List of Telugu film actresses

This is a list of notable actresses who have played key roles in the Telugu cinema, primarily based in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]

Prominent actresses of Telugu cinema across decades

1940s: Anjali Devi

1950s: Savitri

1960s: Vanisri

1970s: Sridevi

1980s: Ramya Krishna

1990s: Tabu

2000s: Anushka Shetty

2010s: Samantha

2020s: Mrunal Thakur

1930s[edit | edit source]

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
1935	Kanchanamala	Srikrishna Thulabhaaram
1939	P. Bhanumathi	Vara Vikrayam	Laila Majnu (1949), Palnati Yuddham (1966)

1940s[edit | edit source]

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
1947	Anjali Devi	Gollabhama	Lava Kusa (1963), Palnati Yuddham (1966), Allauddin Adhbhuta Deepam (1957)

1950s[edit | edit source]

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
1950	Sowcar Janaki	Shavukaru	Kanyasulkam (1955)
1951	Savitri	Pathala Bhairavi	Devadasu (1953), Mayabazar (1957), Pooja (1975)
1952	T. R. Rajakumari	Naa Illu
1953	Jamuna	Puttilu
1955	Sarada	Kanyasulkam	Jeevitha Chakram (1971), Justice Chowdary (1982), Amma Rajinama (1991)
1957	Kanchana	Suvarna Sundari
1957	Vijaya Nirmala	Panduranga Mahatyam

1960s[edit | edit source]

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
1960	Geetanjali	Rani Ratnaprabha
1962	Vanisri	Bhishma	Jeevana Tarangalu (1973)

1970s[edit | edit source]

Jaya Prada

Sumalatha

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
1970	Sridevi	Maa Nanna Nirdoshi	Padaharella Vayasu (1978), Premabhishekam (1981), Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990)
1972	Jayasudha	Pandanti Kapuram	Tandra Paparayudu (1986)
1974	Jaya Prada	Bhoomi Kosam	Yamagola (1977)
1974	Rohini	Harathi	Maga Maharaju (1983), Devanthakudu (1984), Stri (1995)
1978	Sumalatha	Karunamayudu	Justice Chakravarthy (1984), Janani Janmabhoomi (1984), Agni Gundam (1984)

1980s[edit | edit source]

Vijayashanti

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
1980	Vijayashanti	Khiladi Krishnudu	Sangharshana (1983), Kondaveeti Raja (1986), Karthavyam (1990)
1981	Silk Smitha	Seethakoka Chilaka	Khaidi (1983), Agni (1989), Aditya 369 (1991)
1982	Radha	Prema Moortulu	Simhasanam (1986), Yamudiki Mogudu (1988)
1983	Meena	Siripuram Monagadu	Muta Mestri (1993), Muddula Mogudu (1997), Drushyam (2014)
1984	Ramya Krishna	Kanchu Kagada	Allari Priyudu (1993), Gharana Bullodu (1995), Annamayya (1997)
1984	Bhanupriya	Sitara	Anveshana (1985), Swarnakamalam (1988), Gudachari 117 (1989)
1987	Amala Akkineni	Kirayi Dada	Raja Vikramarka (1990)
	Gautami	Dayamayudu	Srinivasa Kalyanam (1987), Chakravyuham (1992), Manamantha (2016)
	Shantipriya	Kaboye Alludu	Maharshi (1987), Agni (1989), Simha Swapnam (1989)
1988	Vani Viswanath	Chinni Krishnudu	Simha Swapnam (1989), Prema Yuddham (1990), Gharana Mogudu (1992)
1989	Rupini	Ontari Poratam	Gandeevam (1994)
1989	Nirosha	Muddula Mavayya	Nari Nari Naduma Murari (1990), Stuartpuram Police Station (1991), One by Two (1993)

1990s[edit | edit source]

