The Southern Takeover : Bollywood’s New Reigning Queens From The South

Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 16:05

Bollywood is witnessing an exciting shift, with a wave of South Indian actresses stepping into the spotlight and redefining mainstream cinema. These performers aren't just making debuts-they're delivering unforgettable characters, breaking stereotypes, and proving that storytelling isn't bound by geography. With each film, they bring fresh perspectives, powerful screen presence, and a depth that's hard to ignore. Here's a look at the South stars who are leaving a lasting imprint on Hindi cinema.

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Jyothika : A Grand Comeback With 'Shaitaan' And 'Dabba Cartel'

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After more than two decades, Jyothika, a much celebrated Kollywood star and a wife of one as well made a triumphant return to Bollywood with 'Shaitaan', sharing screen space with Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan. Her riveting portrayal in this psychological thriller showcased her impeccable acting skills, earning her widespread praise. Not stopping there, she further impressed audiences with 'Dabba Cartel', a gripping web series that reaffirmed her versatility.

Keerthy Suresh : A Big Bollywood Break With 'Baby John'

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A National Award-winning actress, Keerthy Suresh made a striking Bollywood debut with 'Baby John', starring alongside Varun Dhawan. Her ability to bring depth and emotion to her characters has made her a highly anticipated addition to Hindi cinema. Now, she is gearing up for 'Akka', YRF's upcoming web series, where she stars alongside Radhika Apte and Tanvi Azmi in a gripping revenge thriller set in the 1980s. With back-to-back major projects, Keerthy is all set to make a lasting impact in Bollywood.

Sreeleela: Dancing Her Way Into Bollywood

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Sreeleela took the industry by storm with her electrifying dance number in 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'. The song became an instant sensation, proving her star power and charisma. Now, she is gearing up for her Bollywood debut alongside Kartik Aaryan, making her one of the most exciting new talents to watch.

Rashmika Mandanna : A Meteoric Rise In Bollywood

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Rashmika Mandanna has quickly become a sought-after name in Bollywood. After winning hearts with 'Goodbye', she delivered a memorable performance in 'Animal' alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Her next big project, 'Sikandar', will see her star opposite Salman Khan, solidifying her position as one of Bollywood's leading ladies.

Nimisha Sajayan : A Versatile Talent Making Her Mark

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Nimisha Sajayan began her acting journey with the critically acclaimed Malayalam film 'Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum' in 2017. Her performances in films like 'The Great Indian Kitchen' and 'Chola' have garnered widespread recognition. Nimisha expanded her horizons with the web series 'Poacher', where she portrayed Mala Jogi, a dedicated forest range officer. She also played an interesting part in the Netflix series Dabba Cartel, sharing the screen with seasoned actresses like Shabana Azmi and Jyothika.

Malavika Mohanan: Carving Her Path In Bollywood

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Malavika Mohanan made her Bollywood entry with Beyond the Clouds and later starred in Yudhra alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi. As she continues to explore diverse roles, her journey in Bollywood is one to watch, with promising projects on the horizon.

South Indian actresses are no longer just making Bollywood debuts-they're owning the space with powerful performances and unforgettable roles. With each project, they're proving that talent knows no language barriers, bringing fresh energy to Hindi cinema and inspiring countless aspiring actors along the way. As they continue to rise, they're not just blending into Bollywood-they're reshaping it.