Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India
Bollywood actor” generally refers to an actor working in the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India, which is colloquially known as Bollywood. Bollywood is one of the largest centres of film production in the world and produces a vast number of films every year, spanning various genres including drama, romance, action, and comedy.
Bollywood actors are individuals who perform in these Hindi-language films. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. They come from diverse backgrounds and undergo rigorous training to hone their acting skills. Bollywood has produced many legendary actors over the years, some of whom have achieved international recognition for their work.
Famous Bollywood actors often enjoy immense popularity and have a significant influence on Indian culture. They are not only admired for their acting abilities but also for their style, charisma, and contributions to the film industry. Bollywood actors often have a massive fan following, not just in India but also among the Indian diaspora and international audiences.
Some of the iconic Bollywood actors include:
1. Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” is one of the most prominent actors in the Indian film industry. Born on November 2, 1965, in New Delhi, India, Khan started his career in television before making a successful transition to the big screen. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Bollywood Actors Early Life:
Shah Rukh Khan was born to Taj Mohammad Khan and Lateef Fatima. He attended St. Columba’s School in Delhi and later pursued his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Hansraj College. He also has a master’s degree in Mass Communications from Jamia Millia Islamia.
Acting Career:
Shah Rukh Khan made his acting debut in the television series “Fauji” in 1988. He gained widespread recognition with the television show “Circus” and later appeared in shows like “Umeed” and “Wagle Ki Duniya.” His breakthrough in Bollywood came with the film “Deewana” in 1992.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Khan starred in several iconic films, including “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995), “Dil To Pagal Hai” (1997), “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998), “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001), and “Devdas” (2002). He is known for his versatile acting skills, charming personality, and romantic roles.
2. Salman Khan
Salman Khan, born Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan on December 27, 1965, is one of the most popular and influential actors in the Indian film industry, also known as Bollywood. He is not just an actor but also a producer, television personality, and philanthropist. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. Here is a brief biography of Salman Khan:
Early Life:
Salman Khan was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, into a prominent film family. His father, Salim Khan, was a successful screenwriter, and his mother, Sushila Charak, later known as Salma Khan, was an accomplished housewife. He has two brothers, Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, and two sisters, Alvira Khan Agnihotri and Arpita Khan.
Acting Career:
Salman Khan made his acting debut in the film “Biwi Ho To Aisi” in 1988 but gained widespread recognition with his leading role in the highly successful film “Maine Pyar Kiya” (1989). He continued to deliver hit films throughout the 1990s, including “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” (1994) and “Karan Arjun” (1995).
In the 2000s, he starred in successful films like “Dabangg” (2010), “Ek Tha Tiger” (2012), and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” (2015), which were major box office hits. He is known for his charismatic screen presence, unique style, and versatility as an actor.
3. Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth, born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, India, is a legendary Indian actor, producer, and politician who primarily works in Tamil cinema. He is one of the most influential and iconic figures in the Indian film industry. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Rajinikanth was born into a Marathi family in Bangalore. Before entering the film industry, he worked in various jobs, including that of a bus conductor in Bangalore Transport Service, which earned him the nickname “Rajinikanth.”
Acting Career:
Rajinikanth made his acting debut in the Tamil film “Apoorva Raagangal” in 1975, directed by K. Balachander. He gained recognition for his performances in movies like “Mullum Malarum” (1978), “Billa” (1980), and “Thillu Mullu” (1981). However, it was his role in “Muthu” (1995) that made him a superstar not only in South India but also in Japan and other international markets.
He has acted in numerous blockbuster films, including “Sivaji” (2007), “Endhiran” (2010), “Kabali” (2016), and “Kaala” (2018). His unique style, dialogue delivery, and charismatic screen presence have made him immensely popular among fans.
4. Akshay Kumar
As of my last update in September 2021, Akshay Kumar, whose real name is Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, is a renowned actor and producer in the Indian film industry. Born on September 9, 1967, in Amritsar, Punjab, India, he is one of the most successful and versatile actors in Bollywood. Please note that his age might have changed since then.
Early Life:
Akshay Kumar grew up in Delhi and later moved to Mumbai, where he started his career as a chef and waiter. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. He briefly studied martial arts in Bangkok, Thailand, which eventually led him to learn martial arts and become a successful action star in Bollywood.
