List of Telugu film actresses

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

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

1930s:Kanchanamala

1940s: Anjali Devi

1950s: Savitri

1960s: Vanisri

1970s: Sridevi

1980s: Ramya Krishna

2000s: Anushka Shetty

2010s: Samantha Ruth Prabhu

## 1930s

[edit]

Year  | Name  | Debut film  | Notable films

|
|
|

1935  | Kanchanamala | Srikrishna Thulabhaaram |
1939  | P. Bhanumathi | Vara Vikrayam | Laila Majnu (1949), Palnati Yuddham (1966)

## 1940s

[edit]

Year  | Name  | Debut film  | Notable films

|
|
|

1947  | Anjali Devi | Gollabhama | Lava Kusa (1963), Palnati Yuddham (1966), Allauddin Adhbhuta Deepam (1957)

## 1950s

[edit]

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 |
Vijaya Nirmala | Panduranga Mahatyam |

## 1960s

[edit]

Year  | Name  | Debut film  | Notable films

|
|
|

1960  | Geetanjali | Rani Ratnaprabha |
1962  | Vanisri | Bhishma | Jeevana Tarangalu (1973)

## 1970s

[edit]

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)
1978  | Sumalatha | Karunamayudu | Justice Chakravarthy (1984), Janani Janmabhoomi (1984), Agni Gundam (1984)

## 1980s

[edit]

Vijayashanti

Year  | Name  | Debut film  | Notable films

|
|
|

1980  | Vijayashanti | Khiladi Krishnudu | Sangharshana (1983), Kondaveeti Raja (1986)
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)
1985  | 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)
1988  | Vani Viswanath | Chinni Krishnudu | Simha Swapnam (1989), Prema Yuddham (1990), Gharana Mogudu (1992)

## 1990s

[edit]

Nagma

Rambha

Simran

Anjala Zaveri

Shilpa Shetty

Raveena Tandon

Tabu

Deepti Bhatnagar

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)
1992  | Rambha | Aa Okkati Adakku | Rowdy Annayya (1993), Hitler (1997), Choosoddaam Randi (2000)
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)
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 |
Preity Zinta | Premante Idera | Rajakumarudu(1999)
1999  | Preeti Jhangiani | Thammudu | Narasimha Naidu (2001), Adhipathi (2001), Yamadonga (2007)

## 2000s

[edit]

Shriya Saran

Genelia D'Souza

Trisha Krishnan

Tamannaah Bhatia

Ileana D'Cruz

Kajal Aggarwal

Asin

Bhumika Chawla

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)
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),

## 2010s

[edit]

Shruti Haasan

Rakul Preet Singh

Raashii Khanna

Pooja Hegde

Keerthy Suresh

Kriti Sanon

Sai Pallavi

Rashmika Mandanna

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 | 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), OG (2024), Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (2024)
Mirnalini Ravi | Gaddalakonda Ganesh | Organic Mama Hybrid Alludu (2023), Mama Mascheendra (2023)

## 2020s

[edit]

Varsha Bollamma

Meenakshi Chaudhary

Samyuktha

Krithi Shetty

Ketika Sharma

Faria Abdullah

Janhvi Kapoor

Kavya Kalyanram

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  | Manushi Chhillar | Operation Valentine |
Rukmini Vasanth | Appudo Ippudo Eppudo |
Janhvi Kapoor | Devara: Part 1 | Peddi (2026), AA22XA6 (2027)

## Accolades

[edit]

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]

Other notable Hindi film 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]

## See also

[edit]

* Telugu cinema
* List of Indian film actresses
* List of Hindi film actresses
* List of Kannada film actresses
* List of Tamil film actresses

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Sharada to Keerthy Suresh: Telugu film actresses who triumphed at the National Film Awards". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-13.
2. ^ Sreeja, Addla (2022-12-09). "12 Tollywood actresses & their educational backgrounds". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 2024-01-13.
3. ^ Sreeja, Addla (2023-03-08). "Money Talks: TOP 10 highest paid south Indian actresses 2023". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
4. ^ Sreeja, Addla (2022-12-09). "12 Tollywood actresses & their educational backgrounds". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
5. ^ "Top Telugu Actresses of 2010". Rediff. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
6. ^ "Sharada to Keerthy Suresh: Telugu film actresses who triumphed at the National Film Awards". The Times of India. 2023-08-27. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
7. ^ "From Deepika Padukone to Priyanka Chopra: Bollywood actresses who made their acting debut with South films". The Times of India. 2020-02-25. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-07-23.

## External links

[edit]

Portals:

* India
* Lists

List of Telugu film actresses at Wikipedia's sister projects:

* Media from Commons
* Data from Wikidata