The List of 26 Amazing South Actress Of All Time | South Actresses

Imagine a world where great performances aren’t so normal. The performers meet stunning beauty, and stories come into existence with a special kind of magic. That's the world created by South Indian actresses. These amazing actresses don’t just hold pretty faces but are super talented. They have influenced the different industries involved in movies or series production with their unique debuts and movies. Every movie of South is just like a new adventure.

26 South Indian Actresses

Here are the top 26 South Indian Actresses who have made their unique place in the industry:

 1. Nayanthara

Bio: Nayanthara, also known as Lady Superstar, is a South Indian actress who has been in many Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu movies. She is born on 18 November 1984 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her multiple movies got success such as Chandramukhi and Ghajini Nayanthara have proved herself as one of the most promising and famous actresses in South India.

Interesting Facts:

• She is considered as the Lady superstar of South Indian cinema.

• She is not only an actress but also a film producer.

• She is a high earning South Indian actress in cinema.

Best movies:

• Sooryan

• Kangaroo

• Bhooth

• Little Superman

1. Tamannaah Bhatia

Bio: Tamannaah Bhatia is a South Indian actress who works in different types of films including Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films. She was born on 21 December 1989, in the city of dreams, Mumbai. She started her career as an actress and was seen in several music albums and television advertisements.

She made her film Chand Sa Roshan Chehra. She started her career as a model and was involved in several music albums and television advertisements. Tamannaah has been in various movies and has won some of the awards for her excellent performance.

Interesting facts:

• She is also known for her beauty and great acting skills.

• She is social media friendly in nature.

Best movies:

• Chand Sa Roshan Chehra

• Baahubali

• Bengal Tiger

• Baahubali 2 

1. Rashmika Mandanna

Bio: Rashmika Mandanna is a South Indian film actress born on 5 April 1996 in a small place in Karnataka called Kodagu. She is an actress who mostly appears in Kannada and Telugu films. She holds awards from different platforms for her popular role in the movie Geetha Govindham. Rashmika has graduated in the domain of psychology and an M.A. in Journalism along with B.A. in English Literature.

Interesting facts:

• Rashmika is famous for her cuteness and bright smile.

• She is considered as the National Crush.

Best movies:

• Pushpa: The Rise

• Animal

• Pushpa 2: The Rule

• Chhaava

1. Raashi Khanna

Bio: Raashi Khanna, born in the capital of India i.e. Delhi on 30 November 1990, is a South Indian actress and model who majorly works in the Telugu film industry. She debuted as an actress in a Hindi film and made her debut in Telugu with a successful movie which shows her personality as a multi-tasker. Later, she appeared in advertisements.

Interesting facts:

• She is known for her smile and cute roles.

• She is known for her natural and real-like acting.

Best movies:

• Bengal Tiger

• Supreme

• Rudra: The Edge of Darkness

• Farzi 

1. Nivetha Thomas

Bio: Nivetha Thomas is a South Indian actress who appears in films and television series in Malayalam and Tamil. She was born in Cherupuzha, a small place in Kerela on 02 November 1995. Nivetha Thomas is well known for Veruthe Oru Bharya and won the award for Best Child Artist.

Interesting facts:

• She is known for her glamorous and cute roles.

• She is also a trained singer and has sung songs in some films.

Best movies:

• Romans

• Money Ratnam

• Jai Lava Kusa

• Juliet Lover of Idiot

• Vakeel Saab

1. Jyothika

Bio: Jyothika Sadanah Saravanan is a South Indian film actress who has acted in several Tamil films. Additionally, she also acted in a few Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi films. Jyothika Saravanan was born on October 18, 1978 in Mumbai. She did her schooling at Chembur Muslim School in Mumbai. The actress got married to the actor Surya Sivakumar in September 2006.

Interesting facts:

• She has a skill in painting and creates abstract art. Beyond just acting, she is creative as well.

• She is famous for her nature being a down-to-earth person.