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
1990	Divya Bharti	Bobbili Raja	Assembly Rowdy (1991), Rowdy Alludu (1991), Tholi Muddhu (1993)
1991	Nagma	Peddintalludu	Gharana Mogudu (1992), Allari Alludu (1993), Mugguru Monagallu (1994)
	Tabu	Coolie No. 1	Sisindri (1995), Ninne Pelladata (1996), Chennakesava Reddy (2002)
	Roja	Prema Thapassu	Muta Mestri (1993), Bhairava Dweepam (1994), Subhalagnam (1994)
1992	Rambha	Aa Okkati Adakku	Rowdy Annayya (1993), Hitler (1997), Choosoddaam Randi (2000)
1992	Laya	Bhadram Koduko	Swayamvaram (1999), Kodanda Ramudu (2000), Naalo Unna Prema (2001)
1993	Aamani	Jamba Lakidi Pamba	Mister Pellam (1993), Subha Lagnam (1994), Subha Sankalpam (1995)
	Soundarya	Manavarali Pelli	Hello Brother (1994), Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu (1996), Raja (1999)
	Raveena Tandon	Ratha Saradhi	Bangaru Bullodu (1993), Akasa Veedhilo (2001), Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda (2014)
	Sakshi Shivanand	Anna Vadina	Master (1997), Seetharama Raju (1999), Yuvaraju (2000)
	Sanghavi	Kokkoroko	Sarada Bullodu (1996), Suryavamsam (1998), Sandade Sandadi (2002)
1996	Shilpa Shetty	Sahasa Veerudu Sagara Kanya	Veedevadandi Babu (1997), Azad (2000), Bhalevadivi Basu (2001)
1996	Deepti Bhatnagar	Pelli Sandadi	Auto Driver (1998), Maa Annayya (2000), Kondaveeti Simhasanam (2002)
1997	Simran	Abbai Gari Pelli	Kalisundam Raa (2000), Nuvvu Vastavani (2000), Narasimha Naidu (2001)
	Anjala Zaveri	Preminchukundam Raa	Samarasimha Reddy (1999), Devi Putrudu (2001), Life Is Beautiful (2012)
	Sangeetha Krish	Circus Sattipandu	Khadgam (2002), Sankranti (2004), Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020)
1998	Isha Koppikar	Chandralekha
1998	Preity Zinta	Premante Idera	Rajakumarudu (1999)
1999	Preeti Jhangiani	Thammudu	Narasimha Naidu (2001), Adhipathi (2001), Yamadonga (2007)

2000s[edit | edit source]

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
2000	Bhumika Chawla	Yuvakudu	Kushi (2001), Okkadu (2003), Missamma (2003)
	Reema Sen	Chitram	Adrustam (2002), Anji (2004), Bangaram (2006)
	Amisha Patel	Badri	Naani (2004), Narasimhudu (2005), Parama Veera Chakra (2011)
2001	Shriya Saran	Ishtam	Santosham (2002), Chatrapathi (2005), RRR (2022)
	Sonali Bendre	Murari	Indra (2002), Manmadhudu (2002), Shankar Dada M.B.B.S. (2004)
	Aarthi Agarwal	Nuvvu Naaku Nachav	Indra (2002), Vasantam(2003), Veede(2003)
	Sneha	Priyamaina Neeku	Hanuman Junction (2001), Sankranti (2005), Sri Ramadasu (2006)
	Anita Hassanandani	Nuvvu Nenu	Sreeram (2002), Thotti Gang (2002), Nenu Pelliki Ready (2003)
	Gajala	Naalo Unna Prema	Student No: 1 (2001), Kalusukovalani (2002), Malliswari (2004)
2002	Nikita Thukral	Hai	Kalyana Ramudu(2003), Sambaram(2003), Kushi Kushiga(2004)
	Charmy Kaur	Nee Thodu Kavali	Mantra (2007), Manorama (2009), Kavya's Diary (2009)
	Sadha	Jayam	Avunanna Kadanna (2005), Veerabhadra (2006), Classmates (2007)
	Rakshita	Idiot	Sivamani (2003), Andhrawala (2004), Andarivaadu (2005)
2003	Jyothika	Tagore	Mass (2004), Shock (2006), Vikramarkudu (2006)
	Asin	Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi	Sivamani (2003), Gharshana (2004), Chakram (2005)
	Genelia D'Souza	Satyam	Bommarillu (2006), Dhee (2007), Ready (2008)
	Trisha krishnan	Nee Manasu Naaku Telusu	Varsham (2004), Athadu (2005), Aadavari Matalaku Arthlale Verule (2007), King (2008), Teen Maar (2011)
	Priyamani	Evare Athagadu	Yamadonga (2007), Golimaar (2010), Narappa (2021)
2004	Meera Jasmine	Ammayi Bagundi	Gudumba Shankar (2004), Yamagola Malli Modalayindi (2007), Gorintaku (2008)
2004	Kamalinee Mukherjee	Anand
2005	Anushka Shetty	Super	Chintakayala Ravi (2008), Mirchi (2013), Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017)
	Tamannaah Bhatia	Sree	Happy Days (2007), 100% Love (2011), Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
	Swathi Reddy	Danger	Ashta Chamma (2008), Swamy Ra Ra (2013), Month of Madhu (2023)
	Poonam Bajwa	Modati Cinema
	Madhu Shalini	Andarivaadu	Oka V Chitram (2006), State Rowdy (2007), Karalu Miriyalu (2011)
	Raai Laxmi	Kanchanamala Cable TV
	Kamna Jethmalani	Premikulu
	Sanjjanaa Galrani	Soggadu
	Sameera Reddy	Narasimhudu	Jai Chiranjeeva (2005), Ashok (2006), Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012)
2006	Ileana D'Cruz	Devadasu	Pokiri (2006), Jalsa (2008), Julayi (2012)
	Nayanthara	Lakshmi	Yogi (2007), Adhurs (2010), Simha (2010)
	Anjali	Photo	Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013), Balupu (2013), Geethanjali (2014)
2007	Kajal Aggarwal	Lakshmi Kalyanam	Magadheera (2009), Darling (2010), Brindavanam (2010)
	Hansika Motwani	Desamuduru	Kandireega (2011), Denikaina Ready (2012), Goutham Nanda (2017)
	Sonia Deepti	Happy Days
	Vedhika	Vijayadasami	Ruler (2019), Bangarraju (2022), Razakar (2024)
	Shamna Kasim	Sri Mahalakshmi	Seema Tapakai (2011), Avunu (2012), Raju Gari Gadhi (2015)
2008	Sonal Chauhan	Rainbow	Legend (2014), Pandaga Chesko (2014), F3: Fun and Frustration (2022)
	Shraddha Das	Siddu from Sikakulam
	Bindu Madhavi	Avakai Biryani	Bumper Offer (2009), Rama Rama Krishna Krishna (2010), Pilla Zamindar (2011),
2009	Nyrraa M Banerji	Aa Okkadu	Saradaga Kasepu (2010), Temper (2015)

