Beyond its rich culture, the Indian subcontinent is globally defined by the powerhouse that is Bollywood. Since the 1930s, B-Town has been the ultimate destination for beautiful Bollywood actresses who don’t just follow trends—they set them.
From the timeless grace of legends like Madhubala and Sridevi to the modern-day icons redefining the “It-Girl” aesthetic, these women have set an impossibly high bar for glamour. Whether they are delivering a high-stakes performance or simply serving looks on the red carpet, these divas are the heartbeat of the industry. Fans don’t just watch the movies; they flock to the screens to see their favorite beautiful Bollywood actresses absolutely own the spotlight.
In this article, we have done a roundup of the top 50 Actresses of Bollywood – old and new, with pictures. Scroll down to explore the images of the most popular actresses of the Indian Bollywood film industry.
Nargis
Nargis Dutt is an award-winning Bollywood actress renowned for her stellar performance in ‘Mother India’ (1957). She was born in 1929 as Fatima Rashid and later changed her screen name to ‘Nargis’. Her superhit films include “Barsaat”, “Aag”, and “Awaara”, in which she acted alongside the legendary Raj Kapoor.
Madhubala
Madhubala is one of the most beautiful Bollywood heroines of all time. She is renowned for her role as “Anarkali” in the magnum opus “Mughal-e-Azam”. With her captivating looks and impressive performances, Madhubala became one of the highest-paid stars of Bollywood during her time.
Waheeda Rahman
Waheeda Rahman is one of the most influential Bollywood actresses who won three Filmfare Awards and one National Award for her performances. She made her debut in the Telugu film “Rojuluy Marayi” in an item song. Later, she rose to fame with manysuperhitt Hindi films like “C.I.D”, “Guide”, “Kaagaz Ke Phool”, etc.
Vyjayanthimala
Vyjayanthimala is a famous dancer-cum-actress of Bollywood. Born in 1936 in British India, Vyjayanthimala entered the Hindi film industry in 1951, after appearing in Tamil and Telugu films. She won many awards and accolades for her performances in films like “Ganga Jumna”, “Devdas” (Chandramukhi), “New Delhi”, “Jewel Thief”, etc.
Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila Tagore is often called “Kashmir Ki Kali” after the name of her debut movie. She is a well-known Bollywood actress who won several awards for her contributions to Indian cinema. Sharmila’s top movies include “An Evening in Paris”, “Aamne Saamne”, “Waqt”, etc.
Suraiya
Suraiya Jamal Sheikh, popularly known as Suraiya, is one of the highest-paid Bollywood actresses in the 1950s and ’60s. Apart from her acting prowess, Suraiya also proved her mettle as a playback singer. She acted in over 67 films, among which the best include “Taj Mahal”, “Mirza Ghalib”, “Pyar Ki Jeet”, etc.
Aasha Parekh
Asha Parekh is one of the most popular Bollywood actresses of the 1960s and 70’s, earning a devoted following for her glamorous looks and mesmerizing acting. Asha made her debut in “Maa” as a child artist. In 1959, she made a re-entry with the film “Dil Dekhe Dekho,” which made her a star overnight. Asha won several awards throughout her career.
Farida Jalal
Farida Jalal is best known for her supporting roles in many superhit films like “Paras”, “Henna”, “Dil Wale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge”, etc. She made her debut in 1967 with the film “Taqdeer” and went on to act in over 200 films and many Hindi serials.
Meena Kumari
Meena Kumari is fondly known as the ‘tragedy queen’ of Bollywood for her sorrow-filled roles. She ruled the industry between the 1940’s- 70’s and acted in close to 92 films in a lead role. Her famous films include “Chandi Chowk”, “Ek Hi Raastha”, “Sharada”, etc.
Saira Bano
Saira Bano is a famous yesteryear Bollywood actress renowned for her exceptional physical beauty. She made her debut in 1961 opposite Shammi Kapoor in “Junglee”, which became one of the biggest hits in the Hindi film industry. Saira also acted in many successful projects like “Bluff Master”, “Padosan”, “Hera Pheri”, “Bairaag”, etc.
Sadhana
Sadhna Shivadasani is credited with being the highest-paid actress in Bollywood from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. She is called “Mystery Girl” for playing lead roles in many mystery pictures, such as “Wo Kaun Thi”, “Anita”, “Mera Saaya”, etc. Her fringed hairstyle became famous as the “Sadhana haircut,” which many girls and women loved to try during those days.
