Top Bollywood Actresses
Top Bollywood Actresses: India’s Hindi cinema, widely known as Bollywood, is celebrated for its compelling narratives, stunning presentations, and outstanding performances. It features not only remarkable male actors but also a roster of leading actresses who have delivered powerful performances and become some of the highest-paid heroines in the country.
Bollywood’s most enchanting actresses go beyond mere beauty and timeless elegance. From Katrina Kaif and Shraddha Kapoor to Deepika Padukone, each of these stars has showcased exceptional acting prowess and a commanding on-screen presence, resulting in both commercial success and immense popularity.
Their captivating performances and dazzling beauty have secured their places as enduring icons in the industry. Here, we highlight the top 15 Bollywood actresses who stand out as some of the country’s most talented and celebrated personalities, embodying both glamour and charisma.
Table of Contents
1. Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone, born on January 5, 1986, in Copenhagen, Denmark, is an Indian film actress and producer. She is one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses in the Indian film industry. Here’s an overview of her biography up until my last update.
Early Life and Family
Deepika Padukone was born to former badminton player Prakash Padukone and Ujjala Padukone. She was raised in Bangalore, India. Deepika has a younger sister named Anisha, who is a professional golfer.
Modelling Career
Before entering the film industry, Deepika Padukone worked as a successful model. She appeared in various print and television advertisements and walked the ramp for several well-known Indian designers.
2. Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha Kapoor is a leading Indian actress celebrated for her roles in Bollywood cinema. Born on March 3, 1987, in Mumbai, India, she hails from a family deeply rooted in the film industry.
Early Life and Background
Parents: Shraddha Kapoor is the daughter of actor Shakti Kapoor and actress S Kolhapure. Her father is renowned for his performances in numerous Bollywood films, while her mother enjoyed a successful career as an actress.
Education: She attended Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai and later went to Boston University, though she returned to India to pursue her acting career before completing her degree.
Career Beginnings
Debut: Shraddha Kapoor launched her acting career in 2010 with the film Teen Patti, where she took on a supporting role alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Ben Kingsley.
Breakthrough: Her breakthrough came with the 2013 film Aashiqui 2, where she starred opposite Aditya Roy Kapur. The film was a major hit and established her as a leading actress in Bollywood.
Major Films and Achievements
• 2014: Kapoor starred in Ek Villain, which proved to be another commercial hit. Her performance was well-received, and the film’s music was trendy.
• 2015: She starred in ABCD 2 (Any Body Can Dance 2), a dance film that showcased her dancing skills and was a box office hit.
• 2016: Her role in Baaghi, an action film opposite Tiger Shroff, was praised, and the film performed well commercially.
• 2017: She was part of Haseena Parkar, where she played the titular role, and Rock On 2, a sequel to the popular 2008 film Rock On!!.
• 2018: Stree, a horror-comedy film, was a major hit and appreciated for its unique blend of humour and horror.
• 2019: She starred in Chhichhore, a film dealing with themes of friendship and life, which was both a critical and commercial success.
3. Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma, born on May 1, 1988, in Ayodhya, India, is a prominent Bollywood actress and film producer. Here’s a brief overview of her life and career:
Early Life and Background
Parents: She is the daughter of Ashima Sharma, a homemaker, and Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, a retired army officer.
Education: Anushka attended Army School in Bangalore and later graduated with a degree in Economics from Mount Carmel College.
Career Beginnings
Debut: Sharma made her film debut in 2008 with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Her performance was highly praised, marking the start of her successful career.
Major Films and Achievements
2009: Badmaash Company, a comedy-drama that showcased her versatility.
2010: Band Baaja Baaraat, a film about wedding planners, which earned her critical acclaim.
2011: Jab Tak Hai Jaan, where she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif.
2012: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola and Pkran.
2014: PK, one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films, where she played a journalist.
2015: Dil Dhadakne Do, a family drama featuring an ensemble cast.
2016: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, where she played a pivotal role in the romantic drama.
2018: Sanju, a biopic of actor Sanjay Dutt, where she had a significant role.
2019: Zero, reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan, though it was not as successful as her previous ventures.
4. Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif, born on July 16, 1983, in Hong Kong, is a British-Indian actress and model who primarily works in the Indian film industry. She is one of Bollywood’s leading actresses and has appeared in numerous successful films. Here’s an overview of her biography up until my last update.