2010s[edit | edit source]

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
2010	Samantha Ruth Prabhu	Ye Maaya Chesave	Dookudu (2011), Rangasthalam (2018), Oh! Baby (2019)
	Rakul Preet Singh	Keratam	Venkatadri Express (2013), Nannaku Prematho (2016), Sarrainodu (2016)
	Taapsee Pannu	Jhummandi Naadam	Mr. Perfect (2011), Gundello Godari (2013), Mishan Impossible (2022)
	Pranitha Subhash	Em Pillo Em Pillado	Attarintiki Daredi (2013), Rabhasa (2014), Hello Guru Prema Kosame (2018)
	Radhika Apte	Rakta Charitra
2011	Nithya Menen	Ala Modalaindi
	Shruti Hassan	Anaganaga O Dheerudu	Race Gurram (2014), Srimanthudu (2015), Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (2023)
	Amala Paul	Bejawada
	Isha Chawla	Prema Kavali
2012	Regina Cassandra	Siva Manasulo Sruthi	Subramanyam for Sale (2015), Awe (2018), Saakini Daakini (2022)
	Lavanya Tripathi	Andala Rakshasi
	Eesha Rebba	Life Is Beautiful
	Monal Gajjar	Sudigadu
	Anandhi	Ee Rojullo
	Chandini Chowdary	Life Is Beautiful
2013	Catherine Tresa	Chammak Challo	Iddarammayilatho (2013), Goutham Nanda (2017), Bimbisara (2022)
	Chandini Tamilarasan	Kaalicharan	Kiraak (2014), Chitram Bhalare Vichitram (2016), Ram Asur (2021)
	Ritu Varma	Baadshah
	Avika Gor	Uyyala Jampala
2014	Kriti Sanon	1: Nenokkadine	Dohchay (2015), Adipurush (2023)
	Raashii Khanna	Manam	Oohalu Gusagusalade (2014), Bengal Tiger (2015), Venky Mama (2019)
	Pooja Hegde	Oka Laila Kosam	DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham (2017), Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava (2018), Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)
	Hebah Patel	Ala Ela	Kumari 21F (2015), 24 Kisses (2018), Odela Railway Station (2022)
	Seerat Kapoor	Run Raja Run
	Mishti Chakraborty	Chinnadana Nee Kosam
2015	Pragya Jaiswal	Mirchi Lanti Kurradu	Kanche (2015), Jaya Janaki Nayaka (2017), Akhanda (2021)
	Pooja Jhaveri	Bham Bolenath	Dwaraka (film) (2017), Touch Chesi Chudu (2018), Bangaru Bullodu (2021)
	Malvika Nair	Yevade Subramanyam	Kalyana Vaibhogame (2016), Taxiwaala (2018), Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi (2023)
	Tridha Choudhury	Surya vs Surya	Manasuku Nachindi (2018), Anukunnadi Okati Ayinadi Okati (2020)
2016	Anupama Parameswaran	A Aa	Hello Guru Prema Kosame (2018), Karthikeya 2 (2022), Tillu Square (2024)
	Nivetha Thomas	Gentleman	Ninnu Kori (2017), Ninnu Kori (2017), Brochevarevarura (2019)
	Anu Emmanuel	Majnu	Kittu Unnadu Jagratha (2017), Agnyaathavaasi (2018), Naa Peru Surya (2018)
	Riya Suman	Paper Boy (2018), Top Gear (2022), #MenToo (2023)
	Keerthy Suresh	Nenu Sailaja	Mahanati (2018), Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022), Dasara (2023)
