Entertainment
27 Actors Who Changed Their Names Before Making Bollywood Debut
A name of a person is something that creates their identity and introduces them to people. Shakespeare might have asked everyone What’s in a name, but for the celebrities of the Bollywood industry, it is their name that’s pretty much everything.
It’s the name that builds their fame and recognition in showbiz. Some of the fans change their name after the star’s fame or even name their kids after their favorite star. If not so important why would celebrities change their name before they make their big debut in the film industry? There are times when even the producers and the directors make the actors change their names as it doesn’t go well with the screen presence.
So here we have a list of a few celebrities in the Bollywood industry who changed their name before they entered Bollywood:
1. Amitabh Bachchan
The legendary actor popularly known as the Big B of the Bollywood industry was named Inquilaab Srivastava by his parents. Before debuting in his first film, he changed his to Amitabh Bachchan.
2. Salman Khan
The ‘Bhai’ of the Hindi film industry was named Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan. When he decided to work in the industry he used Salman Khan which is just a part of his real name.
3. Rajinikanth
Our favorite actor in the South film industry, Thalaiva was initially known as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad when he was struggling to become an actor.
4. Akshay Kumar
Also known as ‘Akki’’ or the Khiladi of Bollywood was named Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia by his parents. He later used that name for his home production and named it Hari Om Entertainment.
5. Hrithik Roshan
The actor is well known for his dance moves that can give anyone an inferiority complex. But he was not Hrithik ‘Roshan’ since birth but was Hrithik Rakesh ‘Nagrath’.
6. Rekha
The gorgeous diva is known to make headlines in the Bollywood industry for her breathtaking beauty and her personal life. She was known as Bhanurekha Ganesan but changed it to Rekha later.
7. Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh complete name is Ranveer Singh Bhavnani. While making his debut movie he removed the surname from his name.
8. Annu Kapoor
The popular actor was initially named Anil Kapoor. He decided to change his name as that name was already an established name in the Bollywood industry. He didn’t want any confusion due to the name as he had played an important role in the movie Tejaab so he changed his name to Annu Kapoor.
9. Shilpa Shetty
She was formally known as Ashwini Shetty. But her astrologer mother thought that changing her name to Shilpa would bring her more luck in films.
An example of sheer beauty, the actress could literally take anyone’s breath away. But did you know that her real name was Mumtaz Begum Jehan Dehlavi?
11. John Abraham
The actor’s real name is Farhan Abraham. He chose to use John as his name in the industry because that is what his father used to call him.
12. Mithun Chakraborty
Popularly known as the ‘Disco dancer’ or ‘Mithun Da’ of the industry in the 80s, he was called Gourango Chakraborty before he decided to choose acting as a career.
13. Katrina Kaif
She came to the industry as Katrina Turquotte. But later changed her surname to her Kashmiri father’s surname, Kaif. It was easy for the audience to pronounce it.
14. Dharmendra
The veteran actor needs no introduction. The ‘He-man’ has not only changed his surname from Dharam to Dharmendra but also dropped his surname Deol before he became famous in the Hindi film industry.
15. Ajay Devgn
His parents named him Vishal but he changed his name to Ajay when he joined the Bollywood industry.
16. Preity Zinta
The dimpled beauty of the industry was known as Preetam Singh Zinta at birth.
17. Govinda
The ace comedian and an amazing actor in the Hindi film industry was named Govind Arun Ahuja. He later changed his name to Govinda when he joined Bollywood.
18. Guru Dutt
The man of tragic Hindi films, Guru Dutt defined the Indian film industry. Dutt’s movies are often recommended when it comes to understanding Indian cinema. His original name was Vasanth Kumar Shivshankar Padukone and although it sounds royal it would have put the audiences off.
19. Anushka Shetty
The actress’s real name is Sweety Shetty. Doesn’t it remind you of the nicknames your parents often give you? It’s so common that she decided to change it.