Acting Career:
Akshay Kumar made his acting debut in the film “Saugandh” in 1991 but gained widespread recognition with the film “Khiladi” in 1992, which also became his nickname due to his roles in action films. He became a prominent actor in the 1990s and 2000s, starring in successful movies such as “Main Khiladi Tu Anari” (1994), “Mohra” (1994), “Sabse Bada Khiladi” (1995), and “Dhadkan” (2000).
He later expanded his roles to include comedy, drama, and socially relevant films. Some of his popular movies include “Hera Pheri” (2000), “Dosti: Friends Forever” (2005), “Singh is Kinng” (2008), “Rustom” (2016), and “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” (2017).
5. Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan, born Mohammed Aamir Hussain Khan on March 14, 1965, is one of the most influential actors and filmmakers in the Indian film industry. He is often referred to as the “Mr. Perfectionist” of Bollywood due to his meticulous approach to his roles and film projects. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. Here’s an overview of his biography and family details:
Early Life:
Aamir Khan was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, into a film family. His father, Tahir Hussain, was a film producer, and his uncle, Nasir Hussain, was a renowned film producer, director, and screenwriter. Aamir started his acting career at a young age, appearing in the film “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” in 1973 as a child actor.
Acting Career:
Aamir Khan made his adult acting debut with the film “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” in 1988, which was a major success and established him as a leading actor in Bollywood. He continued to deliver critically acclaimed performances in films like “Dil” (1990), “Raja Hindustani” (1996), “Lagaan” (2001), “Dil Chahta Hai” (2001), “Rang De Basanti” (2006), “Taare Zameen Par” (2007), “3 Idiots” (2009), and “Dangal” (2016).
6. Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan, born on October 11, 1942, is one of the most iconic actors in the history of Indian cinema. He is a legendary Bollywood actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer, and former politician. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Amitabh Bachchan was born to Harivansh Rai Bachchan, a renowned Hindi poet, and Teji Bachchan, in Allahabad, India. He attended Sherwood College, Nainital, and later studied at Kirori Mal College in Delhi University. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. His initial aspiration was to become an engineer, but he eventually found his passion in acting.
Acting Career:
Amitabh Bachchan made his acting debut in the film “Saat Hindustani” in 1969. However, his breakthrough came with the film “Zanjeer” in 1973, which marked the beginning of his journey as the “Angry Young Man” of Indian cinema. He became the star of the millennium in Bollywood with a string of successful films in the 1970s and 1980s, including “Deewar,” “Sholay,” “Don,” “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar,” and “Shahenshah.”
During the late 1980s and 1990s, he faced a few setbacks in his career but made a triumphant comeback in the early 2000s with films like “Mohabbatein,” “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” and “Black.” He continued to deliver powerful performances in movies such as “Paa,” “Pink,” “Piku,” and “102 Not Out.”
7. Ajay Devgan
Ajay Devgn, born Vishal Veeru Devgan on April 2, 1969, is a prominent actor, producer, and director in the Indian film industry, Bollywood. He is known for his versatile acting skills and has appeared in a wide range of film genres, including action, drama, and comedy. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Ajay Devgn was born in New Delhi, India, into a family with connections to the entertainment industry. His father, Veeru Devgan, was a stunt choreographer and action film director, and his mother, Veena Devgan, was a film producer. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. He completed his schooling at the Silver Beach High School in Juhu and later attended Mithibai College.
Acting Career:
Ajay Devgn made his acting debut with the film “Phool Aur Kaante” in 1991, which was a commercial success and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He gained widespread recognition for his intense and action-packed performances in films like “Jigar” (1992), “Dilwale” (1994), and “Suhaag” (1994).
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he starred in several successful films, including “Ishq” (1997), “Zakhm” (1998), “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999), and “Gangajal” (2003). He received critical acclaim for his roles in movies such as “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” (2002), for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor, and “Omkara” (2006).
In recent years, he has appeared in successful films like the “Singham” series, “Shivaay” (2016), “Raid” (2018), and “Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior” (2020), the latter of which became a major box office hit.
8. Prabhas
Prabhas, whose full name is Uppalapati Venkata Satyanarayana Prabhas Raju, was born on October 23, 1979, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He is a renowned Indian actor who primarily works in Telugu cinema and has gained international fame for his role in the blockbuster movie series “Baahubali.” Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Prabhas was born into a film family. His father, U. Suryanarayana Raju, was a famous film producer, and his uncle, Krishnam Raju, is a well-known Telugu actor and politician. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India. Prabhas attended DNR School in Bhimavaram and later graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Sri Chaitanya College in Hyderabad.
