Top 33 South Indian Actress Names With Photo List 2023
South Indian Actress Names With Photo List 2023: Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Rashmika Mandanna, Pooja Hegde, Raashii Khanna, Nayanthara, Mrunal Thakur, Kajal Aggarwal and Keerthy Suresh are a few South Indian actresses who have become big names in the Indian film industry. The popularity of South actresses has far surpassed the popularity of Bollywood actresses. Now, many people all over India are searching for popular South actress names to know and identify the famous leading ladies in South India who are now the talk of the town. Here we have listed the top 30 South Indian actresses with names and photos to help you understand the industry leaders right now. Without further let’s go on with our list of South Indian actress names with photos.
1- Nayanthara
Nayanthara is known as the lady superstar of the South. She has acted in many blockbuster movies throughout her career and is going to feature in a Bollywood movie titled Jawan opposite Shah Rukh Khan in 2023.
The South Indian actress Nayanthara made her debut in Tamil cinema with the film Manassinakare in 2003. She has acted in critically acclaimed movies like Sri Rama Rajyam (2011), and Raja Rani (2013).
Nayanthara was born on 18th November 1984 in Karnataka which makes her 38 years old at the moment. She recently tied the knot with Vignesh Shivan in 2022 and became a mother through surrogacy.
2- Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is one of the most popular South Indian actresses. She was married to Naga Chaitanya but got divorced in 2022 to finally live on her own terms. Samantha recently featured in the critically acclaimed thriller movie Yashoda.
The South actress Samantha made her debut in the film industry in 2010 with the Telugu movie Ye Maaya Chesave. Since then she has delivered note-worthy performances in films like Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012) and Eega (2012).
She was born on 28th April 1987 in Madras, Tamil Nadu. Samantha has a degree in Commerce and was known to be a bright student. She had also done modelling before becoming a full-time actor. Recently she also tried working in web series by acting in the critically acclaimed series The Family Man.
3- Keerthy Suresh
Keerthy Suresh is a famous South Indian actress who has recently started to gain prominence with her praiseworthy roles. She works in both Tamil and Telugu cinema. Keerthy has also starred in a few Malayalam movies as well.
She studied fashion design and made her debut quite early in the film industry as a child actress in the 2000s. Keerthy Suresh has featured in commercially hit movies like Ring Master (2014), Sarkar (2018) and Mahanati (2018).
The South Indian actress was born on 17th October 1992 in Madras, Tamil Nadu. She completed her degree in fashion design at Pearl Academy in Tamil Nadu and then moved to Scotland and London to complete her internship. She then finally returned to India and started acting in movies.
4- Kajal Aggarwal
Kajal Aggarwal is a South Indian actress who has also acted in successful Bollywood movies. She made a name for herself by starring in the commercially hit action film Singham.
Kajal made her debut in 2004 with the Hindi film Kyun Ho Gaya Na and then shifted to the South industry. She made her Telugu debut with the film Lakshmi Kalyanam in 2007. Since then, she has not looked back on her journey of becoming a famous superstar.
Kajal Aggarwal was born on 19th June 1985. She has starred in successful South films like Mr Perfect (2011), Businessman (2012) and Mersal (2017). Kajal got married to Gautam Kitchlu in 2020 and the couple welcomed a baby girl into their life in 2022.
5- Rashmika Mandanna
Rashmika Mandanna is a South Indian actress who is often called the Indian female crush. She made her Bollywood debut recently with the family drama film Goodbye. Rashmika Mandanna has predominantly worked in Telugu and Kannada films.
There are rumours of her being in a relationship with the South Indian actor Vijay Deverakonda. Rashmika has mesmerised viewers with her great performances in films like Pushpa: The Rise (2021), Sita Ramam (2022) and Pogaru (2021).
Rashmika Mandanna made her debut in the Telugu film industry with the movie Chalo in 2018. She was born on 5th April 1996 and studied at M S Ramaiah College in Karnataka. The South Indian actress is known as one of the most beautiful actresses of today’s generation.
6- Pooja Hegde
Pooja Hegde is a renowned South Indian actress who is going to be seen as the leading lady in two upcoming Bollywood movies Cirkus and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. She is a beautiful actress who made her debut in the film industry with the Tamil film Mugamoodi (2012).