20. Jackie Shroff
While we know him as ‘bheedu’ or ‘Jagu Dada’ of Bollywood, his real name was Jaikishen Kaku Bhai.
21. Tiger Shroff
His real name is actually Jai Hemant Shroff but he followed his father’s step and changed it to Tiger Shroff as it sounds cool.
22. Sridevi
One of the most versatile actresses of Bollywood was Sridevi. A name that no one can forget. But her real name was Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan.
24. Kiara Advani
The real name of Kiara was ‘Alia Advani’. But the Bhai of the Bollywood industry suggested she change her name as Alia Bhatt was already a well-established actress in the industry with the name ‘Alia’. So she went ahead and changed her name to Kiara from Alia.
24. Tabu
She was initially named Tabassum Hashmi Khan. While entering the film industry she changed it to Tabu. Be it Tabu or Tabassum Hashmi Khan, we love her either way.
25. Dev Anand
Dev Anand was a complete delight to watch on screen. He was born Dharam Devdutt Pishorimal Anand. He dropped the first part of his name when he made his Bollywood debut. No doubt there is no other actor to date that could match his persona.
The actor’s father was an astrologist and he changed his name twice so that it can bring good fortune and success to the actor’s life. Ayushmann was formerly called Nishant Khurana. It was then changed to Ayushman Khurana. But his father again changed the spelling of his name to Ayushmann Khurrana with a double ‘n’ in Ayushmann and a double ‘r’ in Khurrana.
27. Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan’s real name is Sajid Ali Khan. Very few of us might knew this until a copy of his marriage certificate to Kareena went viral on the internet.
Entertainment
These Dialogues Of Judges From Shark Tank India 2 Are Going Viral
Since its first season, a reality television program called Shark Tank India has gained popularity and has completely taken over conversations about enterprises in the nation.
The program is an Indian adaptation of the American reality television program Shark Tank. Despite its unfashionable premise, the show has captured the interest of the majority of Indians. The show featured the roaster of some of India’s most well-known entrepreneurs which also became a focal point for audiences during the whole first season.
Given the fact that the reality television program has a diverse following throughout its debut season, it also inspired innumerable memes and cemented its place in the annals of Indian popular culture. It goes without saying that the second season is also doing the same right now.
Despite some minor changes from the first fabulous season, the show and its sharks have gained a lot of attention. While I have to admit that BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover, despite not being in a show, is still echoing his presence in the show-related conversations, other sharks are also gaining momentum.
Like Ashneer Grover’s “Yeh sab dogalapan hai” dialogue from the first season, dialogues of sharks from the second season are also generating so much meme-fodder for netizens. So, here’s a look at some of the most memorable dialogues of sharks from season 2:
1. Anupam Mittal
Anupam Mittal, the CEO and founder of People Group, the conglomerate for businesses like Makaan.com and Shaadi.com, is undoubtedly generating a lot of buzz this second season with his comedic banters. Here are some of his funny dialogues:
Chai pila do
The no. 1 shark is here
Sab mazak is baatein hain
You are more Indian than Indians
2. Amit Jain
Despite being a new entrant, Amit Jain, founder and CEO of the CarDekho Group, has also made his impression on the audiences and shared lots of memorable dialogues with the audience. Have a look at them:
Maine chaar companies banayi hain
3. Peyush Bansal
Peyush Bansal, founder and CEO of Lenskart, always sounds like a classy gentleman. However, it doesn’t mean that he is not desi enough. In fact, his most viral dialogue is all about being desi.
Jugadu hai yeh
4. Aman Gupta
The season’s biggest attraction is Aman Gupta, the co-founder and CMO of Boat Lifestyles. His dialogues are becoming popular meme fodder in addition to earning a sizable profit from his lucrative business.
Aap purush hi nhi, Mahapurush ho
Sab gadbad hai
5. Namita Thapar
Namita Thapar is one Shark whose views on the program have garnered public notice. On the program, Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, gained notoriety for uttering things that were swiftly converted into memes.