Mumtaz
Mumtaz Askari Madhvani’s Bollywood journey is nothing short of rags to riches. Born in the slums, Mumtaz began her acting career with minor roles before becoming one of the highest-paid actresses. She was once known as the “stunt film heroine” for acting in too many action films. However, with movies like “Mela” and “Nagin”, she changed her image to that of a beauty queen and a sex symbol of her times.
Helen
Helen, born Helen Ann Richardson, is unarguably one of the most sensuous Bollywood actresses of all time. She is best known for her erotic dance moves and appeared in over 700 films. Her songs are more noteworthy than the films she acted in. Some of her famous numbers are “Yamma Yamma” (China Town), “Suku Suku” (Junglee), “O Haseena Julfowali” (Teesri Manzil), etc.
Zeenat Aman
Jeenat Khan, aka Jeenat Aman, is a former beauty queen and popular Bollywood actress. She made her debut in 1970 and acted in over 70 films during her active years. Zeenat is best known for portraying a hippie character in “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”.
Babita Kapoor
Babita Kapoor is the celebrity mom of the two most popular B-town heroines – Karishma and Kareena. She made her debut in 1966 and acted in about 19 films. Babita earned a huge craze and fan following for the song “Aao Huzur Tumko” in Kismat.
Parveen Babi
Parveen Babi is one of the most beautiful actresses of Bollywood. She was renowned for her glitz and glamour, which she maintained throughout her career. Parveen was part of several superhit films, including “Majboor”, “Deewar”, “Amar Akbar Anthony”, etc.
Reena Roy
Reena Roy is an award-winning Bollywood actress, best known for her glamorous looks and female-oriented roles. She debuted in 1972, and in the 1980s, she became a fierce competitor to heroines like Hema Malini and Rekha. Some of her best films are “Apnapan”, “ Aasha”, “Sanam Teri Kasam”, etc.
Padmini Kolhapure
Padmini Kolhapure entered Bollywood when she was just 7 years old. She became a celebrity child artist with her role in “Satyam Shivam Sundaram”. By the mid-1980s, Padmini had risen to the top among Hindi heroines, with many superhit films like “Vidhaata” and “Souten”.
Neetu Singh
Neetu Singh is one of the most successful actresses in Bollywood between the 1970s and 80s. She began her career as a child artist and later worked in many notable films, including “Deewar” and “Amar Akbar Anthony”. Neetu is often called the “Golden Beauty of Bollywood” for her dusky skin tone and mesmerising beauty.
Rekha
Bhanurekha Ganesan, better known as Rekha, is one of the finest actresses not just of Bollywood but of Indian cinema. Her acting career began in 1958 as a child artist. Rekha worked in close to 180 films and won several awards and accolades. Some noteworthy films include “Silsila”, “Umrao Jaan”, “Utsav”, etc. This ageless B-town beauty is best known for her confidence and superb comic timing!
Hema Malini
Hema Malini is the “Dream Girl” of Bollywood! She made her acting debut in 1963 with a Tamil film and later worked in many Hindi movies like “Sapno Ka Saudagar”, “Johnny Mera Naam”, “Sanyasi”, “Seeta Aur Geeta”, etc. Until the late 1980’s, Hema was a mainstream heroine with many successes in her kitty!
Jaya Bachchan
Jaya Bachchan made her debut in Bollywood at just 16. The 1971 film “Guddi” brought her widespread fame and recognition, after which she received numerous offers. She worked alongside her husband Amitabh Bachchan in many super hit films like “Sholay”, Mili”, “Chupke Chupke”, “Zanjeer”, etc.
Poonam Dhillon
Poonam Dhillon rose to fame after winning Miss Young India in 1978. The then 16-year-old beauty queen landed a meaty role in Yash Chopra’s “Trishul.” She later appeared in many successful movies like “Noorie”, “Red Rose”, “Dard”, etc.
Sridevi
Sridevi is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood and Indian cinema. She is the “Queen of Hearts” and the “Nation’s pride” for her contribution to the film industry. A true diva in every sense, Sridevi made her debut in 1964 as a child artist. This “First Female Superstar” of India played many cherishable roles in films like “Khuda Gawah”, “Chandni”, “Mr India”, “English Vinglish”, etc.