Best movies:

• Magalir Mattum

• Naachiyaar

• Kaatrin Mozhi

• Raatchasi

• Chekka Chivantha Vaanam

• Kaathal

1. Nithya Menen

Bio: Nithya Menen is an Indian film actress who acts in South Indian films. Nithya is known for her great performances in films like Violin. The actress has completed her education in the domain of Journalism. She was born in a Hindu family on 8 April 1988 belonging to Bangalore, Karnataka.

Interesting facts:

• Nithya Menen is a talented singer.

• She speaks and understands many languages which makes it easy to communicate.

Best movies:

• Ustad Hotel

• Bangalore Days

• 100 Days of Love

• Kanchana 2

• Mersal 

• Thiruchitrambalam 

1. Regina Cassandra

Bio: Regina Cassandra is a South Indian film actress born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on 13 Dec 1988. She is seen in various cinemas involving different types of movies such as Telugu, Tamil and Kannada films. She was nine when she started anchoring for Splash, a kids' channel and then moved on to work in commercials.

Interesting facts:

• She is known for her glamorous and bold roles.

• She is also a trained dancer.

Best movies:

• Jyo Achyutananda

• Maanagaram

• Evaru

• Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga

• Rocket Boys

• Jaanbaaz Hindustan Ke

1. Amala Paul

Bio: Amala Paul is an Indian film actress, who works primarily in the Tamil film industry. She was born to a Christian family on 26 October 1991. She was born in Ernakulam, Kerala and brought up in Kochi, Kerala. After being appeared in supporting roles in a number of low-budget projects, she received an offer for her portrayal of a great character in the film Sindhu Samaveli.

Interesting facts:

• Amala Paul is a certified scuba diver.

• She loves to travel to the spiritual places.

• Along with acting, Amala Paul has a hobby and skill of playing veena.

Best movies:

• Run Baby Run

• Oru Indian Pranayakadha

• Vettai

• Thalaivaa

• Velaiilla Pattadhari

• Hebbuli

• Ratsasan

• The Goat Life 

1. Rakul Preet Singh

Bio: Rakul Preet Singh is a South Indian film actress who works with both, the Hindi and South Indian films. She is considered one of the most famous actresses known and liked by many.

Rakul Preet Singh plays golf actively and has played at the national level. Rakul was studying maths at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi and was also engaged in modelling for more than two years before participating in the Miss India contest in 2011.

Interesting facts:

• Her film debut is Gilli which is a kannada film.

• She is known for her glamorous and cute roles.

• She is a certified fitness trainer.

• She loves to explore cuisines.

• She is a skilled table tennis player.

Best movies:

•  Gilli

• Keratam

• Thadaiyara Thaakka

• Venkatadri Express

• Sarrainodu

• Dhruva

• Ayalaan

• De De Pyaar De 

1. Anjali

Bio: Anjali is a South Indian film actress and model, who mainly works in the Tamil, Telugu and Kannada film industries. The actress is born to a Hindu family belonging to Razole, Andhra Pradesh on 16 June 1986. Anjali, as an actor is best known for her cheered and enjoyed role as Ananthi in the Tamil film Katradhu Thamizh, which happened to be her first Tamil film and became the introducing factor to the Tamil audience as an actress.

Interesting facts:

• She is a popular child artist in Bollywood.

• Anjali expresses her interest towards cooking.

• She loves to read as well.

Best movies:

• Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu

• Balupu

• Masala

• Geethanjali

1. Lakshmi Menon

Bio: Lakshmi Menon is a popular South Indian actress and model in Indian Cinema. She is better known for her work and appearance in the Tamil and Malayalam Film industries. Lakshmi Menon is a great actress born on 19 May 1996. She started her acting in Malayalam cinema and earned much popularity with her performance in Tamil movies like Sundara Pandian and Kumki.

Interesting facts: 

• She is known for her natural performances, mainly in village-based roles.

• At certain stage, she chose her education over acting into films.

Best movies:

• Sundara Pandian

• Kumki

1. Priya Bhavani Shankar

Bio: Priya Bhavani Shankar is another famous South Indian actress, born on 31 December 1989, faced much criticism for her characters and many people consider her the reason for the movie flops. She had gone through the struggling phase of her life but she never considered that and worked hard in every movie.

