Real Names of Famous Indian Actors


Bangalore: A lot of stars especially star children prefer retaining their surnames which helps them set the base in the film industry. But there are a lot of actors in India who prefer to go with just their first names and there have also been many actors who have changed their names.

There are many reasons behind this either the surname makes their name longer or many feel that a shorter name would be easier to remember. Many actors have changed their names and have adopted new screen names; either for astrological reasons or for acceptance among the audience.

Here are 20 Indian actors who have either dropped their surnames or changed their names.

Kajol

Full Name: Kajol Mukerkjee

Kajol who was born to director Shommu Mukerkjee and actress Tanuja preferred to go with just Kajol when she entered the film industry. She was only in school when she debuted in the movie Bekhuddi in 1992. She achieved commercial success with her next movie Baazigar with co star Shahruk Khan with whom she went on to share a sizzling on screen chemistry with movies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Khabhi Khushi Khabhi Gam, My Name is Khan.

She is now married to Ajay Devgan and has two children Nysa and Yug. In 2013 we might just get to see this beauty on screen in a Karan Johar movie along with Shahruk Khan. Another Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?

Tanuja

Full Name: Tanuja Samarth

Did Kajol consciously only use her first name? Was she following her mother’s footsteps? Her mother actress Tanuja also preferred going with only her first name. Tanuja a Marathi was born to poet and film director Kumarsen Samarth and actress Shobhna Samarth.

She started acting as a kid and her first movie was Hamari Beti with her sister Nutan in 1950 and in 1960 she debuted in Chhabili which was directed by her mother. Tanuja was known to be bubbly and a fun loving actress. Some of her famous work includes Jewel Thief, Haathi Mere Saathi and Anubhav.

She recently starred movies like Saathiya, Bhoot, Khaakee, Rules – Pyaar ka Superhit Formula proving that like wine, with age she only just keeps getting better.