In Bollywood, many leading actors have altered their names to craft distinctive identities before entering the film industry. Such changes are often motivated by numerology or the desire to stand out and attract fame, success, and good fortune. This trend highlights how a simple modification can be a stepping stone to stardom.
Notable Actors Who Reimagined Their Names
Shilpa Shetty, a beloved actress, was originally named Ashwini Shetty. Her mother, astrologer Sunanda Shetty, suggested the change to enhance Shilpa’s prospects in the acting world.
Akshay Kumar, born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, debuted in Bollywood with a cameo in 1987’s Aaj but rose to fame with the 1992 film Khiladi. Before becoming an actor, Akshay worked as a chef and trained in martial arts.
The celebrated actress Rekha, born Bhanurekha Ganesan to Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli, simplified her name and adopted “Rekha” as her screen identity, which contributed to her elegant, enduring image.
Salman Khan was born Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan, reflecting his family lineage. He shortened his name by dropping his father’s and grandfather’s names to foster a simpler connection with audiences.
Bollywood actress Kiara Advani changed her original name, Alia Advani, following advice from Salman Khan, as the industry already had a popular star named Alia Bhatt. Her new name was inspired by Priyanka Chopra’s character in the movie Anjana Anjani.
Ajay Devgn’s Transformative Name Adjustments Before Stardom
Ajay Devgn entered Bollywood in 1991 with the film Phool Aur Kaante. Originally named Vishal Veeru Devgan, he changed his first name to Ajay to stand out and later dropped the “a” from his surname based on astrological beliefs. This alteration was believed to bring him great luck and commercial success, which it indeed did.
Additional Examples of Name Changes for Career Growth
Rani Mukerji switched from “Mukherjee” to “Mukerji” because of numerology, a move that coincided with her rise to prominence through films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Bunty Aur Babli.
Katrina Kaif, originally Katrina Turquotte, adopted her father’s last name instead of her mother’s to better resonate with the Indian audience before her Bollywood debut.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s birth name was Nishant Khurrana. His father, an astrologer, renamed him Ayushmann and added extra letters “n” and “r” to attract good fortune, which helped Ayushmann establish himself in cinema.
Suniel Shetty adjusted his name by inserting an extra “e” to become “Suniel” from “Sunil”, following numerological advice that is credited with his success in both action and comedy roles.
How Name Changes Influence Bollywood Careers
The personal decisions of these actors to alter their names illustrate the deep belief in numerology and the importance of a memorable identity in Bollywood. Ajay Devgn’s carefully chosen name change, in particular, serves as a testament to how such modifications can enhance recognition and create a lasting connection with audiences, ultimately sparking long-term success and fame.
These name changes continue to influence new artists who aim to align their public personas with the cultural and mystical dimensions of Bollywood’s creative landscape, suggesting that the practice will endure in the coming years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much rich is Ajay Devgn?
A. Ajay Devgn has a net worth of ₹427 crore, as reported by Financial Express. Most of his income is from acting jobs, but he also earns well through his production companies and brand sponsorships. Additionally, he owns several luxury cars and expensive properties.
Q. How rich is Ajay Devgn?
A. As reported by CNBC TV18, Ajay Devgn’s net worth in 2024 is an impressive 427 crore. He and his wife, Kajol, own a property on London’s Park Lane valued at 54 crores.