She gained many feature movie roles through hard work and natural acting. She was recognised as a good actor for her role in her recent film and gained many fans.

Interesting facts:

• She is famous in social media.

• She is known for her expressive acting.

Best movies:

• Meyaadha Maan

• Kadaikutty Singam

• Monster

• Zebra

1. Anushka Shetty

Bio: Anushka Shetty was born in Mangalore, Karnataka and currently living in Hyderabad. She has completed her Bachelor's in Computer Application from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore. She stands out as a skilled actress and a leading star in South Indian films. Anushka was born on 7 November 1981 in Mangalore.

She captured attention with her great role in Arundhati, of a brave character and earned many awards. Anushka shows her adaptability by taking on many different roles, from action movies to deep emotional parts. Anushka inspires many of us with her hard work and great performances.

Interesting facts:

• She is paid well in the South Indian cinema.

• Anushka’s role in "Baahubali" gained her international recognition.

• She is known for her dedication to her roles, often undergoing significant physical transformations.

Best movies:

• Vettaikaaran

• Singam

• Yennai Arindhaal

• Vaanam

• Deiva Thirumagal

• Rudhramadevi

• Baahubali series

1. Kajal Aggarwal

Bio: Kajal Aggarwal is a popular actress and a shining star in South Indian movies. She is qualified in Mass Media from Jai Hind College, Mumbai. The actress is born on 19 June 1985. Kajal expresses the emotions of her characters while staying elegant, earning her many loyal fans. She keeps pushing herself and trying new roles, making her a favourite actress among audiences.

Interesting facts: 

• She is known for her glamorous roles and dance performances.

• She is involved in various brand endorsements.

• She has a skill of writing in calligraphy form.

Best movies:

• Naayak

• Baadshah

• Govindudu Andarivadele

• Khaidi No. 150

• Bhagavanth Kesari

• Naan Mahaan Alla

• Singham

1. Priyanka Arul Mohan

Bio: Priyanka Arul Mohan is a beautiful and hardworking South Indian actress who has appeared in many movies. Her roles in every movie are strong and notable. She has acted in family dramas, love stories, and action movies. She was born on 20 November 1994 in Bangalore and completed her education at PES University.

Interesting facts: 

• She is known for her charming screen presence.

• She has worked with several leading actors in a short period of time.

Best movies:

• Ondh Kathe Hella

• Gang Leader

• Saripodhaa Sanivaaram

• Doctor

• Don

• Etharkkum Thunindhavan

1. Keerthy Suresh

Bio: Keerthy Suresh is a popular South Indian actress who acted in many movies with her stunning performance. She has also worked in different types of movies such as comedy, family drama, comedy, and action movies.

Interesting facts: 

• She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of actress Savitri in the biopic "Mahanati."

• She started her career in young age.

Best movies:

• Sarkaru Vaari Paata

• Mahanati

• Dasara

1. Aishwarya Rajesh

Bio: Aishwarya Rajesh, born on 10 January 1990 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is that South Indian actress who acted in a strong female-oriented character and delivered an honest and real performance. She works in films based on Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu languages. She was awarded for her powerful female role and was also awarded at the state level. She is considered on the list of  best South Indian actresses who worked in films with her own natural talent.

Interesting facts:

• For her performance in Kaaka Muttai, she was received positive reviews. 

• She works not only in Tamil but also in Telugu and Malayalam films.

• She is also skilled in dance and singing.

Best movies:

• Vada Chennai

• Kanaa

• Jomonte Suvisheshangal

• Ka Pae Ranasingam

1. Ritika Singh

Bio: Ritika Singh, born on 16 December 1994 in Mumbai, is a South Indian actress who has appeared in many films. In this movie she acted in a natural way and received great appreciation from audiences. Partially, she is also involved in martial arts as it is her hobby and strength.

Interesting facts:

• Beyond acting, she's a professional boxer.

• She is a big fan of extreme sports.