Yeh meri expertise nhi hai
It’s a miracle
Entertainment
Alka Yagnik Is Living Separately From Her Husband For More Than 25 years And They Are Still In Love
Alka Yagnik is one of Bollywood’s most renowned and well-known vocalists. She was the 90s’ reigning queen of melody and is still a well-known performer today. In her career in Bollywood, Alka Yagnik has performed several female solos and is one of the most active female playback singers in Indian cinema.
With her enchanting voice, she has recorded more than 2,000 songs in more than 16 languages. Her admirers value her and her skills because she has performed outstanding songs thus far. From Ek Do Teen from Tezaab to Chamma Chamma from China Gate, the majority of her songs have been significant hits in the industry.
Along with performing, Yagnik has served as a judge on a number of singing competition series, including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs, Indian Idol, and Superstar Singer, among others. While her professional life is very well known, not many people know that she has also performed outstandingly in her personal life.
Alka Yagnik, who can be counted among one of the best female singer in India began singing at the young age of 14, has made singing her career. However, because of this, she never had the opportunity to be with her spouse. Her musical career drew her to Mumbai, which obliged her to live apart from her husband for about 27 years.
Despite living miles away from her husband, Neeraj Kapoor, the love between them never fades away.
How did Alka and Neeraj first meet?
Alka Yagnik traveled to New Delhi by rail in 1986 with her mother. At the early-morning train station, Neeraj Kapoor, the nephew of her mother’s friend, came to pick them up. That’s where they first met. They both displayed nice, loving faces when they first met one another.
After this, Alka and Neeraj communicated frequently. For roughly six months, their endearing relationship blossomed and expanded. Then, as their love chemistry continued to grow, both felt the need to go forward.
Their marriage saga
After around two years of bonding and significant romantic chemistry, both sides agreed to be officially coupled up for the long haul. With the mega-popular song Ek Do Teen in 1988, Alka’s career was at its peak.
On behalf of both families, the couple decided to get married in the same year. Their separate careers, though, worried their families. Moreover, there is a physical separation between them.
Nevertheless, they were deeply in love with one another, and as a result, their families supported the wedding. Finally, they were married in February 1989. Alka used to remain in Bombay while Neeraj lived in Shillong. Their daughter Sayesha, who frequently lived with Alka, was born the same year.
Down moments in their marriage
The pair first made an effort to maintain their marriage. Neeraj would make regular trips to Mumbai, while Alka would visit her family in Shillong for a month each year. This, however, was not sustainable for very long. Alka Yagnik had to remain in Mumbai as a result of her professional decisions. Alka Yagnik’s husband, a businessman from Shillong, could not shift his work schedule and was unable to leave Shillong.
Soon, the two were also separated because of some problems and didn’t see each other for four or five years. They later understood, however, that they couldn’t live without each other.
Two decades of love still sounds refreshing
Alka Yagnik and Neeraj Kapoor overcame all obstacles in their path, even after living apart for more than 20 years. Alka and Neeraj get together during the holidays. Not only that, but they freely appreciated and encouraged one another’s aspirations.
Alka and Neeraj are still happy together and have no regrets whatsoever about their marriage, even after 27 years.
Entertainment
Journey Of The Companies Founded By Shark Tank India Judges, It’s Revenues, Profits Etc.
Who doesn’t know about Shark Tank India these days? After the reality show’s first season turned out to be an epic hit, the second season has come back with new surprises. Shark Tank is a great show for Indian entrepreneurs to avail funds and guidance from some of the most prominent entrepreneurs in the country.
The ‘Sharks’, as the judges are called, usually ask the participant startup founders about their journey, revenues, profits, etc. on the show. Have you ever wondered the same questions about the judges? If you have, then here are the answers to those questions.
