From Yusuf Khan to Dilip Kumar: the stories behind Bollywood’s screen names

The practice of changing screen names in Bollywood can be traced back to the early days of the film industry in the 1930s and 1940s. During this time, acting was not considered a respectable profession, and women entering cinema were often seen as compromising their modesty. Men who abandoned traditional trades for a career in acting were viewed as bringing dishonor to their families.

This stigma was particularly pronounced for Muslim artists in pre- and post-independence India, as conservative households found theatrical performance contrary to traditional values.

In response to this social pressure, studio executives encouraged actors to adopt screen names that would appeal to audiences. For instance, Mohammed Yusuf Khan changed his name to Dilip Kumar, while Devika Rani, an influential actress and studio head, suggested three names for Kumar, from which he chose Dilip Kumar. This change allowed him to maintain his privacy from his conservative father, who despised the film industry.

Adopting screen names was not limited to religious considerations; it also extended to regional and long names. In South Indian cinema, Rajinikanth, whose real name is Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, and actress Nayanthara, originally Diana Mariam Kurian, are examples of actors who adopted shorter, more iconic names. Akshay Kumar, whose real name is Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, changed his screen name to Akshay Kumar after discovering the lead character's name in a movie he worked on.

Superstition, numerology, and astrology also played a role in name changes. Ajay Devgn altered his name from Vishal Veeru Devgan to Ajay for his debut film due to the presence of three other actors named Vishal. He later dropped the 'a' from his surname at the request of his mother and guidance from numerologists. These examples demonstrate how the practice of adopting screen names has evolved over time, reflecting both societal changes and individual choices within India's cinematic history.