	Chitra Shukla	Nenu Sailaja	Maa Abbayi (2017), Rangula Ratnam (2018), Pakka Commercial (2022)
	Nandita Swetha	Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada	Bluff Master (2018), Kapatadhaari (2021), Akshara (2021)
	Mehreen Pirzada	Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha	Mahanubhavudu (2017), Raja the Great (2017), F2: Fun and Frustration (2019)
	Pujita Ponnada	Oopiri	Darsakudu (2017), Odela Railway Station (2022), Jorugaa Husharugaa (2023)
	Komalee Prasad	Nenu Seetha Devi	Napoleon, Sebastian P.C. 524 (2022), HIT: The Second Case (2022)
2017	Sai Pallavi	Fidaa	Middle Class Abbayi (2017), Love Story (2021), Shyam Singha Roy (2021)
	Megha Akash	Lie	Chal Mohan Ranga (2018), Dear Megha (2021), Ravanasura (2023)
	Nivetha Pethuraj	Mental Madhilo	Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), Red (2021), Paagal (2021)
	Dimple Hayathi	Gulf	Eureka (2020), Khiladi (2022), Ramabanam (2023)
	Sreeleela	Chitrangada	Pelli SandaD (2021), Dhamaka (2022), Guntur Kaaram (2024)
	Rukshar Dhillon	Aakatayi	Krishnarjuna Yudham (2018), ABCD: American Born Confused Desi (2019),
2018	Nabha Natesh	Nannu Dochukunduvate	iSmart Shankar (2019), Alludu Adhurs (2021), Maestro (2021)
	Kiara Advani	Bharat Ane Nenu	Vinaya Vidheya Rama (2019), Game Changer (2024)
	Aditi Rao Hydari	Sammohanam	Antariksham 9000 KMPH (2018), V (2020), Maha Samudram (2021)
	Rashmika Mandanna	Chalo	Geetha Govindam (2018), Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020), Pushpa: The Rise (2021)
	Neha Shetty	Mehbooba	Gully Rowdy (2021), DJ Tillu (2022), Bedurulanka 2012 (2023)
	Payal Rajput	RX 100	RDX Love (2019), Disco Raja (2020), Anaganaga O Athidhi (2020)
	Ruhani Sharma	Chi La Sow	HIT: The First Case (2020), Dirty Hari (2020), Saindhav (2024)
	Priyanka Sharma	Tharuvatha Evaru	Savaari (2020), Bommala Koluvu (2022), Tantiram (2023)
	Priya Vadlamani	Premaku Raincheck	Husharu (2018), Mukhachitram (2022), Manu Charitra (2023)
	Nidhhi Agerwal	Savyasachi	Mr. Majnu (2019), iSmart Shankar (2019), Hero (2022)
2019	Ananya Nagalla	Mallesham	Play Back (2021), Vakeel Saab (2021), Anveshi (2023)
	Ammu Abhirami	Rakshasudu	FCUK: Father Chitti Umaa Kaarthik (2021), Narappa (2021), Ranasthali (2022)
	Shivathmika Rajashekar	Dorasaani	Panchathantram (2022), Ranga Maarthaanda (2023)
	Aishwarya Rajesh	Kousalya Krishnamurthy	World Famous Lover (2020), Tuck Jagadish (2021), Republic (2021)
	Priyanka Mohan	Nani's Gang Leader	Sreekaram (2021), They Call Him OG (2024), Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (2024)
	Shraddha Srinath	Jersey	Jersey (2019), Saindhav (2024), Daaku Maharaaj (2025)
	Mirnalini Ravi	Gaddalakonda Ganesh	Organic Mama Hybrid Alludu (2023), Mama Mascheendra (2023)

