Indian cinema is often dominated by Bollywood actresses when it comes to popularity. However, the South Indian movie industry, encompassing Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, has produced several remarkable actresses known for their powerful performances. These talented performers have garnered praise from audiences, critics, and their respective industries, and some have even ventured into Hindi movies, leading to comparisons with Bollywood divas.
Here are six South Indian heroines who are giving Bollywood actresses a run for their money:
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Rashmika Mandanna:
Known for her work in Kannada and Telugu films, Rashmika Mandanna has also made appearances in Hindi and Tamil movies. Her impressive body of work has earned her accolades, including a Filmfare Award South, a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress, and four SIIMA Awards. Some of her commercially successful films include “Anjani Putra” (2017), “Kirik Party” (2016), “Bheeshma” (2020), “Pushpa: The Rise” (2021), “Varisu” (2023), “Yajamana” (2019), “Pogaru” (2021), “Sarileru Neekevvaru” (2020), “Geetha Govindam” (2018), and “Sita Ramam” (2022), among others.
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Samantha Ruth Prabhu:
A prominent actress in Tamil and Telugu cinema, Samantha Ruth Prabhu began her journey as a model before making her debut in the Telugu romance film “Ye Maaya Chesave” (2010). Her outstanding performances in movies like “Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu” (2012), “Dookudu” (2011), “Kaththi” (2014), “Attarintiki Daredi” (2013), “24” (2016), “Theri” (2016), “Rangasthalam” (2018), “Mersal” (2017), “Super Deluxe” (2019), “Mahanati” (2018), “Majili” (2019), and “A Aa” (2016) have earned her four Filmfare South Awards.
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Nayanthara:
A prominent figure in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, Nayanthara is a versatile actress and film producer. With a career spanning over two decades and starring in more than 80 films, she has been recognized with numerous awards, including Filmfare Awards South and South Indian International Movie Awards. Fondly known as the “Lady Superstar of Indian Cinema,” she is a powerhouse performer and the only South Indian actress featured in Forbes India’s 2018 list of “Celebrity 100.”
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Anushka Shetty:
Anushka Shetty, popularly known as the “Superstar” of South Indian cinema, has made a significant impact in Tamil and Telugu films. One of the highest-paid actresses in the South Indian film industry, she has received several accolades, such as the Tamil Nadu State Film Award, two SIIMA Awards, two Nandi Awards, and three Filmfare Awards South. Her notable works include “Vikramarkudu,” “Souryam,” “Lakshyam,” “Chintakayala Ravi,” “Arundhati,” “Vettaikaaran,” “Yennai Arindhaal,” “Deiva Thirumagal,” “Vaanam,” and the Baahubali film series.
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Keerthy Suresh:
Appearing predominantly in Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam movies, Keerthy Suresh is a National Film Award-winning actress. Beginning her career as a child actress, she later returned to the industry after completing her fashion design studies. Notable films showcasing her talent include “Idhu Enna Maayam” (2015), “Sarkar” (2018), “Sarkaru Vaari Paata” (2022), “Rajinimurugan” (2016), “Bairavaa” (2017), “Nenu Sailaja” (2016), “Ring Master” (2014), “Remo” (2016), “Mahanati” (2018), “Thaanaa Serndha Koottam” (2018), “Miss India” (2021), and “Good Luck Sakhi” (2022).
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Nithya Menen:
A talented singer and actress, Nithya Menen’s on-screen journey began at the age of ten with the 1998 French-Indian English film “Hanuman,” where she played the younger sister of Tabu’s character. Her career spans over 50 feature films in various languages. Some of her notable works include “Nootrenbadhu” (2011), “Aakasha Gopuram” (2008), “Ala Modalaindi” (2011), and “Mission Mangal” (2019), among others.
These exceptional south heroine have left a lasting impact on the film industry with their outstanding performances and have rightfully earned their spot among the finest actresses in Indian cinema.