Bollywood, the vibrant epicenter of Indian cinema, is celebrated not only for its enthralling narratives and enchanting melodies but also for the multitude of gifted and glamorous actresses who illuminate the silver screen.
These Bollywood leading ladies embody grace, charisma, and extraordinary talent, captivating audiences not just within India, but around the world.
Their performances span the spectrum from emotionally profound to lighthearted, and their beauty often finds its match only in their versatile acting prowess.
This introduction serves as just the initial step on a journey into the realm of Bollywood actresses, each with a distinct narrative to share, both on and off the celluloid canvas. Here is the list of top 15 most popular Bollywood actresses.
Most Popular Bollywood Actresses
15. Sonakshi Sinha:
Sonakshi Sinha Hailing from Patna, Bihar, India, Sonakshi Sinha, born on July 2, 1987, is a notable Bollywood figure. Not only is she a talented actress but also a skilled costume designer. She’s the daughter of Indian actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha.
Her Bollywood journey began with the popular 2010 film “DABANGG,” which became the highest-grossing movie of the year, propelling her to fame. Her remarkable performance in “Lootera” earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
She has also starred in hits like “Rowdy Rathore,” “Son of Sardar,” “Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty,” and “Action Jackson,” showcasing her versatility.
14. Rakul Preet Singh:
Rakul Preet Singh, an Indian actress, primarily works in Hindi and Telugu films, also making appearances in Tamil movies. Born on October 10, 1990, she’s the daughter of Kulwinder Singh and completed her education at Jesus and Mary College.
Her career began with Telugu film “Venkatadri Express” and Tamil film “Thadaiyara Thaakka.” Rakul transitioned to Hindi films with “Yaariyan” in 2014 and later found success with “De De Pyaar De” in 2019. She won a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for “Venkatadri Express” and ranks among the top 15 Bollywood actresses.
13. Urvashi Rautela:
Urvashi Rautela, born on February 25, 1994, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, is a versatile Indian model and actress in Hindi films. She is the daughter of Meera Singh and Manvir Singh, with Yashraj Rautela as her sibling.
Urvashi has a remarkable track record of winning titles such as Indian Princess 2011, Miss Tourism World, and Miss Asian Supermodel. She achieved the prestigious title of Miss Tourism Queen, a first for an Indian woman.
In 2015, she was crowned Miss Diva Universe, representing India at Miss Universe 2015. Her acting debut came in 2013 with “Singh Saab the Great,” and she’s also featured in films like “Sanam Re.” Urvashi Rautela has made significant strides in both the modeling and film industry.
12. Kareena Kapoor:
Kareena Kapoor Khan, born in Mumbai on September 21, 1980, stands among the top 10 highest-paid Bollywood actresses in 2022. She’s celebrated as one of the most beautiful and popular Bollywood actresses.
She was born to parents Randhir Kapoor and Babita, and with a younger sister, Karishma Kapoor, all of whom are actresses, she made her Bollywood debut in 2000 with “Refugee.”
Her pivotal role as a sex worker in “Chameli” marked a turning point in her career. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s legacy includes iconic roles in historical films like “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” “Jab We Met,” “3 Idiots,” “Golmaal Returns,” “Bodyguard,” and the “Singham” series.
11. Janhvi Kapoor:
Janhvi Kapoor, born on March 6, 1997, is a prominent young actress known for her style and fitness. She received her education at Ecole Mondiale World School in Mumbai and pursued acting at LEE Strasberg Theatre in California.
Notably, she’s the daughter of Sridevi and Boney Kapoor and shares a family connection with actors Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor.
Her notable works include the romantic drama “Dhadak” in 2018 and the titular role in the biopic “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl” in 2020, earning a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress. She’s also appeared in films like “Ghost Stories,” “Roohi,” and “Good Luck Jerry,” a Tamil film remake.
10. Katrina Kaif:
A celebrated figure in Bollywood, Katrina Kaif, born on July 16, 1983, in Hong Kong, British, is a British-Indian actress and model. She stands out as one of the industry’s highest-paid actresses.
Remarkably, she holds four Screen Awards, four Zee Cine Awards, and three Filmfare nominations, showcasing her talent and recognition.
Notably, Katrina is among the few Bollywood celebrities who were not born in India, adding to her unique journey. Her filmography includes blockbusters like “Race,” “Jab Tak Hai Jaan,” and “Ek Tha Tiger.” Known for her exceptional talent and striking stature, she is an icon of our time.
In a significant personal milestone, Katrina tied the knot with popular actor Vicky Kaushal on December 9, 2021, at the enchanting Six Senses Resort in Fort Barwara, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.