Early Life and Family
Katrina Kaif was born to an Indian Kashmiri father, Mohammed Kaif, and an English mother, Suzanne Turquotte. She has seven siblings, and her family lived in several countries before finally settling in London. Katrina was primarily raised in London and later moved to Mumbai, India, to pursue a career in modeling and acting.
Modeling Career
Katrina began her career in the entertainment industry as a model. She worked for various fashion brands and appeared in several commercial advertisements.
5. Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon is an Indian actress and model who has made a mark in the Bollywood film industry. Born on July 27, 1990, in New Delhi, India, Kriti began her career in the entertainment industry and has gained recognition for her performances in various films. Here is an overview of Kriti Sanon’s biography.
Early Life:
Kriti Sanon was born to Rahul Sanon, a chartered accountant, and Geeta Sanon, an associate professor at the University of Delhi. She has a younger sister, Nupur Sanon. Kriti completed her schooling from Delhi Public School, R K Puram, and pursued a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida.
Career Beginnings:
Kriti initially started her career as a model and made her acting debut with Telugu film “1: Nenokkadine” in 2014 opposite Mahesh Babu. She gained wider recognition in Bollywood later.
Bollywood Debut:
Kriti made her Bollywood debut with the film “Heropanti” in 2014, alongside Tiger Shroff. The film was well-received, and Kriti’s performance garnered positive reviews, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
6. Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt is a highly acclaimed Indian actress and one of the leading figures in the Bollywood film industry. Born on March 15, 1993, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Alia comes from a family associated with the film industry. Here is an overview of Alia Bhatt’s biography.
Early Life
Alia Bhatt is the daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan. She has an older sister named Shaheen Bhatt. Alia grew up in a family deeply connected to the world of cinema.
Film Debut
Alia made her acting debut with the film “Student of the Year” in 2012, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. The film, directed by Karan Johar, also marked the debut of actors Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra.
7. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, born on July 18, 1982, in Jamshedpur, Bihar (now in Jharkhand), India, is an Indian actress, singer, film producer, and philanthropist. She is one of Bollywood’s most successful and internationally recognized actresses. Here’s an overview of her biography up until my last update.
Early Life and Education
Priyanka Chopra was born to Ashok and Madhu Chopra, both physicians in the Indian Army. She spent part of her childhood in the United States, where she attended schools in Newton, Massachusetts, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Later, she returned to India and completed her high school education at the Army Public School in Bareilly. She later studied in Jai Hind College in Mumbai.
Beauty Pageants
Priyanka won the Miss World pageant in 2000, which marked the beginning of her career in the entertainment industry. After winning the title, she became a prominent face in India and started receiving offers for modelling and acting.
Bollywood Career
Priyanka made her Bollywood debut in “The Hero: Love Story of a Spy” (2003). She gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim for her roles in movies such as:
- “Andaaz” (2003) – Her first leading role, earning her a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
- “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi” (2004) – A romantic comedy where she starred alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar.
- “Aitraaz” (2004) – A thriller where she played a negative character, earning her several award nominations.
- “Fashion” (2008) – A drama exploring the fashion industry, for which she won the National Film Award for Best Actress.
- “7 Khoon Maaf” (2011) – A black comedy where she played a woman with a series of husbands, receiving critical acclaim for her performance.
8. Janhvi Kapoor:
Janhvi Kapoor is an Indian actress who made her debut in the Bollywood film industry. Born on March 6, 1997, in Mumbai, India, she is the daughter of the late legendary actress Sridevi and film producer Boney Kapoor. Here is an overview of Janhvi K biography:
Janhvi Kapoor Early Life:
Janhvi Kapoor comes from a well-known Bollywood family. She is the elder daughter of Boney Kapoor and Sridevi. Her younger sister is Khushi Kapoor. Janhvi completed her education in the United States before venturing into acting.
Film Debut:
Janhvi made her acting debut in Bollywood with the film “Dhadak” in 2018. The film, directed by Shashank Khaitan, is a Hindi adaptation of the Marathi film “Sairat.” Janhvi’s performance in “Dhadak” garnered attention and praise.
