure that still brought Katrina to fame.
Besides acting, Kaif works with her mother’s charity and sometimes participates in stage shows. She is private about her personal life, which is a subject of media scrutiny.
6. Anushka Sharma
Bush’s Sharma at the 6th Nykaa Femina Beauty Awards 2020. Photo by Bollywood Hungama. Wikicommons.
Born 1 May 1988, Anushka Sharma is an Indian actress and filmmaker who specializes in Hindi movies. She is much loved by her fans and has received various awards, including a Filmfare Award. She has been in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 since 2012 and was featured by Forbes Asia in their 30 Under 30 list of 2018.
Anushka Sharma was born in Ayodhya and raised in Bangalore where she had her first modeling gig with the fashion designer Wendell Rodricks in 2007. Then she moved to Mumbai to pursue a career as a model.
She made her acting debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the extremely successful romantic picture Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, released in 2008. Anushka rose to fame and prominence with continued roles in various films.
When she isn’t acting, Sharma is the ambassador of her own clothing line for women, named Nush. She supports various charities and causes, and she is married to the cricketer Virat Kohli.
7. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja
Sonam Kapoor at her wedding reception. Photo by Bollywood Hungama. Wikicommons.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is an Indian film actress that was born 9 June 1985. She has won a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award, and she appeared in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list based on her income and popularity from 2012 to 2016. She is married to the businessman Anand Ahuja.
Being the daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, Kapoor grew up around the film culture from a young age. She began her career as an assistant director and later made her acting debut in Bhansali’s romantic drama Saawariya which debuted in 2007. Her first movie was a box office flop, but she had her first commercial success with the romantic comedy I Hate Luv Stories in 2010.
Kapoor funds raising awareness of breast cancer and LGBT liberties. She is known in the media for her bold and loud temperament. Her fashion sense is top-notch and she is frequently credited as one of India’s most fashionable celebrities.
8. Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut at the launch of Manikarnika. Photo by Bollywood Hungama. Wikicommons.
Kangana Ranaut was born 23 March 1987 in Bhambla, a small town in Himachal Pradesh. She is an Indian actress and filmmaker who works in Hindi films. She has accepted several awards, including three National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards. Kangana has featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list six times. The Government of India awarded her with the Padma Shri in 2020.
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Ranaut at first had wanted to become a doctor because her parents insisted she should study medicine. But she was adamant to create her own career path, so she moved to Delhi at age sixteen, where she became a model. Soon she took interest in acting and trained under the theater director Arvind Gaur. Ranaut made her defining film debut in the 2006 suspense movie, Gangster, for which she got the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Ranaut is seen in the media as one of the most fashionable celebrities in the country and has launched her own clothing line for the brand Vero Moda. She is famous for giving her honest opinions in public and her turbulent personal and professional affairs have repeatedly stirred controversy.
9. Parineeti Chopra
Parineeti Chopra. Photo by Bollywood Hungama. Wikicommons.
Parineeti Chopra was born on 22 October 1988 and is an Indian actress and singer. Chopra didn’t start off wanting to be an actress. She actually pursued a career in investment banking and obtained a triple honors degree in business, finance and economics from Manchester Business School. After completing her studies, she returned to India and joined Yash Raj Films as a public relations consultant.
Chopra made her acting debut with the company’s 2011 romantic comedy Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, winning the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Chopra is a recipient of several accolades, including a Filmfare and a National Film Award.
In addition to her acting career, Chopra is an advocate for human rights. She is a prominent celebrity who endorses numerous brands and products. Chopra has released three of her own songs, which were popular on charts across India.
10. Vidya Balan
The beautiful Vidya Balan. Photo by Bollywood Hungama.
Vidya Balan born 1 January 1979 is an Indian actress. She is respected for fighting for a change in how women are portrayed in Hindi cinema, with her roles in female-led films. She is the recipient of several awards, including a National Film Award and six Filmfare Awards. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2014.
Vidya nurtures humanitarian causes and especially endorses the empowerment of women. She is a member of the Indian Central Board of Film Certification and hosts a radio show. Vidya is married to the film producer Siddharthay Kapur.