Pooja has starred in commercially successful films like Duvvada Jagganadham (2017), Maharshi (2019) and Most Eligible Bachelor (2021). However, 2022 was not a good year for her as most of her movies like Beast and Radhe Shyam failed at the box office.
Pooja Hegde was born on 13th October 1990 in Bombay, Maharashtra. She completed her education at M.M.K College before turning into a model and then ultimately into an actress.
7- Raashii Khanna
Raashii Khanna is a South Indian actress who is soon going to make her Bollywood debut with the film Mission Majnu in 2023. She is known for her heart-touching roles in romantic movies.
Raashii Khanna made her Telugu debut in 2014 with the film Oohalu Gusagusadale. She then appeared in several Tamil and Malayalam movies as well. Her most successful films include Bengal Tiger (2015), Supreme (2016) and Sardar (2022).
The South actress Raashi Khanna was born on 30th November 1990 in Delhi. She completed her education at the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College at Delhi University and dreamt of becoming an IAS officer before ultimately becoming an actress.
8- Anushka Shetty
The popular South Indian actress Anushka Shetty made headlines with her breathtaking role in the Bahubali movies. She made her debut in the Telugu film Super in 2005 which garnered a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress nomination.
Anushka has appeared in successful films like Singam (2010), Singam 2 (2013), Vaanam (2011) and Size Zero (2015). The South Indian actress is one of the biggest stars in the South Indian film industry.
She was born on 7th November 1981 in Mangalore, Karnataka. Her real name is Sweety Shetty. Anushka completed her graduation in Bachelors of Computer Application from Mount Caramel College in Bangalore.
9- Tamannaah
Born as Tamanna Bhatia she changed her name after entering the South Indian film industry. Tamannaah made her debut in her teenage with the Bollywood film Chand Sa Roshan Chehra in 2005. However, she then moved to South Indian films to find success.
Tamannaah’s South debut came with the Telugu film Sri in 2005. Her successful films include 100% Love (2011), Veeram (2014) and Devi (2016). She is regarded as one of the most talented and beautiful South actresses right now.
Tamannaah was born on 21st December 1989 in Bombay, Maharashtra. She studied at Maneckji Cooper Education Trust School, Mumbai before giving up education to completely act full-time.
10- Sai Pallavi
Sai Pallavi is a new-age South Indian actress who has made a big name for herself in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema. Her performances in the films are hailed by critics for being done with great exception.
Pallavi has starred in several successful films like Kali (2016), Maari 2 (2018), Love Story (2021) and Shyam Singh Roy (2021). She made her debut with the film Premam in 2015. Pallavi has mostly been cast in romantic films throughout her career.
She was born on 9th May 1992 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Pallavi has done her studies in medicine at the Tbilisi State Medical University. However, Sai Pallavi has not yet registered as a medical practitioner.
11- Mrunal Thakur
South Indian actress Mrunal Thakur rose to prominence with her stint in the TV industry. She has acted in Television dramas like Mujhse Kuch Kehti Hai Khamoshiyaan (2012) and Kumkum Bhagya (2014).
Mrunal Thakur made her Bollywood debut with the film Love Sonia in 2018 and found fame in the Telugu film industry with her debut film Sita Ramam (2022). The romantic drama helped show her acting prowess.
Mrunal was born on 1st August 1992 in Dhule, Maharashtra. She studied at St. Joseph’s Convent School, Jalgaon, and at Vasant Vihar High School, Mumbai. Jadhav then studied at KC College but left it before getting the degree in order to pursue her acting career.
12- Priyamani
Priyamani is ranked among the most famous South Indian actresses of all time. She became a pan-India personality with her item song in the Bollywood film Chennai Express. Priyamani is currently playing a role in the web series The Family Man.
Priyamani debuted in the South Indian film industry with the Telugu film Evare Atagaadu (2003). She is known for her role in the films Raam (2009), Raavan (2010), Charulatha (2012) and Idolle Ramayana (2016).
She is married to Mustafa Raj. Priyamani is a proficient dancer and has judged many reality dance TV shows in her career. Her cousin Vidya Balan is also a successful actress. Priyamani was born on 4th June 1984 and studied till 12th before making her acting debut.
13- Trisha Krishnan
Trisha Krishnan is a South Indian actress who entered the Tamil and Telugu film industry after winning the Miss Chennai contest in 1999. Her debut Tamil movie was Jodi in which she played a supporting role.