Jayaprada
Jayaprada is one of the most iconic actresses of Bollywood who wooed millions of fans with her stunning looks and charismatic personality. She was hailed as the “beautiful face on the Indian screen” by none other than the legendary director Satyajit Ray. Jayaprada made her Bollywood debut in 1979 with “Sargam”, the Hindi remake of “Siri Siri Muvva”.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone is currently one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood. She was once a national-level Badminton player who left spots to pursue her interest in modelling and acting. Deepika made her Bollywood entry in 2007 with “Om Shanti Om,” which made her an instant national star. In the last 15+ years of her career in the industry, Deepika made quite a mark for herself with her acting prowess and ravishing looks. Some of her best films are “Padmaavat”, “Baji Rao Mastani”, “Piku”, “Chennai Express”, etc.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra might have started her career in Bollywood, but she has now risen to fame in Hollywood as well. She is one of the most influential Indian actresses who carved a niche for herself in the global film industry. The Former Miss World made her debut in 2003 and went on to win numerous awards and accolades for her acting in films such as “Fashion”, “Dostana”, “Barfi”, etc.
Kareena Kapoor
Kareena Kapoor is the Queen Bee of Bollywood and belongs to a separate league of heroines who transcend beyond the number game. She is a versatile actress who reinvents herself effortlessly with every movie. Kareena made her debut in 2000 with the movie “Refugee” and became popular for her role as “Poo” in “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham”. Some of her best pictures include “Jab We Met”, “3 Idiots”, “Good Newwz”, “Chameli”, etc.
Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif is a British-born actress who is currently one of the highest-paid heroines in Bollywood. This model-turned-actress made her film debut in 2003 with the flop “Boom”. However, she quickly transformed her image with many hit films, including “Namaste London”, “New York”, “Rajneeti”, and “Dhoom 3”. Katrina is also labelled as one of the most attractive Indian celebs and one of “Bollywood’s best dancers”.
Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut is a multiple-time award-winning Bollywood actress known for her strong acting prowess. Despite having humble beginnings, Kangana rose to success with hard work and determination. She made her debut in 2008 with “Gangstar,” which earned her a Filmfare Award and widespread popularity. Her performances in “Fashion”, “Queen”, “Krissh 3”, etc., earned her widespread praise from fans and critics.
Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor is one of the best-dressed actresses in Bollywood. She has established herself as a successful commercial heroine through performances in films such as “Black”, “Saawariya”, “Aisha”, “Bhaag Milka Bhaag”, “Neerja”, etc. Critics often refer to her as a “Style Icon” and “Most Stylish Star” of the Indian film industry.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt comes from the famous ‘Bhatt’ family of Bollywood and is the daughter of the star director, Mahesh Bhatt. She made her debut as a child artist in 1999 but played the first lead role in the 2012 movie “Student of the Year”. Alia’s innocent, girl-next-door looks combined with her effortless performances made her a next-gen sensation in the Hindi film industry.
Jacqueline Fernandez
Jacqueline Fernandez is a Sri Lanka-born model-turned-actress. She is one of “Bollywood’s Best Dresses Actresses” and “Most Desirable Women,” according to TOI’s listing. Jacqueline made her debut in the Hindi film industry in 2002 and achieved her first commercial success in 2011 with “Murder 2”. She is renowned for her exceptional dancing skills and gorgeous physique.
Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma is one of the most respected actresses in Bollywood, making her debut in 2008 with “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi”. She has an attractive screen presence and carries herself with a lot of confidence and oomph. Anushka delivered power-packed performances in many superhit films, including ” Tak He Jaan”, “PK”, “NH10”, etc.
Parineeti Chopra
Parineeti Chopra made her Bollywood debut in 2011 with the film “Ladies Vs Ricky Behl”. She received the ‘Best Female Debut’ award and gained widespread fame for her looks and performance. Despite being fat-shamed, Parineeti never gave up on her acting dreams and underwent a huge body transformation. She soon became one of the hottest Bollywood heroines, appearing in many hit films, including “Ishaqzaade”, “Shuddh Desi Romance”, “Hasee Toh Phasee”, etc.
Sonakshi Sinha
Sonakshi Sinha is the doting daughter of yesteryear’s superstar Shatrugan Sinha. Her bold screen presence and natural acting talent made her one of the most sought-after heroines in the Hindi film industry. She made her debut in 2010 with the action film “Dabaang” and later appeared in many films, including “Rowdy Rathore” and “Son of Sardaar”.
Yami Gautam
Yami Gautam is more popular as the “Fair and Lovely Girl” than as a Bollywood actress. She rose to fame after appearing in commercials for Fair and Lovely, followed by Hindi TV serials. Yami made her film debut in 2012 with the successful movie “Vicky Donor”. She also appeared in many films, including “Action Jackson”, “Uri: The Surgical Strike”, and “Ginny Weds Sunny”.
