Highlights
Capturing hearts with their charisma, these leading ladies define Bollywood’s essence through their iconic performances and timeless allure.
There are various most famous bollywood actress that are known for their work. Bollywood has been graced by numerous talented and iconic famous bollywood actress who have become synonymous with fame, glamour, and excellence. These actresses considered the most famous in Bollywood, have not only captured the hearts of millions but have also left an indelible mark on the industry. Let’s delve into the lives and legacies of these legendary women who have redefined stardom in Indian cinema.
List of the most famous Bollywood actress
Madhubala
Madhubala, born as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi on February 14, 1933, in Delhi, India, was an iconic Indian actress who graced the silver screen during the golden age of Hindi cinema. Known for her beauty, grace, and talent, Madhubala became a timeless symbol of Indian cinema’s charm and elegance.
She made her acting debut at the tender age of 9 and soon became a sought-after actress in the industry. Madhubala’s most memorable performances include her roles in films like “Mughal-e-Azam,” where she played the role of Anarkali, and “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi,” where she starred alongside her real-life husband, Kishore Kumar.
Despite her immense popularity, Madhubala’s life was not without challenges. She faced health issues, including a congenital heart condition, which ultimately led to her untimely death on February 23, 1969, at the age of 36.
Nargis
Nargis, born Fatima Rashid, was an iconic Indian actress known for her exceptional talent and timeless beauty. She rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s, becoming one of the leading actresses of Hindi cinema’s golden era.
Nargis made her acting debut at the tender age of 5 in the film “Talash-E-Haq.” However, it was her role in the film “Barsaat” (1949) that catapulted her to stardom. Her portrayal of a simple village girl won hearts and established her as a versatile actress.
She delivered several memorable performances throughout her career, including in films like “Andaz” (1949), “Awaara” (1951), and “Mother India” (1957). Her role as Radha in “Mother India” remains one of her most iconic performances, earning her critical acclaim and a nomination for the Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
Meena Kumari
Meena Kumari, born Mahjabeen Bano, was a legendary Indian actress whose talent and tragic life story have left an indelible mark on Bollywood. Born on August 1, 1933, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Meena Kumari began her acting career as a child artist and went on to become one of the most iconic actresses in Indian cinema.
Known for her expressive eyes, poignant portrayals, and versatility, Meena Kumari starred in numerous classics such as “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam,” “Pakeezah,” and “Baiju Bawra.” Her ability to portray complex emotions with depth and authenticity earned her the title of “The Tragedy Queen of Indian Cinema.”
Despite her professional success, Meena Kumari’s personal life was marked by turmoil, including a turbulent marriage to filmmaker Kamal Amrohi. Her struggle with alcoholism and health issues added to her tragic narrative.
Vyjayanthimala
Vyjayanthimala is a legendary Indian actress and dancer who dominated the silver screen in the 1950s and 1960s. Born on August 13, 1936, in Triplicane, Madras (now Chennai), she started her acting career at a young age and quickly rose to fame for her exceptional beauty and talent.
Vyjayanthimala’s graceful dancing skills set her apart from her contemporaries, earning her the title of “Twinkle Toes.” She mesmerized audiences with her performances in classical Indian dance forms as well as in choreographed film sequences.
She made her acting debut in the Tamil film “Vazhkai” in 1949 and went on to star in numerous successful films in various languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Some of her most notable Hindi films include “Naya Daur,” “Madhumati,” “Ganga Jamuna,” and “Sangam.”
Nutan
Nutan, an iconic Indian actress, graced the silver screen with her exceptional talent and beauty. Born as Nutan Samarth on June 4, 1936, in Bombay (now Mumbai), she belonged to the prominent Samarth family of the film industry. Nutan’s career spanned over four decades, during which she mesmerized audiences with her versatile performances and captivating presence.
She made her acting debut as a child artist in the 1950 film “Hamari Beti.” However, it was her role in the 1955 film “Seema” that catapulted her to stardom. Nutan’s portrayal of a young orphan girl in “Seema” won her the first of her five Filmfare Awards for Best Actress, a record she held for many years.
Known for her natural acting style and ability to portray a wide range of characters, Nutan delivered memorable performances in films like “Sujata,” “Bandini,” and “Milan.” Her nuanced performances often explored complex emotions, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following.
Waheeda Rehman
Waheeda Rehman is an iconic Indian actress known for her exceptional talent and timeless beauty. Born on February 3, 1938, in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, she ventured into acting in the late 1950s and quickly became one of the most acclaimed actresses of Indian cinema.