Trisha is known as one of the finest South actresses of all time. She has appeared in several successful films like Saamy (2003), Aaru (2005) and Athadu (2005). Trisha has also worked in Bollywood. She made her debut in the Hindi film industry with Khatta Meetha (2010).
Trisha was born on 4th May 1983 in Madras, Tamil Nadu. She studied at Ethiraj College for Women and pursued a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration. Trisha follows a vegetarian diet.
14- Shriya Saran
Shriya Saran is one of the most famous South Indian actresses who is also known for her dancing prowess. In addition to working in Telugu and Tamil films, she has also appeared in several hit Bollywood movies as well. Recently, she was seen in Drishyam 2.
Shriya made her debut with the Telugu film Ishtam (2001). She then found commercial success in 2002 with the film Nuuve Nuuve. Sivaji (2007) and Manam (2014) are two of her most appreciated films.
She was born on 11th September 1982 in Haridwar, Uttar Pradesh. Shriya studied at Delhi Public School in Haridwar before getting graduated from Lady Shri Ram College for Women at the University of Delhi. She married Andrei Koscheev in 2018 and has a daughter with him.
15- Ileana D’Cruz
Ileana D’Cruz is one of those few South Indian actresses who has also worked in blockbuster Bollywood movies. The South actress was the main lead in the critically acclaimed Bollywood movie Barfi.
Ileana made her debut in the Telugu film industry with Devadasu in 2006. She also made her debut in the Tamil film industry in the same year with the film Kedi (2006). D’Cruz has also acted in famous Bollywood movies like Barfi (2012), Main Tera Hero (2014) and Rustom (2016).
Ileana was born to a Catholic father and a Muslim mother on 1st November 1987 in Mumbai. D’Cruz is a Portuguese nationalist. She attained Portuguese nationality in 2014 and revealed in 2017 that Portugal was a part of her ancestry.
16- Amala Paul
Amala Paul is a rising South Indian actress. She is making a name for herself in the Indian film industry with several critically acclaimed movies. Amala was married to director A.L. Vijay for three years between 2014 to 2017.
Amala Paul made her debut in the Tamil film Veerasekaran (2010). One year later she made her debut in the Telugu film industry with Bejawada (2011). Amala is also a well-known star in the Malayalam film industry.
Amala Paul was born on 26th October 1991. She studied at Nirmala Higher Secondary School, Aluva. After that, she pursued a B.A. degree from St. Teresa’s College in Kochi. Her father was against her decision of acting but later on, agreed to let her act in films.
17- Shruti Haasan
Shruti Haasan is the daughter of South Indian actor Kamal Haasan. She is a known South Indian actress and playback singer. Shruti has acted in several Tollywood, Kollywood and Bollywood films throughout her career. She is rated as one of the most beautiful actresses right now.
Shruti made her debut with the Bollywood film Luck (2009). She then appeared in the Telugu film Anaganaga O Dheerudu (2009). In 2010 she made her Tamil debut with 7aum Arivu. Currently, she is working on a Hollywood project called The Eye.
Shruti Haasan was born on 28th January 1986. She studied at St. Andrew’s College in Mumbai and then travelled to California to study music at Musicians Institute California. Shruti has a younger sister named Akshara who is also a South Indian actress.
18- Anupama Parameswaran
Next on the list of South Indian actresses is Anupama Parameswaran who predominantly acts in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam cinema. She is known for having a sweet and soft nature which makes people adore her.
Anupama made her Tollywood debut with A Aa in 2016 and her Tamil debut with Kodi in 2016. Her Tamil film Siren and Telugu film Tillu Square are slated to release in 2023. She is one of the new-age South Indian actresses.
Anupama was born on 18th February 1996 in Kerala. The 26-year-old actress attended CMS College Kottayam, Kerala to pursue Communicative English. However, before she can complete her degree she abandoned her studies in order to pursue a career in acting.
19- Nithya Menen
Another famous South Indian actress who made her debut as a child actress, Nithya Menen is currently one of the most popular celebrities in the South. She has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and English language films.
Nithya Menen made her Telugu debut in 2011 with Ala Modalaindi. She debuted in the Tamil film industry with Nootrenbadhul 180 (2011). In Bollywood, she debuted with Mission Mangal (2019). Her debut in the Malayalam film industry came in 2008 with the film Aakasha Gopuram.