Subsequent Projects
- After her debut, Janhvi K appeared in various films, showcasing her acting skills and versatility. Some of her notable films include:
Ghost Stories (2020): Janhvi appeared in a segment directed by Zoya Akhtar in this anthology film released on Netflix. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020): Janhvi played the lead role in this biographical film based on the life of Indian Air Force pilot Gunjan Saxena.
9. Kareena Kapoor
Kareena Kapoor Khan, born on September 21, 1980, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, is a highly successful and popular Indian actress who has made significant contributions to the Bollywood film industry. Known for her versatility, style, and strong screen presence, Kareena Kapoor has established herself as one of the leading actresses in the industry. Here is an overview of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s biography.
Early Life
Kareena Kapoor was born into the Kapoor film family, a prominent dynasty in Bollywood. She is the daughter of Randhir Kapoor and Babita Kapoor and the granddaughter of legendary actor Raj Kapoor. She has an elder sister, Karisma Kapoor, who is also a well-known actress in the industry.
Film Debut
Kareena made her acting debut with the film “Refugee” in 2000, opposite Abhishek Bachchan. Despite the film’s moderate success, Kareena’s performance garnered attention, and she earned the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Breakthrough and Success
Kareena Kapoor’s breakthrough role came with the film “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…” (2001), directed by Karan Johar. Her portrayal of Pooja (Poo) earned her widespread acclaim and established her as a prominent actress in the industry.
10. Kiara Advani
Kiara Advani is an Indian actress who works predominantly in the Bollywood film industry. Here is an overview of Kiara Advani’s biography.
Kiara Advani was born on July 31, 1992, as Alia Advani in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She comes from a mixed heritage, with her father being of Sindhi descent and her mother being of half-Scottish and half-Muslim lineage.
Education:
Kiara completed her schooling at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai. She pursued her higher education at Jai Hind College for Mass Communication, Mumbai, and later went on to study acting at Anupam Kher’s acting institute, Actor Prepares.
Film Debut
Kiara made her acting debut in Bollywood with the film “Fugly” in 2014. However, she gained widespread recognition and popularity with her role in the Netflix anthology film “Lust Stories” (2018), where she played a pivotal role in one of the segments directed by Karan Johar.
11. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, born on November 1, 1973, in Mangalore, Karnataka, India, is a renowned Indian film actress and the winner of the Miss World pageant in 1994. She is considered one of the most beautiful and influential celebrities in the Indian film industry.
Early Life
Aishwarya was born into a Tulu-speaking Bunt family to Krishnaraj Rai, a marine biologist, and Vrinda Rai, a writer. She spent her early years in Mangalore and then moved to Mumbai, where she attended Arya Vidya Mandir High School. Later, she pursued studies in architecture at Jai Hind College, but her interest in modeling and acting led her to enter the world of beauty pageants.
Miss World 1994
Aishwarya Rai gained widespread recognition after winning the Miss World title in 1994. This victory opened doors for her in the entertainment industry and marked the beginning of her illustrious career.
Film Career
- Aishwarya made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film “Iruvar” in 1997, and her Bollywood debut followed shortly with Rahul Rawail’s “Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya” in the same year. However, it was Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999) that brought her critical acclaim and established her as a leading actress in the industry.
- Over the years, Aishwarya Rai has delivered numerous successful films in various languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English. Some of her notable films include “Devdas” (2002), “Dhoom 2” (2006), “Jodhaa Akbar” (2008), and “Guzaarish” (2010).
12. Rakul Preet Singh
Rakul Preet Singh is an Indian actress and model who primarily works in the Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi film industries. Here is an overview of Rakul Preet Singh’s biography.
Early Life:
Rakul Preet Singh was born on October 10, 1990, in New Delhi, India. She grew up in a Punjabi family, and her father, Kulwinder Singh, was a colonel in the Indian Army.
Education:
Rakul completed her schooling at Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan, Delhi. Later, she studied Mathematics at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi.
Pageantry:
Before entering the film industry, Rakul Preet Singh participated in the Femina Miss India pageant in 2011 and was crowned Miss India People’s Choice.
13. Bhumi Pednekar
Bhumi Pednekar, born on July 18, 1989, in Mumbai, India, is a popular Bollywood actress known for her diverse roles and impactful performances.
Early Life and Background
Family: Bhumi Pednekar is the daughter of Satish Pednekar, a former Mumbai Municipal Corporation official, and Sumitra Pednekar.