9. Priyanka Chopra:
Priyanka Chopra, an incredibly versatile Indian actress and producer, was born on July 18, 1982, to parents Ashok and Madhu Chopra, both physicians in the Indian Army. Beyond acting, she’s a singer and philanthropist, with the distinction of winning the Miss World 2000 pageant.
Priyanka is among the highest-paid actresses, boasting two National Film Awards, five Filmfare Awards, and the prestigious Padma Shri from the Indian government in 2016.
Despite her initial dream of becoming an engineer, her extraordinary beauty led her to the Bollywood film industry. Her global appeal and massive fan following make her a prominent Bo
8. Kriti Sanon:
Kriti Sanon is a rising Bollywood star known for her beauty and promising acting skills. She made her debut in 2014 and has since appeared in a range of films, showcasing her versatility.
Kriti is admired for her elegant presence and fashion-forward choices, making her a prominent figure in the industry. Her career continues to flourish, and she remains a favorite among Bollywood enthusiasts.
7. Shraddha Kapoor:
Shraddha Kapoor, the daughter of Bollywood veteran Shakti Kapoor, is celebrated as one of the industry’s most beautiful star kids.
Born on March 3, 1989, in Mumbai, she is of Punjabi and Marathi descent and holds a psychology degree from Boston University. She is among the highest-earning actresses and began her Bollywood career in 2010 with the teen drama “Luv Ka the End.”
Her notable work includes the film “Aashiqui 2,” which earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Actress in 2013, and other unique films like “Street Dancer 3D,” “Baaghi 3,” and “Chhichhore.
6. Kiara Advani:
Kiara Advani, an Indian actress known for her work in Hindi and Telugu films, was born on July 31, 1992, in Mumbai, India. While her given name is Alia Advani, she chose to go by Kiara for her acting career.
Kiara embarked on her Bollywood journey with the 2014 film “Fugly,” marking the beginning of her successful career in the Indian film industry. She gained widespread recognition for her role in “Kabir Singh” (2019) and has since become a popular actress in the Indian film industry.
5. Annaya Panday:
Ananya Panday, an Indian actress primarily working in Hindi films, was born on October 30, 1998, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Her father, Chunky Pandey, is an actor, and her mother, Bhavana Pandey, is a costume designer. Her acting career began in 2019 with roles in “Student of the Year 2” and “Pati Patni Aur Woh,” for which she received the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Ananya’s performance in “Khaali Peeli” in 2020, alongside Ishaan Khatter, also received recognition. She is a prominent figure among the top 15 actresses in Bollywood.
4. Disha Patani:
Disha Patani, a stunning young Bollywood actress, was born on October 22, 1988. She holds an engineering degree from Amity University in Lucknow, with her father, Jagdish Singh Patani, serving as a police officer.
Disha is widely recognized as the “national crush” of India. Her journey began with the Telugu film “Loafer” and the Hindi biopic “M.S. Dhoni.”
She has earned accolades, including the Stardust Award for Superstar Female and an IIFA Award. Disha Patani stands as one of Bollywood’s beloved actresses.
3. Alia Bhatt:
Alia Bhatt, a prominent name among the top 15 popular Bollywood actresses, was born on March 15, 1993, in Mumbai. She is the daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan. Her Bollywood journey commenced with “Student of the Year.”
Notably, she received acclaim for her titular role in “Gangubai Kathiyawadi,” appeared briefly in the period film “RRR,” and starred in the fantasy film “Brahmastra,” all among the highest-grossing Indian films in 2022. Her link-up with Ranbir Kapoor made headlines before the two eventually married, and they now have a daughter.
2. Kangana Ranaut:
Kangana Ranaut, born in the small town of Bhambla, Himachal Pradesh, on March 23, 1987, remains a trending figure on the internet due to her controversial comments on politics and nepotism. Despite her parents’ wish for her to become a doctor, she pursued modeling and went on to become a successful Bollywood actress.
Her debut film, “Gangster,” in 2006, earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut and a National Award for “Queen” in 2015. Her recent film, “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi,” was a box office hit and added another National Award to her accolades.
1. Deepika Padukone:
Deepika Padukone, the most popular Bollywood actress in 2023, was born on January 5, 1986. Her father, Prakash Padukone, is a former professional badminton player, and her mother, Ujjal, works as a travel agent.
She has a sister, Anisha, who is a golfer. Deepika’s family has deep-rooted connections to sports, with her grandfather serving as the secretary of the Badminton Association in Mysore. The family relocated from Bangalore to India when she was a year old.
Deepika herself participated in national badminton championships but eventually transitioned to a career in fashion modeling. She made her Bollywood debut with a dual role in “Om Shanti Om,” earning a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance.