Sara Ali Khan
Sara Ali Khan is the next-gen Pataudi who followed the footsteps of her parents, Amrita Singh and Saif Ali Khan. She made her debut in 2018 with the movie “Kedarnath” alongside Sushanth Singh Rajput. Although the movie flopped at the box office, Sara was noticed for her ability to emote. The same year, she appeared in “Simmba” alongside Ranveer Singh, which was a commercial success.
Jhanvi Kapoor
Jhanvi Kapoor is Bollywood’s latest sensation and the elder daughter of yesteryear’s Diva, Sridevi. She made her debut in 2018 with “Dhadak” alongside Ishaan Khatter. Jhanvi is turning out to be one of the most popular Bollywood actresses, thanks to her resemblance to Sridevi and her impressive acting skills.
Tara Sutaria
Tara Sutaria is a budding Bollywood actress who began her career in 2010. She worked as a child artist in Disney India’s “Big Bada Boom”. She made her entry into mainstream Hindi cinema with “Student Of The Year 2”. Tara’s portrayal of “Zoya,” a mute girl in “Marjavaan,” was well received by critics and fans.
Disha Patani
Disha Patani is one of the most famous new-gen stars of Bollywood. She is well-known for her dancing skills and sculpted physique, including her famous six-pack abs. Disha made her debut in the industry in 2015 with a music video for the movie “Befikra.” She also masters several forms of martial arts, like Kung Fu, which earned her a role in Jackie Chan’s Kung Fu Yoga.
Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha Kapoor is one of the highest-paid contemporary Bollywood actresses. She is the daughter of Shakti Kapoor and the niece of Padmini Kolhapure. Shraddha made her debut in 2010 with “Teen Patti” and got her first break in 2013 with “Aashiqui 2”. She also bagged a lead role in the trilingual film “Sahoo” starring Prabhas, which is one of India’s most expensive films.
Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon is another popular Bollywood heroine who made her debut in 2014 with “Hero Panti”. She appeared in commercially successful films such as “Bareilly Ki Barfi”, “Luka Chuppi”, “Dilwale”, and “Housefull 4”. Her tall figure and sharp looks made her an instant crowd favorite.
Ananya Pandey
Ananya Pandey’s popularity outweighs that of senior actresses in Bollywood. She is the daughter of Chunkey Pandey and made her debut in 2019 with the films “STOY-2” and “Pati Patni Aur Woh,” both launched that year. She also appeared in a song in “Angrezi Medium”.
Bhumi Padnekar
Bhumi Padnekar is renowned for non-stereotypical roles, which earned her a special place in the industry. She is a rare mix of looks and acting talent, making her a constant favourite with film critics. Bhumi appeared in many successful films like “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha”, “Subh Mangal Saavdhaan”, “Durgamati,”, etc. She debuted in 2015 with “Dum Laga Tho Aisha”.
Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu started her acting career in the South film industry and made her Bollywood debut with “Chashme Baddoor”. She is known for her fierce portrayals of female characters in films such as “Pink” and “Badla”. Apart from her acting prowess, Taapsee is also known for her charming looks and confident attitude.
Vaani Kapoor
Vaani Kapoor is a model-turned-actress who has appeared in many commercials, including for TBZ Jewellery. She made her Bollywood debut in 2013 with “Shuddh Desi Romance”. Vaani is known for her seductive looks and strong screen presence, which have earned her many positive reviews, regardless of how the film fares at the box office.
Kiara Advani
Although Kiara Advani made her debut in 2014, she got her first breakthrough role in 2016 with the film “M.S.Dhoni: The Untold Story”. Her performances in “Kabir Singh” and “Good Newwz” were well-appreciated by fans and film critics. Her evolution from “just eye candy” to one of the best actresses in Bollywood is praiseworthy.
Pooja Hegde
Pooja Hegde comes from a Mangalorean family but was born and brought up in Mumbai. She started her career as a model and made her Hindi film debut in 2014 with “Mohenjo-Daro”. Pooja’s goddess-like looks and natural acting opened up many exciting opportunities in the South Indian film industry.
Rakulpreet Singh
Rakul Preet Singh made her Bollywood debut in 2014 with the film “Yaariyan”. She earned instant recognition for her performances and fresh looks. Rakul also earned many positive reviews for her roles in Hindi films like “Marjavaan”, “Sardar Ka Grandson”, and “De De Pyar De”.
Did you like our collection of beautiful Bollywood actresses of all time? We know many other actresses are missing from this list, but don’t worry! We promise to add more details about other beautiful faces of Bollywood who have made the industry super proud!