11. Alia Bhatt
Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia
Alia is a British actress of Indian descent, she works in Hindi films. She has received several awards and is known as one of India’s highest-paid actresses.
She has appeared in magazines like Forbes India and Celebrity 100 list. She is also one of the actresses to be featured in Forbes Asia in their 30 under 30 lists of 2017.
12. Shruti Hassan
Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia
The Indian actress and playback singer has earned a good name for herself, her career started at a young age and since then she has been in films like Hey Ram in 2000, Luck in 2009, and Oh My Friend in 2011.
Her pursuit as a playback singer has earned a couple of nominations like the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. Since then she has begun her career as a music director and has formed her own music band. She even won the Best Music Director Award.
13. Shraddha Kapoor
Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia
Shraddha Kapoor is an Indian film actress. Prior to making her cinematic debut, she took up theatre studies at Boston University but dropped out after her first year to begin her acting career. She made her screen debut in the 2010 drama fictional Teen Patti for which she earned a nomination for the Filmfare Best Female Debut.
The following year, she received appreciation and the Stardust Searchlight Best Actress Award for her role in the teen drama Luv Ka The End. She rose to prominence for her portrayal as Arohi Keshav Shirke in the 2013 romantic musical Aashiqui 2, which emerged as her first commercial success venture in which she gained positive acclaim and numerous nominations including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
14. Kriti Sanon
Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia
Kriti Sanon is an Indian actress who is a predominant name in the Hindi film industry, born in New Delhi to Rahul Sanon and Geeta Sanon. She holds an engineering degree from the Jaypee Institute of Information Technology.
After completing her degree, she stepped into the entertainment industry as a model, and later on, in the year 2014, she made her debut in Telugu cinema with Nenokkadine starting opposite Telugu Superstar Mahesh Babu. In the same year, Kriti debuted in Bollywood with Sabbir Khan’s Heropanti which gave her Filmfare Best Debutant Actress. After which Kriti became a part of Bollywood’s three commercially successful movies.
Before making her silver screen debut, Kriti Sanon appeared in various television commercials like Closeup, Vivel, Samsung, Bata, Amul among others. In 2015 Sanon appeared in her second Hindi film which was Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale which appeared to be one of the highest-grossing films worldwide.
In 2017, Kriti Sanon was a part of two Hindi movies; Raabta and Bareilly Ki Barfi. In 2019, Kriti Sanon starred opposite Kartik Aryan in Luka Chuppi which is a romantic comedy movie. Kriti Sanon has also made special appearances in songs like ‘Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe’ from the movie Stree (2018), ‘Aira Gaira’ from the movie Kalank(2019).
Kriti’s upcoming Hindi movie releases in 2019 are Arjun Patiala, Housefull4, Panipat, and Mimi in 2020
15. Rani Mukerji
Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia
Mukerji comes from a film-oriented family of Bengali origin. Her father,Ram Mukherjee, is a retired director and one of the founders of “Filmalaya Studios”. Her mother,Krishna Mukherjee, was a playback singer. Her brother,Raj Mukherjeeis a film producer, now turned director. Her maternal aunt,Debashree Roy, was a Bengali-film actress, and her cousin, Kajol, is a Bollywood actress.
Mukerji is a trained Odissi dancer who began learning the dance in tenth grade. Mukerji studied at Maneckjee Cooper High School in Juhu, and later enrolled at Mithibai College in Mumbai.
While in school at the age of 14, Mukerji did a cameo role in her father’s Bengali film Biyar Phool (1992). In 1994,Salim Akhtar, a family friend, offered her a film calledAa Gale Lag Jaa(1994) but her father was against it as she was too young. Mukerji turned down the offer andUrmila Matondkarwas cast instead.
Two years later,Salim Akhtarcame up with another offer and insisted on her playing the protagonist ofRaja Ki Ayegi Baraat(1997). After a long discussion with her father, she agreed to do the film. When the film was unsuccessful at the box office, Mukerji returned to college to complete her education.