Here’s everything you need to know about the companies founded by the Shark Tank judges:
1. People Group by Anupam Mittal
Before Anupam Mittal started People Group, which created businesses like Shaadi.com, and Makaan.com, he used to work at MicroStrategy for four years.
How did Shaadi.com get started?
Everyone has heard of Shaadi.com. It is one of the most prominent wings of the People Group. The idea for the venture was all figured out by Anupam Mittal in 1996. As an experiment, he started Sagaai.com in 1997. He put all his resources into making this venture work in 2001 and also changed the name to Shaadi.com from Sagaai.com.
Shaadi.com’s funding
Shaadi.com raised $8 million from Sequoia Capital in March 2006 in an unknown funding round. Anupam Mittal had also started Mauj.com by then and raised $20 million.
Although their profit is unknown Anupam Mittal, in an interview last year, said that the business is profitable and they are planning to go for an IPO (Initial Public Offering) by the next financial year.
Thanks to Shark Tank India, Anupam Mittal become a household name and he has invested in several businesses like Ola, InstaLively, Druva, PrettySecrets, etc. He has appeared in both seasons of the show. In Shark Tank India Season 2, he has invested over ₹3.18 crores in various other businesses.
2. boAt by Aman Gupta
Aman Gupta is one of the first-generation entrepreneurs on the show. He started boAt in 2016, which is now India’s no. 1 earwear audio brand. Also after 2020, it hit a new milestone, boAt has become the 5th largest earwear audio brand globally.
How did boAt get started?
After working as an Assistant Manager at Citi Group for two years, Aman Gupta ventured into different organizations in different roles thereafter. He even started a Telemedia and a Marketing company. He founded boAt with Sameer Mehta, a lifestyle brand, in 2016. The brand, boAt, was a bootstrapped startup, which the founders started with a capital of around ₹30 lakhs.
boAt funding
boAt is currently valued at $1.4 billion, after a Series C funding of ~$60 million which is approximately around ₹500 crores. It has had total funding of around $116.3 million to date from Qualcomm Ventures, Innoven capital, Warburg Pincus, and Fireside Ventures, among others.
According to YourStory, the company has reported its revenue from operations of ₹2,873 crore for the fiscal year 2022, with a profit of ₹68.70 crores.
After appearing as a judge in both seasons of Shark Tank India he has become quite popular among the masses. Aman Gupta has invested in several companies like Licious, Shiprocket, Stage, etc. Aman Gupta has invested around ₹5.17 crores in the first three weeks of the second season itself which is also the second highest this season.
3. Emcure Pharmaceuticals by Namita Thapar
We doubt that there’s anybody who doesn’t know about Emcure Pharmaceuticals. Namita Thapar is the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals. The company was founded by her father, Satish Mehta, in 1981.
Journey of Namita Thapar with Emcure
Namita Thapar went for an MBA from Fuqua School of Business after she completed her Chartered Accountancy. She worked for 6 years at Guidant Corporation in the USA, before she decided to come back to India and grow her family business. She joined as the CFO of Emcure and subsequently became the Executive Director of the company. She manages Emcure’s India Business which is its largest business unit.
She also leads an education company, Incredible Ventures Ltd, that teaches entrepreneurship to interested 11 -18-year-olds.
Emcure’s funding
Back in 1981, Satish Mehta started Emcure Pharmaceuticals with a loan of ₹3 lakhs, and today the company is valued at around ₹5,000 crores. In the financial year 2021, Emcure locked a revenue of ₹6,091.8 crores and earned a net income of ₹418.6 crores.
Namita Thapar has invested the most, around ₹7.32 crores, in this season till now. She has also become a household name after appearing as a judge in both seasons of Shark Tank India.
The newest judge in Shark Tank India is Amit Jain. Before he started his first venture he worked for a year at TCS as a Software Engineer and then in several roles at Trilogy for almost 7 years.
How did CarDekho get started?
The Jain brother duo, Amit Jain and Anurag Jain, started GirnarSoft in 2007. After a year, they started another venture together, CarDekho, under GirnarSoft’s umbrella, which has now become a Unicorn.