Education: She attended Arya Vidya Mandir in Mumbai and later graduated with a degree in Commerce from the University of Mumbai.
Career Beginnings
Debut: Pednekar started her career as an assistant director in Yash Raj Films before transitioning to acting. She made her acting debut in 2015 a film Dum Laga Ke Haisha.
Major Films and Achievements
• 2015: Dum Laga Ke Haisha – Her debut film, where she played a larger-than-life character in a romantic comedy.
• 2017: Toilet: Ek Prem Katha – A social comedy about sanitation issues, co-starring Akshay Kumar, which was both a commercial and critical success.
• 2018: Shubh Mangal Saavdhan – A comedy-drama about erectile dysfunction, showcasing her versatility.
• 2019: Bala – A film addressing hair loss, where Pednekar’s performance was widely praised.
• 2021: Durgamati – A horror-thriller where she played the lead role, adding to her diverse filmography.
• 2022: Badhaai Do – A comedy-drama about a lavender marriage, continuing her trend of socially relevant cinema.
14. Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor, born on June 9, 1985, in Mumbai, India, is a well-known Bollywood actress and fashion icon. Here’s a detailed overview of her life and career.
Early Life and Background
• Family: Sonam Kapoor is the daughter of Anil Kapoor, a prominent Bollywood actor, and Sunita Kapoor. Her younger sister, Rhea Kapoor, is a film producer and stylist.
• Education: She attended the Arya Vidya Mandir in Mumbai and later studied theater and arts at the United World College of South East Asia in Singapore. She also pursued a course in acting from the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.
Career Beginnings
Debut: Sonam Kapoor made her film debut in 2007 with Saawariya, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Although the film was not a commercial success, Kapoor’s performance was noted.
Major Films and Achievements
• 2009: Delhi-6 – Kapoor had a notable role in this film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
• 2010: Aisha – A romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, where she starred as the titular character. The film was well-received for its fashion and Kapoor’s performance.
• 2013: Raanjhanaa – Her role as Zubeida was praised, and the film was a critical and commercial success.
• 2014: Khoobsurat – A romantic comedy in which she played a spirited character, showcasing her versatility.
• 2015: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo – A family drama directed by Sooraj Barjatya, co-starring Salman Khan.
• 2016: Neerja – Kapoor played the role of Neerja Bhanot, a Pan Am flight attendant who saved passengers from a hijacking. The film was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actress.
• 2017: Pad Man – A film about menstrual hygiene, where Kapoor’s role was well-regarded.
• 2018: Veere Di Wedding – A female-centric comedy-drama about friendship and marriage.
15. Sonakshi Sinha
Sonakshi Sinha is a prominent Indian actress celebrated for her roles in Bollywood cinema. Born on June 2, 1987, in Mumbai, India, she is the daughter of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha and former actress Poonam Sinha.
Early Life and Education: Sonakshi was raised in a film-oriented family and initially pursued a career in fashion designing. She attended the Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University in Mumbai, where she studied fashion designing.
Career Beginnings: Sonakshi began her Bollywood career in 2010 with Dabangg, where she starred alongside Salman Khan. Her performance as Rajjo, the lead character’s love interest, was well-received and established her as a leading actress in the industry. The film was a major commercial success and earned her several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Rise to Fame: Following her debut, Sonakshi appeared in a series of successful films such as Rowdy Rathore (2012), Son of Sardaar (2012), and Dabangg 2 (2012). She was noted for her versatility and ability to handle various roles, ranging from action-packed performances to more dramatic and romantic roles.
Notable Works: Some of her other notable films include Lootera (2013), where she played a period drama role alongside Ranveer Singh, and Akira (2016), where she took on a more action-oriented role. She also starred in Mission Mangal (2019), a space drama that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
Personal Life: Sonakshi is known for her philanthropy and involvement in social causes. She has been actively engaged in various charitable activities and supports several initiatives related to education and health.
Recent Work: In recent years, Sonakshi has continued to evolve as an actress, participating in a range of projects across different genres. Her recent projects include Khandaani Shafakhana (2019) and Dabangg 3 (2019).
Sonakshi Sinha’s career reflects her ability to adapt and excel in diverse roles, and she continues to be a significant presence in Bollywood.
