These Bollywood stars switched identities more than once before fame

Real Name: Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia
Early Stage Name: Akshay
Final Name: Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar’s first brush with the industry didn’t start with his action-hero image. Initially trying out just “Akshay,” he later adopted the full name “Akshay Kumar,” inspired by a character played by his co-star in a film where he was just an extra. The name stuck, and so did the stardom.

Mallika Sherawat
Real Name: Reema Lamba
Early Alias: Reema Sherawat
Final Name: Mallika Sherawat

Before her breakout in Murder, she dropped her given name Reema and adopted “Sherawat” from her mother’s side to honor her. To add a layer of mystique and mass appeal, she reintroduced herself as “Mallika” — meaning “empress” — which matched her bold, screen-dominating persona.

Real Name: Shivaji Rao Gaekwad
Early Suggestions: Sivaji, Rajan, and others
Final Name: Rajinikanth

Before becoming the Thalaiva, Rajinikanth went through several suggestions. Director K. Balachander eventually settled on “Rajinikanth,” thinking it had a regal yet accessible feel. The name wasn’t just a rebrand — it was a prophecy fulfilled.

Real Name: Bhanurekha Ganesan
Early Credits: Bhanurekha, Rekha Ganesan
Final Name: Rekha

Before she became an icon, Rekha tried different versions of her name, including “Bhanurekha” and “Rekha Ganesan,” paying homage to her legendary father, Gemini Ganesan. Eventually, the single name “Rekha” was all it took to command the screen — and history.

Real Name: Karenjit Kaur Vohra
Adult Film Alias: Karen Malhotra
Stage Name: Sunny Leone

Before Bollywood, Karenjit used multiple screen names in the West — “Karen Malhotra” being one. But it was “Sunny Leone” that stuck, a name suggested during her adult film career. She carried it into Bollywood, and despite initial resistance, it became part of her bold, unapologetic brand.