Acting Career:
Prabhas made his acting debut in the 2002 Telugu drama film “Eeswar.” However, he gained significant recognition and popularity with the movie “Varsham” (2004), directed by Sobhan. He continued to appear in successful films like “Chatrapathi” (2005), “Pournami” (2006), and “Yogi” (2007).
However, his career reached new heights with the “Baahubali” film series, directed by S.S. Rajamouli. “Baahubali: The Beginning” (2015) and its sequel “Baahubali: The Conclusion” (2017) became massive blockbusters not only in India but also internationally. Prabhas portrayed the character of Amarendra Baahubali and Mahendra Baahubali, earning him widespread acclaim.
9. Hrithik Roshan
Hrithik Roshan, born on January 10, 1974, is one of the most talented and celebrated actors in the Indian film industry, Bollywood. He is not only known for his acting skills but also for his dance prowess and overall charismatic screen presence. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Hrithik Roshan was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, into a family deeply entrenched in the film industry. His father, Rakesh Roshan, is a renowned film director and producer, and his maternal grandfather, J. Om Prakash, was also a prominent filmmaker. Hrithik belongs to a family of actors, with his uncle Rajesh Roshan being a famous music director in Bollywood.
Acting Career:
Hrithik made his acting debut in the film “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai” in 2000, which was a massive success and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. His dance moves and chiselled physique in the film made him an overnight sensation. He followed this success with movies like “Fiza” (2000), “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001), and “Koi… Mil Gaya” (2003), where he played a mentally disabled young man.
In 2006, he starred in the film “Dhoom 2,” which further established his status as one of the leading actors in Bollywood. He has since appeared in several successful films, including “Jodhaa Akbar” (2008), “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (2011), “Agneepath” (2012), “Krrish 3” (2013), and “Kaabil” (2017).
10. Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir Kapoor, born on September 28, 1982, is one of the most talented actors in the Indian film industry, Bollywood. He hails from the renowned Kapoor film dynasty and is the son of actors Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, and the grandson of the legendary actor and filmmaker Raj Kapoor. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Ranbir Kapoor was born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He attended Bombay Scottish School and later pursued film-making and method acting at the School of Visual Arts and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, both in New York City.
Acting Career:
Ranbir Kapoor made his acting debut with the film “Saawariya” in 2007, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Though the film didn’t perform well at the box office, Ranbir’s performance was widely appreciated. He gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim with his second film, “Wake Up Sid” (2009), followed by films like “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” (2009) and “Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year” (2009).
He then starred in several successful films, including “Raajneeti” (2010), “Rockstar” (2011), “Barfi!” (2012), “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” (2013), “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” (2016), and “Sanju” (2018), a biographical film based on the life of actor Sanjay Dutt, for which he received widespread acclaim and several awards.
11. Sif Alikhan
Saif Ali Khan, born Sajid Ali Khan on August 16, 1970, is an acclaimed actor in the Indian film industry, Bollywood. He is the son of the former Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore, making him a part of the prestigious Pataudi family.
Early Life and Acting Career:
Saif Ali Khan made his acting debut in the film “Parampara” in 1993 but gained recognition and critical acclaim with the film “Yeh Dillagi” (1994). He continued to work in various films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with notable movies like “Main Khiladi Tu Anari” (1994), “Hum Saath-Saath Hain” (1999), and “Dil Chahta Hai” (2001).
However, his career took a significant turn in the mid-2000s with films like “Kal Ho Naa Ho” (2003) and “Hum Tum” (2004), for which he received the National Film Award for Best Actor. He continued to deliver successful performances in movies such as “Omkara” (2006), “Love Aaj Kal” (2009), and the “Race” film series.
12. Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh, born on July 6, 1985, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, is one of the most energetic and versatile actors in the Indian film industry, Bollywood. He is known for his flamboyant personality, incredible acting skills, and unique fashion sense. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Ranveer Singh was born into a Sindhi family to Anju and Jagjit Singh Bhavnani. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, United States. He later pursued a career in acting and studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City.