Best movies:

• Guru

• Shivalinga

• Neevevaro

• Oh My Kadavule 

1. Nimisha Sajayan

Bio: Nimisha Sajayan is an Indian film Actress, who has worked predominantly in the movie industry. One of the latest film of Nimisha Sajayan is Dabba Cartel in the year 2025. She is born on 4 January 1997 in Movie.

Interesting facts: 

• She loves street food.

• She loves collecting vintage postcards.

• She is famous for acting in women-centric movies.

Best movies:

• The Great Indian Kitchen

• Nayattu

• Malik

1. Rajisha Vijayan

Bio: Rajisha Vijayan is born on 15 July 1990 in Calicut. She is currently shifted to Kochi. She is a South Indian Actress and Television Anchor, who mainly works in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu Cinema. She made her first debut movie in Malayalam in 2016 and secured the Kerala State Film Award for best actress for her performance in the film. She is an South Indian actress famous for her great performance in the films. Rajisha Vijayan has completed her education from Amity University, Delhi.

Interesting facts:

• She likes to ride a bike.

• Rajisha is known for her longevity in the industry

Best movies:

• Jai Bhim

• Ellam Sheriyakum

• Freedom Fight

• Keedam

• Malayankunju

1.  Aparna Balamurali

Bio: Aparna Balamurali is a South Indian actress born on 11 September 1995 in Kerela. She is one of the famous South Indian actresses known for her performance in Malayalam and Tamil cinemas. She attended Devamatha CMI Public School, Thrissur.

Interesting facts: 

• The actress likes to travel and explore new places in her free time.

• She is known for her fitness.

Best movies:

• Maheshinte Prathikaaram

• Sunday Holiday

• Soorarai Pottru

• Raayan

• Kishkindha Kaandam 

1. Srinidhi Shetty

Bio: Srinidhi Shetty is a South Indian actress born on 21 October 1992 in Mangalore, Karnataka. She studied at the Sri Narayana Guru English Medium School. She later did her pre-university course at St. Aloysius Pre-University College. Srinidhi got a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Jain University, Bangalore with distinction.

Interesting facts:

• Srinidhi is known for her charitable work.

• She has expressed her interest towards cooking.

• She is known for her cheerful personality.

Best movies:

• KGF

• Cobra

1. Shriya Saran

Bio: Shriya Saran is a renowned South Indian actress born on 11 September 1982. While pursuing her dream to act, she started her career by acting in music videos and an acting studio. She debuted in films in 2001 with Ishtam. She made an impact in Telugu cinema in 2002 with her role of Bhanu in Santhosham which was her first notable success. She also started working in many Telugu films along with leading actors, as well as Bollywood and Tamil films. 

Interesting facts:

• Shriya is a Kathak dancer and has been trained for the same for a long period.

• She loves to travel.

• Shriya is known for her charitable work.

Best movies:

• Sivaji

• The Other End of the Line

• Kanthaswamy

• Pokkiri Raja

1. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar

Bio: Varalaxmi Sarathkumar is an actress who acts in Tamil and Kannada language films. She debuted in the Tamil movie Podaa Podi in 2012. Varalaxmi was born on 5 March 1985 to actor Sarathkumar and Chaya. Varalaxmi earned a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology followed by a Master’s degree in Business Management at University of Edinburgh. Later, she went to Anupam Kher’s Acting School in Mumbai to learn acting before becoming an actress.

Interesting facts:

• Varalaxmi is a versatile performer.

• Varalaxmi is a trained dancer.

• She is a dog lover.

Best movies:

• Velvet Nagaram

• Danny

• Chasing

• Singa Paarvai

• Yashoda

• Sabari

1. Priyamani

Bio: Priyamani is an Indian actress who mainly works in films made in Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil. She was born on June 4, 1984, in Palakkad, Kerala, India. She received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her successful role in the Tamil film Paruthiveeran.

Interesting facts:

• She is a National Film Award winner for her role in the Tamil film Paruthiveeran.

• She is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer

Best movies:

• Evare Atagaadu

• Raam

• Puthiya Mukham

• Raavanan

• Pranchiyettan & the Saint