CarDekho’s Funding & Profit
CarDekho is a Unicorn with a valuation of $1.2 billion. As of the financial year 2021, the company has earned a revenue of around ₹884.4 crores. It has received a total funding of $497.5 million across 9 funding rounds. Sequoia Capital, HDFC Bank, LeapFrog Investments, etc. are among their prominent investors. For FY22, CarDekho has suffered losses of around ₹246 crores.
Although he appeared pretty late in Shark Tank, he has invested around ₹2.36 crores by the end of three weeks.
5. Lenskart by Peyush Bansal
One of the most loved judges on Shark Tank India is Peyush Bansal. After he completed his Engineering from McGill University, he started his journey as a Program Manager at Microsoft.
How did Lenskart get started?
Lenskart is a name known to all. Though Peyush Bansal started five companies apart from Lenskart, it was the eyewear retail chain that actually became a huge success for him. Peyush Bansal started Lenskart in 2010 after he completed his Master’s degree from IIM Bangalore. In October 2020, he co-founded Lenskart Vision Fund.
In 2021, he also started Lenskart Foundation, to eradicate refractive error-based blindness from every nook and cranny of the country and also provides free eye care to underprivileged children.
Lenskart funding
As of December 2022, Lenskart has raised about $980 million from investors like Avendus Future Leaders Fund II, Alpha Wave Ventures, and Epiq Capital. Lenskart’s revenue for the financial year 2022 was around ₹1,618.30 crores, with a consolidated loss of ₹102.3 crores.
Peyush Bansal’s investments have always been somewhat social-driven. He won everyone’s hearts when he invested in Jugaadu Kamlesh‘s invention. He has also invested in companies like Dailyobjects, Infeedo, Shiprocket, etc. He invested around ₹4.8 crores by the end of the third week of Shark Tank India Season 2.
6. Sugar Cosmetics by Vineeta Singh
Vineeta Singh has always wanted to be an entrepreneur. She rejected a placement offer of ₹1 crore per annum from a global investment bank after she completed her MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, to start her own HR services.
How did Sugar Cosmetics get started?
Though her first startup didn’t work out well, she started two successful businesses namely Fab Bag in April 2012 and Sugar Cosmetics in July 2015.
Sugar Cosmetics funding
In 2022, Sugar Cosmetics raised $50 million in Series D funding at a valuation of $500 million. This round was led by the Asia fund of L Catterton and existing investors included Elevation Capital, A91 Partners, and India Quotient. It has raised almost $100 million in aggregate so far.
Vineeta Singh’s investment
Since she has appeared in both seasons of Shark Tank India 2, most of her investments are in the startups appearing on the show. Vineeta Singh has also invested in several startups like JoshTalk, JhaJi Store, GetAWhey, etc. Vineeta Singh has invested around ₹2.95 crores by the end of the third week of Shark Tank India Season 2.
-
News4 weeks ago
Shah Rukh Khan Epic Reply To Fan Who Asked Him For An OTP
-
Entertainment4 weeks ago
SRK Gives Befitting Reply To Troll Who Calls Pathaan A ‘Disaster’ & Asked Him To Take ‘Retirement’
-
News4 weeks ago
Ashneer Grover Reveals In His Book Doglapan How Kiara Advani Almost Got Him Divorced
-
Entertainment4 weeks ago
50 Best Kishore Kumar Songs To Soothe Your Stressful Nerves
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
Babil Khan Emotional Tribute To Late Father Irrfan Khan Leaves Everyone In Tears
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
Why Online Gambling Is Worth A Try
-
News4 weeks ago
Shark Tank India S2 Judges Criticised For Refusing Investment To ‘Recode’ Due To Competition
-
News4 weeks ago
Shark Tank India’s Anupam Mittal Offers Job To Flatheads Co-Founder Who Broke Down On Show