16. Tamannaah Bhatia
Tamannah Bhatia is a beautiful Indian actress who primarily appears in Tamil, Telugu, and Bollywood films. She is known for her excellent acting skills. She also performs in many stage plays and as a role model for a number of well-known companies and goods. What else is there to say? She began her acting career at the age of 15 in the 2005 Bollywood film “Chand Sa Roshan Chehra.” Not only that, but the lovely celebrity also had the opportunity to appear in Abhijeet Sawant’s music video for the song “Lafzon Mein,” which is off of his 2005 album “Apka Abhijeet.”
17. Alia Bhatt
In the 2012 movie Students of the Year, Alia Bhatt began her career as an actress. With Karan Johar’s Students of the Year, a youth-focused movie that portrays college students’ lives, she had her big-break movie in 2012. At the beginning of her career, she was highly well-liked by the younger crowd. She now commands an expensive fee from prominent directors who want to cast her in their films due to her popularity.
18. Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Dani Charles Silverscreen Media Inc. (https://silverscreen.in), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, an Indian actress best known for her roles in Telugu and Tamil movies, was born on April 28, 1987. She has received prestigious South Filmfare Awards more than thrice.
Samantha briefly worked as a model while pursuing a degree in business before making her lead role in the Telugu romance movie Ye Maaya Chesave (2010), which earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female First – South. As a result of her performances in the 2012 films Neethaane En Ponvasantham and Eega, she became just the second actress to win the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil and Best Actress – Telugu in the same year.
19. Deepika Padukone
She has modelled for Liril, Close-Up toothpaste, and Limca in print and television commercials. She has also accepted other important modelling offers, including the position of brand ambassador for the Jewels of India, an annual jewellery exhibition. She made headlines when Maybelline selected her as their new face for their international cover.
She received the title of Model of the Year at the fifth annual Kingfisher Fashion Awards for Indian models and designers. Soon after, she was selected as one of the models for the Kingfisher Swimwear Calendar for 2006, validating her status as a supermodel. She also won two awards at the Idea Zee F Awards in 2006: Female Model of the Year (Commercial Projects) and Fresh Face of the Year.
20. Aishwarya Rai
Bollywood Hungama, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An Indian actress and model named Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was born on November 1, 1973. Her most famous accomplishment was winning Miss World 1994. She was the second Indian actress to grace the cover of “TIME” magazine in 2003, following Parveen Babi.
She is one of the most beautiful women in the world. One of the Bollywood actresses who is often photographed is Bachchan. In 1997, Bachchan started out as an actress in the Tamil film “Iruvar” directed by Mani Ratnam, while she made her Hindi film career with “Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya.”
Top 10 Oscar-Winning Movies from Bollywood
Bollywood cinema has won hearts internationally, and yes, even the coveted golden statue of Academy Awards. Okay, maybe not the Best International Feature Film spotlight yet, but the Oscars have not dimmed the brilliance of Indian cinema.
While I am a total sucker for Bollywood’s masala magic – the dramatic twists, the infectious dance numbers, the larger-than-life heroes – the Oscars have opened my eyes to a different side of Indian storytelling.
From the raw power of “Slumdog Millionaire” to the intimate whispers of “The Elephant Whisperers,” it’s clear that Indian cinema has stories that resonate far beyond the borders of its signature song-and-dance routines. So, let’s dive into the exciting world of Indian Oscar achievements!
1. “Mother India” (1957)
In 1957, Mehboob Khan’s epic “Mother India” etched its name in history by becoming the first Indian film nominated for Best International Feature Film. Though it didn’t win, it paved the way for future submissions and ignited the dream of an Indian Oscar victory. The film’s powerful portrayal of a rural woman’s resilience against societal pressures resonated with audiences worldwide, setting the stage for future Indian narratives to grace the global stage.
2. “Gandhi” (1982)
Directed by Sir Richard Attenborough, and co-produced between India and the United Kingdom, this monumental biographical drama stands tall as a milestone in Indian cinema. Ben Kingsley’s transformative portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi earned him the Best Actor Oscar in 1983. The film itself, a sweeping account of India’s struggle for independence, clinched eight Oscars, including Best Picture.