Nithya was born on 8th April 1988 in Bangalore. She was educated at Poorna Prajna School and Mount Carmel College in Bengaluru. She initially wanted to be a journalist before finally becoming a South Indian actress.
20- Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu has become a well-known name in North India as well. She started her career with Telugu and Tamil movies but then later found success in Bollywood films as well. Taapsee has appeared in hit movies like Mr Perfect (2011), Ghazi (2017) and Game Over (2019).
The South Indian actress made her debut in Tollywood with Jummandi Naadam (2010) and in the Tamil film industry with Aadukalam (2011). She also owns an event management company called The Wedding Factory.
Taapsee was born on 1st August 1987 in New Delhi. She studied at Mata Jai Kaur Public School in Ashok Vihar and studied Computer Science at Guru Tegh Bahadur Institue of Technology. She then turned into a model before finally finding her calling as an actress.
21- Rakul Preet Singh
Rakul Preet Singh is scaling the heights of success in the Indian film industry. She started out as a South Indian actress but has found fame in Hindi films as well. She is in high demand right now and many of her films are slated to release in 2023.
Rakul Preet made her debut in Tollywood in 2011 with the film Keratam. She then debuted in Kollywood with Yuvam (2011). Later on, she got an opportunity in the Hindi film Yaariyan in 2014. Since then she has appeared in several hit movies.
Rakul Preet was born on 10th October 1990 in New Delhi. She studied at Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan and graduated from Jesus and Mary College in New Delhi. Rakul is currently in a relationship with the former actor Jackky Bhagnani.
22- Hansika Motwani
Hansika Motwani first came into the limelight when she acted in the Bollywood movie Koi Mil Gaya as a child actor. However, after growing up she became a South Indian actress and started to appear in Tamil and Telugu films.
She made her Telugu debut with Vesamudru in 2010 when she was only 15 years old. Seeta Ramula Kalyanam (2010) was her debut Tamil movie. Recently she also appeared in a Malayalam movie in 2017.
Hansika Motwani was born on 9th August 1991 in Bombay, Maharashtra. She completed her education at International Curriculum School in Santacruz, Mumbai, Motwani married Sohail Khaturiya in 2022.
23- Nazriya Nazim
Nazriya Nazim is a South Indian actress who also produced films. The 27-year-old actress is married to the famous Indian actor Fahadh Faasil. Nazriya has worked in several Tamil films in her career. She has also acted in Malayalam movies.
Nazriya debuted in Kollywood with Naiyaandi in 2003. She made her Telugu debut with the romantic drama Ante Sundraniki in 2022. Nazriya has appeared in successful movies like Neram (2013), Raja Rani (2013) and Bangalore Days (2014).
Nazriya Nazim was born on 20th December 1994 in Kerala. She studied at Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram. However, she left her studies midway in order to focus on her acting career.
24- Pranitha Subhash
One of the few South Indian actresses Pranitha Subhash has acted in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi movies. She is a well-recognised face in the film industry.
Pranitha debuted in the film industry with the Kannada film Porki in 2010. Afterwards, she made her Telugu debut with Em Pilo Em Pilado (2010). Her Tamil debut came with the movie Udhayan (2011). And finally, in 2021 she made her Bollywood debut with the film Hungama 2.
Pranitha is married to Nitin Raju. She was born on 17th October 1992. Pranitha gave birth to a daughter in 2022.
25- Jyothika
Another South Indian actress who is known throughout India for her acting skills is Jyothika. She is married to the South superstar Suriya. She has starred in several hit films like Chandramukhi (2005), Mozhi (2007) and more in her illustrious career.
Jyothika debuted in the Tamil film industry with Vaali in 1999. She made her Telugu debut with Tagore in 2003 and since then has appeared in more than 50 films so far in her career. Jyothika has also worked in Bollywood and Sandalwood.
She was born on 8th October 1978 to a Punjabi father and a Muslim mother. She studied psychology at Mithibai College in Mumbai before becoming a South Indian actress.
26- Nivetha Thomas
Nivetha Thomas is a young South Indian actress who has worked in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam films. She found fame with movies like Romans (2013), V (2020) and Vakeel Saab (2021). The South actress is known for her flamboyant personality.
Nivetha made her debut in the Tamil film industry with Poorali in 2011. She debuted in Tollywood with Gentleman (2016). She has also worked in several Malayalam films over the years.
