Many Bollywood stars were not born with the names you know today. To shine brighter on the silver screen, they changed their names and built unforgettable identities.

Akshay Kumar, originally Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, entered Bollywood with a new name that perfectly matched his action-hero persona and gave him global recognition.

Madhubala’s real name was Mumtaz Jehan Begum. She became the ‘Venus of Indian cinema,’ enchanting audiences with beauty and grace under her new identity.

Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood’s first superstar, was born Jatin Khanna. His screen name became synonymous with romance, charisma, and timeless stardom.

Rekha’s birth name was Bhanurekha Ganesan. As Rekha, she built a powerful, glamorous image that continues to inspire generations of actresses.

Dilip Kumar was born as Yusuf Khan. His screen name became legendary, making him one of Bollywood’s most respected and admired actors of all time.

Names matter in Bollywood. Which star’s transformation surprised you the most? Comment now and discover how names shaped destinies in cinema.