Acting Career:
Ranveer Singh made his acting debut in Bollywood with the film “Band Baaja Baaraat” in 2010, directed by Maneesh Sharma. His performance as Bittoo Sharma, a street-smart Delhi guy, earned him critical acclaim and the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He continued to impress both critics and audiences with films like “Ladies vs Ricky Bahl” (2011), “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela” (2013), “Dil Dhadakne Do” (2015), and “Bajirao Mastani” (2015), for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Ranveer Singh further solidified his position in the industry with films like “Padmaavat” (2018), where he portrayed the historical character of Alauddin Khilji. The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was a massive success and showcased his versatility as an actor.
He has also been praised for his performances in movies like “Simmba” (2018), “Gully Boy” (2019), and “83” (2021), where he portrayed the legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev.
13. John Ibrahim
John Abraham, born on December 17, 1972, is a popular Indian actor, producer, and former model known for his work in Bollywood films. He is also a successful film producer and owns his production company, John Abraham Entertainment. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
John Abraham was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, to a Malayali father and a Zoroastrian mother. He studied at the Bombay Scottish School in Mumbai and later attended Jai Hind College. He pursued his Masters in Management Sciences from Mumbai Educational Trust (MET).
Modelling Career:
Before entering the film industry, John Abraham started his career as a model. He gained fame as a successful model and won the Gladrags Manhunt Contest in 1999, which marked the beginning of his modeling career.
Acting Career:
John Abraham made his acting debut with the film “Jism” in 2003, opposite Bipasha Basu. The film was a commercial success and established him as an actor in the industry. He continued to star in successful films like “Dhoom” (2004), “Garam Masala” (2005), “Water” (2005), and “Baabul” (2006).
He gained critical acclaim for his roles in movies like “Zinda” (2006), “Kabul Express” (2006), and “No Smoking” (2007). He also appeared in commercial hits like “Dostana” (2008) and “New York” (2009).
In the following years, he appeared in various films, including “Force” (2011), “Desi Boyz” (2011), “Madras Cafe” (2013), “Dishoom” (2016), and “Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran” (2018). His performance in the film “Satyameva Jayate” (2018) was appreciated by the audience.
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14. Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor, born on February 25, 1981, is a prominent actor in the Indian film industry, Bollywood. He is known for his exceptional acting skills and has gained recognition for his performances in various film genres. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Shahid Kapoor was born in New Delhi, India, to actors Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his mother. He completed his schooling at Gyan Bharati School in Delhi and later attended Mira Model School in Mumbai. He studied acting at the Shiamak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts.
Acting Career:
Shahid Kapoor made his acting debut in Bollywood with the film “Ishq Vishk” in 2003, for which he received the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He continued to appear in romantic films like “Fida” (2004) and “Shikhar” (2005).
However, his breakthrough came with the film “Jab We Met” (2007), opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan, where he received critical acclaim for his performance. He went on to star in movies such as “Kaminey” (2009), “R… Rajkumar” (2013), and “Haider” (2014), the latter of which earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
In recent years, he has delivered successful performances in films like “Udta Punjab” (2016), “Padmaavat” (2018), and “Kabir Singh” (2019), the latter of which became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of all time.
15. Tiger Shroff
Tiger Shroff, born on March 2, 1990, as Jai Hemant Shroff, is a popular Indian actor, dancer, and martial artist working in the Bollywood film industry. He is known for his exceptional dancing skills, impressive stunts, and athletic physique. Here’s an overview of his biography:
Early Life:
Tiger Shroff was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, to veteran Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff and Ayesha Shroff, a film producer. He has a younger sister named Krishna Shroff. Tiger’s real name is Jai Hemant Shroff, but he is popularly known by his nickname, Tiger, given to him by his family.
Education:
Tiger attended the American School of Bombay and later pursued a degree in Mass Media from Amity University, Noida.
Debut and Acting Career:
Tiger made his acting debut in Bollywood with the film “Heropanti” in 2014, opposite Kriti Sanon. His performance was well-received, and he received the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He continued his successful run with movies like “Baaghi” (2016), “Baaghi 2” (2018), and “War” (2019), which became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films. Top 15 Bollywood Actors in India.
His action-packed performances, especially in the “Baaghi” series, established him as an action star in the industry. Tiger is known for performing most of his stunts and action sequences without a body double, showcasing his dedication to his roles.