Nivetha was born on 2nd October 1995 in Chennai. The 27-year-old South actress studied at SRM University. Nivetha is fluent in six languages including Tamil, French, Hindi, Telugu, English and Malayalam.
27- Kriti Karbhanda
The model turned South Indian actress Kriti Karbhanda is known for her bubbly and energetic persona. Kriti is currently in a relationship with the Bollywood actor Pulkit Samrat.
She made her debut in 2009 with the Telugu film Boni. Kriti has also worked in Hindi movies like Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017), Karwaan (2017), Pagalpanti (2021) and more.
Kriti Karbhanda was born on 29th October 1990 in a Punjabi family. She studied at Jain University, Bangalore to secure a diploma in jewellery design.
28- Regina Cassandra
Regina Cassandra is a South Indian actress who recently blew away everyone’s mind with her sensational performance in Hotstar’s Shoorveer. She primarily acts in Tamil and Telugu films.
Regina made her debut in the Tamil film industry with Kandha Naal Mudhal (2005) and went on to make her Telugu debut with Siva Manasulo Sruthi (2012). She has also acted in Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam films as well. Her hit movies include Power (2014), 7 (2019) and Mughizh (2021).
Regina Cassandra was born on 30th December 1990 in Madras, Tamil Nadu. She graduated in psychology from Women’s Christian College in Chennai. The 32-year-old South actress is currently single.
29- Malavika Mohanan
Now on the list of South actress names with photos is Malavika Mohanan who is a hot and sexy Indian actress. She predominantly works in Tamil and Malayalam films. Malavika has also appeared in Kannada and Hindi films as well.
The 29-year-old South Indian actress made her debut in Kollywood with Petta (2019). She then went on to star in Master (2021) and Maaran (2022). Currently, she is working on the Tamil film Thangalaan which is scheduled to release in 2023.
Malavika Mohanan was born on 4th August 1993 in Kerala. She grew up in Mumbai and complete a degree in Mass Media at Wilson College, Mumbai. Before turning into an actress she actually wanted to become a cinematographer like her father.
30- Aditi Rao Hydari
Aditi Rao Hydari actually made her debut with the Malayalam film Prajapathi (2006). However, she then drifted towards Kollywood and Bollywood. She has also acted in a few Tollywood and Marathi films as well.
The South Indian actress made her Tamil debut with Sringaram (2007). She has appeared in hit Bollywood movies like Murder 3 (2013), Wazir (2016) and Padmaavat (2018). Aditi is going to star in the silent film Gandhi Talkies in 2023.
She was born on 28th November 1986. Aditi was married to Satyadeep Mishra till the year 2013. Before her acting career, she completed a degree from the Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi.
31- Srinidhi Shetty
Srinidhi Shetty is a fairly new South Indian actress. However, her films KGF Chapters 1 and 2 have been huge blockbusters. Till now, she has appeared in only three movies. Her third movie is a Tamil film Cobra which was released in 2022.
Srinidhi Shetty has won Miss Diva Supranational 2016, Miss Diva 2016 and Miss Supranational 2016. She is a beautiful South actress who is making her name resound with her solid looks and performances.
Srinidhi Shetty was born on 21st October 1992 in Mangalore. She studied at Sri Narayana Guru English Medium School before completing her degree in Electrical Engineering from Jain University, Bangalore.
32- Priya Anand
North Indians might remember this South Indian actress from the movie Fukrey (2013). However, let us inform you that Priya Anand is a big name in the South Indian film industry. She predominantly appears in Tamil and Telugu films.
Priya Anand made her debut with the Tamil film Vaamanan (2009). She debuted in Tollywood with Leader (2010). Her hit Tamil movies include Ethir Neechal (2013) and Vankkam Chennai (2013). She also acted in a few web series.
Priya Anand was born on 17th September 1986 in Madras, Tamil Nadu. She is fluent in seven languages including Tamil, Telugu, English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi and Spanish. Priya studied communications and journalism at the State University of New York.
33- Indhuja Ravichandran
Last but not least on this list of South actress names with photos is Indhuja Ravichandran who mostly works in Tamil films. She is known for her notable work in the films Meyaadha Maan (2017), Mercury (2018) and Bigil (2019).
Indhuja made her debut as a South Indian actress with the Tamil film Meyaadha Maan in 2017. Currently, she is filming for the movie Khaki.
Indhuja was born on 1st August 1994 in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. She has a Degree in Software Engineering from the Vellore Institute of Technology.