Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the vibrant world of the South Film Industry, where larger-than-life characters and heart-stopping stunts take center stage.
From the rhythmic beats of Tamil cinema to the grandeur of Telugu blockbusters, this article will take you on a cinematic journey like no other.
With their mesmerizing beauty, unparalleled talent, and captivating performances, South Indian actresses have taken the film industry by storm.
From ruling the hearts of millions in India to gaining international recognition, these leading ladies are breaking barriers and redefining stereotypes.
20+ Best South Indian Actress Name List with Photos (Updated 2023)
1. Kajal Aggarwal
Kajal Aggarwal is a highly acclaimed Indian actress who has made a significant mark in the film industry.
She began her acting career in 2004 with the Bollywood film Kyun! Ho Gaya Na... and later ventured into the Telugu and Tamil film industries.
Kajal has since appeared in numerous successful films, earning her a strong fan base.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Magadheera
- Thuppakki
- Singham
- Sita
2. Anushka Shetty
Anushka Shetty is a popular Indian actress known for her work primarily in Telugu and Tamil cinema.
She made her debut in the film industry with the Telugu film Super in 2005 and has since then established herself as one of the leading actresses in South Indian cinema.
Anushka has received several accolades for her performances, including three Filmfare Awards.
Apart from acting, Anushka is also actively involved in philanthropy work. She has been associated with various charitable organizations and has worked towards causes like animal welfare and healthcare.
Anushka's dedication to both her craft and social causes has made her a beloved figure among fans and critics alike.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Nishabdham
- Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
- Bhaagamathie
- Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
- Baba Sathya Sai
- Om Namo Venkatesaya
- Singam 3
- Oopiri
- Soggade Chinni Nayana
- Size Zero
- Rudhramadevi
3. Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, also known as Samantha Akkineni, is a popular Indian actress who primarily works in the Telugu and Tamil film industries.
She made her acting debut with the Telugu film Ye Maaya Chesave in 2010 and has since appeared in numerous successful films.
Apart from acting, Samantha is also involved in philanthropic activities. She has been associated with various causes such as women empowerment and education.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Eega, Neethaane En Ponvasantham
- Rangasthalam
- Super Deluxe
4. Rashmika Mandanna
Rashmika Mandanna is a popular Indian actress who primarily works in the Telugu and Kannada film industries.
She gained immense popularity with her debut film Kirik Party in 2016, where she portrayed the role of Saanvi Joseph.
This film not only established her as a talented actress but also earned her several awards and nominations.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Mission Majnu
- Varisu
- Goodbye
- Sita Ramam
- Radio Lions 96.5 F M
- Aadavaallu Meeku Johaarlu
- Oo Bolega ya Oo Oo Bolega
- Srivalli
- Pushpa: The Rise – Part 1
- Sultan
- Pogar
5. Raashi Khanna
Raashi Khanna is an Indian actress and model who primarily works in the Telugu and Tamil film industries.
She made her acting debut with the Telugu film Oohalu Gusagusalade in 2014, which earned her critical acclaim for her performance.
Since then, she has appeared in several successful films like Bengal Tiger, Supreme, and Tholi Prema
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Oohalu Gusagusalade
- Bengal Tiger
- Tholi Prema
- Farzi
- Unstoppable with NBK
- Sardar
- Thiruchitrambalam
- Thank You
6. Keerthy Suresh
Keerthy Suresh is a popular Indian actress who primarily works in the Tamil and Telugu film industries.
She made her acting debut in 2013 with the Malayalam film Geethaanjali and gained recognition for her performance in the film Mahanati (2018), where she portrayed the legendary actress Savitri.
Keerthy has since appeared in several successful films, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards for her performances.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Mahanati
- Nenu Sailaja
- Rang De
- Penguin
- Sarkar
7. Pooja Hegde
Pooja Hegde is an Indian actress and model who primarily works in the Telugu and Hindi film industries.
Known for her stunning looks and versatile acting skills, Pooja Hegde has quickly become one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry.
She has won several awards for her performances and continues to impress audiences with her talent.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Mugamoodi
- Oka Laila Kosam
- Duvvada Jagannadham
- Maharshi, Mohenjo Daro
- Samajavaragamana
- Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
8. Nazriya Nazim
Nazriya Nazim is a popular Indian actress who primarily works in the Malayalam film industry.
Apart from her acting skills, Nazriya is also known for her charming personality and versatility on screen.
She has received numerous awards for her performances, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.
Despite taking a break from acting after getting married to actor Fahadh Faasil, she made a comeback with the movie Trance (2020), which was well-received by both critics and audiences.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Palunku, Bangalore Days
- Raja Rani
- Ohm Shanthi Oshaana
- Ante Sundharaniki
- Maniyarayile Ashokan
- Trance, Koode
9. Nithya Menon
Nithya Menon is an Indian actress and playback singer who primarily works in the South Indian film industry.
She made her acting debut in 2006 with the Kannada film 7 O'Clock and has since then appeared in several successful films across different languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
Her ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and conviction has earned her critical acclaim as well as commercial success.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Ala Modalaindi
- Ishq
- Mersal
- OK Kanmani
- Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju
- Ustad Hotel
10. Shriya Saran
Shriya Saran is an Indian actress and model who has gained popularity in both the South Indian film industry and Bollywood.
She made her acting debut in 2001 with the Telugu film Ishtam and has since appeared in numerous successful films.
Known for her beauty and versatility, Shriya has showcased her talent by portraying a wide range of characters across different genres.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Ala Modalaindi
- Ishq
- Mersal
- OK Kanmani
- Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju
- Ustad Hotel
11. Jyothika Saravanan
Jyothika Saravanan is a popular Indian actress who primarily works in the Tamil film industry.