In 1982, legendary costume designer Bhanu Athaiya scripted history by winning the Oscar for Best Costume Design for her remarkable work in “Gandhi.” Her meticulous attention to detail brought Mahatma Gandhi’s life and perjuangan to life on the big screen, earning her a well-deserved place in the annals of Oscar history. Each meticulously crafted costume wasn’t just clothing; it was a silent storyteller, weaving history and emotion into every thread.
3. Satyajit Ray (1992)
In 1992, the Academy bestowed an Honorary Award on the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, recognizing his lifetime contribution to cinema. Ray, a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, left an indelible mark on global cinema with his poignant storytelling and masterful direction. His Apu Trilogy, chronicling the life of a young boy in rural Bengal, remains a testament to the power of simplicity and nuanced storytelling, influencing filmmakers worldwide.
4. “Slumdog Millionaire” (2009)
Fast forward to 2009, and the world witnessed the magic of “Slumdog Millionaire.” The film bagged 8 Oscars after being nominated for 10, with Resul Pookutty winning for Best Sound Mixing and the maestro A. R. Rahman clinching both Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Jai Ho”). The 8 wins were the most for any 2008 film—including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
This was a watershed moment, showcasing India’s prowess in technical and musical excellence. Pookutty’s masterful sound design transported audiences into the bustling streets of Mumbai, while Rahman’s vibrant score and the electrifying “Jai Ho” captured the essence of hope and resilience, resonating with audiences worldwide.
5. “The Elephant Whisperers” (2023)
The year 2023 brought another feather to India’s cap. “The Elephant Whisperers,” a heartwarming documentary by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga, won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short. This victory highlighted the power of Indian storytelling to touch audiences worldwide with its sensitive and nuanced narratives. The film’s intimate portrayal of the relationship between two caretakers and their rescued baby elephant resonated with its message of compassion and connection, reminding us of the power of human-animal bonds.
6. “Salaam Bombay!” (1988)
Mira Nair’s powerful and poignant film, “Salaam Bombay!” (1988), became the second Indian film to be nominated for Best International Feature Film. While it didn’t win, it garnered critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities faced by street children in Mumbai. Nair’s bold storytelling and masterful direction exposed audiences to a hidden world, sparking important conversations about social issues and the plight of marginalized communities.
7. “Lagaan” (2001)
Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Lagaan” (2001) was another significant step forward for Indian cinema on the international stage. Nominated for Best International Feature Film, the film’s unique blend of historical fiction, sports drama, and musical elements captivated audiences worldwide. The story of an Indian village team challenging their British colonizers to a cricket match for tax relief resonated with its themes of unity, resistance, and cultural pride, leaving a lasting impact on international audiences.
8. Bead Game (1978)
Ishu Patel’s 1977 animated short film, “Bead Game,” garnered a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the following year’s ceremony. Standing out for its unique stop-motion animation technique inspired by Inuit beadwork, the film follows the captivating transformation of beads into creatures, both real and fantastical, that engage in a mesmerizing dance of creation and consumption culminating in scenes mirroring modern warfare. This brief, yet powerful, allegory served as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of human conflict, particularly in light of the anxieties surrounding nuclear weapons development at the time.
9. “A. R. Rahman” (2010 and 2016)
R. Rahman, the maestro of Indian music, has had a significant presence at the Oscars beyond his achievements with “Slumdog Millionaire.” In 2010, he received dual nominations for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Jai Ho”) for “127 Hours.” The following year, he earned another nomination for Best Original Score for “Pele: Birth of a Legend.” These nominations showcase the universal appeal of Rahman’s music, his ability to transcend cultural boundaries with his unique blend of Indian and Western influences.
10. “RRR” (2023)
M.M. Keeravani and Chandrabose’s high-energy song “Naatu Naatu” from the blockbuster “RRR” (2023) added another feather to India’s cap by winning the Oscar for Best Original Song. This electrifying composition, featuring intricate choreography and infectious energy, took the world by storm. The song’s victory not only highlighted the talent of Indian composers and lyricists but also showcased the vibrant and captivating world of Indian music and dance to a global audience.
These ten remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the ever-growing presence of Indian cinema on the international stage. They represent the dedication and artistry of countless individuals, from actors and directors to sound designers and musicians.
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