Bollywood Actors who Changed their Name Before Entering the Industry

Some of Bollywood's biggest stars began their journey with a different name before making their mark in the industry. Whether influenced by numerology or a desire to stand out, these iconic actors embraced new identities before their debut films.

While some chose to drop their surnames, others completely reinvented their names to make their entry into the film world.

Let’s take a look at a few of them!

Akshay Kumar 
After a brief role in his first film Aaj (1987), this star changed his name from Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia to the iconic Akshay Kumar. 

Image Source: IMDB 

Ajay Devgn 
Born Vishal Veer Devgn, Ajay Devgn changed his name to avoid confusion with other actors named Vishal who were making their debut around the same time.

Image Source: IMDB

Kiara Advani
Bollywood actress Kiara Advani changed her name from Alia to Kiara before her debut in 2014, as Alia Bhatt was already a well-established name in the industry.

Image Source: IMDB

Tiger Shroff 
Tiger Shroff was originally named Jai Hemant Shroff and went by the nickname "Tiger." However, when he decided to enter Bollywood, his nickname transformed into his stage name.


Shilpa Shetty Kundra
On the advice of an astrologer, Shilpa Shetty Kundra changed her name from Ashwini Shetty to enhance her career prospects as an actress and model.

Image Source: IMDB