Waheeda Rehman’s career spans over five decades, during which she appeared in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Her versatility as an actress allowed her to portray a wide range of roles, from romantic leads to complex characters.
Some of her most memorable performances include films like “Pyaasa,” “Kaagaz Ke Phool,” “Guide,” and “Teesri Kasam.” Her nuanced portrayal of characters, coupled with her graceful screen presence, earned her several awards and accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2011.
Hema Malini
Hema Malini, often referred to as the “Dream Girl” of Bollywood, is a legendary Indian actress, director, producer, and dancer who has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Born on October 16, 1948, in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, Hema Malini made her acting debut in 1963 with the Tamil film “Ithu Sathiyam.” She went on to become one of the most iconic actresses in the Hindi film industry.
Hema Malini’s career spans over five decades, during which she has acted in over 150 films in various languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali. Some of her most memorable performances include roles in films like “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Sholay,” “Dream Girl,” and “Baghban.”
Apart from her acting prowess, Hema Malini is also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, a skill she has often showcased in her films. In 2000, she was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for her contributions to Indian cinema.
Sridevi
Sridevi, an iconic Indian actress, captivated audiences with her exceptional talent and beauty. Born in 1963 in Tamil Nadu, she began her acting career at the age of four and soon became a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. Sridevi’s versatility allowed her to excel in a variety of roles, from romantic leads to comedic characters to dramatic performances.
She starred in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. Some of her most memorable movies include “Chandni,” “Mr. India,” “Lamhe,” and “English Vinglish.” Her performances were lauded for their depth, emotional range, and natural grace.
Sridevi’s impact on Indian cinema is immeasurable, and she is often regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema. Her sudden demise in 2018 shocked the nation and left a void in the hearts of her fans worldwide.
Madhuri Dixit Nene
Madhuri Dixit Nene, often referred to as the “Dhak-Dhak Girl” of Bollywood, is one of India’s most iconic and talented actresses. Born on May 15, 1967, in Mumbai, India, Madhuri made her acting debut in 1984 with the film “Abodh,” but it was her performance in the 1988 film “Tezaab” that catapulted her to stardom.
Known for her expressive eyes, graceful dance moves, and versatile acting skills, Madhuri became a reigning queen of Indian cinema in the 1990s. She delivered numerous hits such as “Dil,” “Beta,” “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!”, “Dil To Pagal Hai,” and “Devdas,” showcasing her range as an actress.
Madhuri’s dancing prowess is legendary, and her dance numbers in songs like “Ek Do Teen,” “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga,” and “Maar Dala” are still remembered and cherished by audiences worldwide. Apart from her acting career, Madhuri is also known for her philanthropic work and has been involved in various social causes.
Kajol
Kajol, an iconic Indian actress, has captivated audiences with her charismatic performances and expressive acting style. Born on August 5, 1974, in Mumbai, India, Kajol comes from a family deeply rooted in the Indian film industry; her mother, Tanuja, is a renowned actress, and her aunt, Nutan, was a legendary star.
Kajol made her acting debut in the film “Bekhudi” (1992) but gained widespread recognition for her role in “Baazigar” (1993) opposite Shah Rukh Khan. She went on to establish herself as one of the leading actresses in Bollywood with memorable performances in films like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995), “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998), and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001).
Known for her versatility and natural acting prowess, Kajol has received numerous accolades, including six Filmfare Awards.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, often referred to as the “Queen of Bollywood,” is one of India’s most renowned actresses. Born on November 1, 1973, in Mangalore, Karnataka, she began her career as a model before venturing into acting. Aishwarya made her acting debut in the Tamil film “Iruvar” in 1997, which was followed by her Bollywood debut in “Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya” the same year.
Her breakthrough came with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” in 1999, for which she won her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Aishwarya’s mesmerizing beauty and versatile acting skills quickly made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
She went on to deliver several critically acclaimed performances in films like “Devdas,” “Chokher Bali,” and “Raincoat.” Aishwarya also gained international recognition with her role in the British film “Bride & Prejudice” and later became the first Indian actress to serve as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra, an Indian actress, singer, and film producer, has made a significant mark in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Born on July 18, 1982, in Jamshedpur, India, she won the Miss World 2000 pageant before venturing into acting.
In Bollywood, Priyanka’s versatile acting skills were showcased in films like “Fashion,” “Barfi!,” and “Bajirao Mastani,” earning her several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in “Fashion.”
Her international fame soared with the TV series “Quantico,” where she played the lead role of Alex Parrish, becoming the first South Asian woman to headline an American network series. She further cemented her Hollywood presence with roles in films like “Baywatch,” “Isn’t It Romantic,” and “The White Tiger.”