2020s[edit | edit source]

Year	Name	Debut film	Notable films
2020	Varsha Bollamma	Choosi Choodangaane	Middle Class Melodies (2020), Swathi Muthyam (2022), Ooru Peru Bhairavakona (2024)
2021	Krithi Shetty	Uppena	Shyam Singha Roy (2021), Bangarraju (2022), Macherla Niyojakavargam (2022)
	Priya Prakash Varrier	Check	Ishq (2021), Bro (2023)
	Meenakshi Chaudhary	Ichata Vahanamulu Niluparadu	Khiladi (2022), HIT: The Second Case (2022), Guntur Kaaram (2024)
	Shivani Rajashekar	Pelli SandaD	Adbhutham (2021), WWW (2021), Kota Bommali PS (2023)
	Ketika Sharma	Romantic	Lakshya (2021), Ranga Ranga Vaibhavanga (2022), Bro (2023)
	Faria Abdullah	Jathi Ratnalu	Bangarraju (2022), Like, Share & Subscribe (2022), Aa Okkati Adakku (2024)
2022	Samyuktha	Bheemla Nayak	Bimbisara (2022), Sir (2023), Virupaksha (2023)
	Aishwarya Lekshmi	Godse	Ammu (2022), SYG - Sambarala Yeti Gattu (2025)
	Mrunal Thakur	Sita Ramam	Hi Nanna (2023), The Family Star (2024)
	Kavya Kalyanram	Masooda	Balagam (2023), Ustaad (2023)
2023	Vaishnavi Chaitanya	Baby	Love Me If You Dare (2024)
	Priya Bhavani Shankar	Kalyanam Kamaneeyam	Bhimaa (2024), Zebra (2024)
	Ashika Ranganath	Amigos	Naa Saami Ranga (2024), Vishwambhara (2025)
2024	Janhvi Kapoor	Devara: Part 1	Peddi (2026), AA22xA6 (2027)
2025	Srinidhi Shetty	HIT: The Third Case	Telusu Kada (2025)

Accolades[edit | edit source]

Actresses in the Telugu film industry have been recognized through various awards at the national, state and industry levels. These include the National Film Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Nandi Award for Best Actress, Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu, SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Telugu and others.^[6]

Other notable[edit | edit source]

Other notable actresses who have appeared in fewer than three Telugu films include Twinkle Khanna, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone and Ananya Pandey but these weren't their debut roles. Disha Patani started her career with Loafer in 2015.^[7]

References[edit | edit source]

↑ "Sharada to Keerthy Suresh: Telugu film actresses who triumphed at the National Film Awards". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
↑ Sreeja, Addla (9 December 2022). "12 Tollywood actresses & their educational backgrounds". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
↑ Sreeja, Addla (8 March 2023). "Money Talks: TOP 10 highest paid south Indian actresses 2023". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
↑ Sreeja, Addla (9 December 2022). "12 Tollywood actresses & their educational backgrounds". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
↑ "Top Telugu Actresses of 2010". Rediff. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
↑ "Sharada to Keerthy Suresh: Telugu film actresses who triumphed at the National Film Awards". The Times of India. 27 August 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
↑ "From Deepika Padukone to Priyanka Chopra: Bollywood actresses who made their acting debut with South films". The Times of India. 25 February 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 July 2024.

External links[edit | edit source]

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[1] "Sharada to Keerthy Suresh: Telugu film actresses who triumphed at the National Film Awards". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 13 January 2024.

[2] Sreeja, Addla (9 December 2022). "12 Tollywood actresses & their educational backgrounds". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 13 January 2024.

[3] Sreeja, Addla (8 March 2023). "Money Talks: TOP 10 highest paid south Indian actresses 2023". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 24 January 2024.

[4] Sreeja, Addla (9 December 2022). "12 Tollywood actresses & their educational backgrounds". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 5 April 2024.

[5] "Top Telugu Actresses of 2010". Rediff. Retrieved 5 April 2024.

[6] "Sharada to Keerthy Suresh: Telugu film actresses who triumphed at the National Film Awards". The Times of India. 27 August 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 13 April 2025.

[7] "From Deepika Padukone to Priyanka Chopra: Bollywood actresses who made their acting debut with South films". The Times of India. 25 February 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 July 2024.

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