She made her acting debut in 1999 with the film Vaali and gained recognition for her performances in films like Kushi, Chandramukhi, and Mozhi.
Jyothika is known for her versatility as an actress and has received numerous awards for her performances.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Dumm Dumm Dumm
- Kaakha Kaakha
- Chandramukhi
- Sillunu Oru Kaadhal
- Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu
- Mozhi
12. Aishwarya Rajesh
Aishwarya Rajesh is a talented Indian actress who has made a mark in the Tamil and Telugu film industries.
Known for her natural acting skills and versatility, Aishwarya has portrayed a wide range of characters, from strong and independent women to vulnerable and emotional ones.
She has received critical acclaim for her performances in movies like Kaaka Muttai, Dharmadurai, and Kanaa.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Rambantu
- Neethana Avan
- Avargalum Ivargalum
- Uyarthiru 420
- Sattapadi Kutram
- Vilayada Vaa
- Attakathi
- Aachariyangal
- Puthagam
- Rummy
13. Rakul Preet Singh
Rakul Preet Singh is a popular Indian actress and model who primarily works in Telugu and Tamil cinema.
She made her acting debut in 2009 with the Kannada film Gilli and later gained recognition for her performances in films like Venkatadri Express, Loukyam, and Nannaku Prematho.
Apart from her acting career, Rakul is known for her fitness regime and dedication towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- I Love You, Boo
- Chhatriwali
- Thank God
- Doctor G
- Cuttputlli
- Mitra Re Reprise
- Runway 34
- Attack
- Konda Polam
- Naa Dooja Koi
- Sardar Ka Grandson
14. Pranitha Subhash
Pranitha Subhash is an Indian actress who primarily works in the South Indian film industry.
She made her acting debut in 2010 with the Kannada film Porki and went on to establish herself as a leading actress in films like Baava, Attarintiki Daredi, and Brahmotsavam.
Pranitha is known for her versatile performances and has received critical acclaim for her roles in both commercial and art-house films.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Hungama 2
- Saguni
- Rabhasa
- Porki
- Baava
- Dynamite
- Bhuj: the pride of India
- Brahmotsavam
15. Amala Paul
Amala Paul is an Indian actress who predominantly works in the South Indian film industry.
She made her acting debut in 2009 with the Malayalam film Neelathamara and has since acted in several successful films across different languages including Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Aadai, Cadaver
- The Teacher
- Bholaa, Ratsasan
- Naayak
- Thalaivaa
- Bhaskar Oru Rascal
- Mynaa, Deiva Thirumagal
- Velaiilla Pattadhari
16. Malvika Sharma
Malvika Sharma is an Indian actress and model known for her work in Telugu films.
She made her acting debut in the film Nela Ticket opposite Ravi Teja in 2018. Since then, she has been a part of several successful films including Red and Zombie Reddy.
Malvika's performances have been appreciated by both critics and audiences, and she has quickly gained popularity in the industry
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Popular Movies :
- Nela Ticket
- Red
- Coffee with Kadhal
- Kisi ka bhai kisi ki jaan
- Dumdaar
- The Way Home
17. Trisha Krishnan
Trisha Krishnan is a popular Indian actress and model who primarily works in the South Indian film industry.
She made her acting debut in the Tamil film Jodi in 1999 and has since appeared in numerous successful films across different languages including Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam
Known for her versatile performances, Trisha has established herself as one of the leading actresses in the industry.
Her beauty, charm, and acting skills have won her a huge fan following. She has received several awards and nominations for her work, including three Filmfare Awards South.
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Popular Movies :
- Leo
- Khatta Meetha
- Raangi
- Ghilli
- Saamy
- Varsham
- Athadu
- Kuruv
18. Kalyani Priyadarshan
Kalyani Priyadarshan is an Indian film actress who primarily works in the Malayalam and Telugu film industries.
She made her acting debut in 2017 with the Telugu film Hello, directed by Vikram Kumar.
Since then, she has appeared in several successful films like Chitralahari and Ranarangam. Kalyani comes from a family of actors, as her father is renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan and her mother is actress Lissy.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Leo
- Khatta Meetha
- Raangi
- Ghilli
- Saamy
- Varsham
- Athadu
- Kuruv
19. Tamannaah Bhatia
Tamannaah Bhatia is a popular Indian actress who has made a name for herself in the film industry.
She began her acting career at a young age and has since worked in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films.
Tamannaah is known for her versatility as an actress and has portrayed a wide range of characters.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Leo
- Khatta Meetha
- Raangi
- Ghilli
- Saamy
- Varsham
- Athadu
- Kuruv
20. Sai Pallavi
Sai Pallavi is an Indian actress who primarily works in the Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam film industries.
She gained popularity for her performances in films like Premam and Fidaa, where she showcased her exceptional acting skills and natural charm.
Sai Pallavi is known for her ability to effortlessly portray a range of emotions on screen, making her a favorite among audiences.
INFORMATION
Popular Movies :
- Fidaa
- Love Story
- Shyam Singha Roy
- Premam, Maari 2
- Gargi
- Virata Parvam
- NGK
Final Overview
In conclusion, South Indian cinema boasts a plethora of talented and renowned actresses who have left an indelible mark on the industry.
From the iconic performances of Savitri and Vyjayanthimala to the contemporary charm of Nayanthara and Samantha, each actress has brought her unique style and talent to the silver screen.
These actresses have not only entertained audiences with their exceptional acting skills but have also served as role models for aspiring actors.
As the South Indian film industry continues to evolve and flourish, it is certain that more talented actresses will emerge, adding further glory to this rich legacy. So, sit back, watch their movies, and appreciate the incredible talent that these South Indian actresses possess.
