Aug 25, 2026 8:00pm IST
From Kalyani Priyadarshan to Sreeleela: Female Actors From South Expand Their Footprint In Hindi Films
From the eternal, retro beauties of Indian cinema like Rekha, Hema Malini, Vyjayanthimala, Sridevi, and Jaya Prada to modern-era actresses Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Taapsee Pannu, and Kriti Sanon, many leading Hindi film female actors started their careers in South Indian films before dominating the Indian film industry.
Today, leading ladies like Rashmika Mandanna and Pooja Hegde have already bagged and featured in prestigious projects, and a bunch of new actresses, along with seasoned ones, are set to step into the Hindi film industry to reach a wider audience.
Kalyani Priyadarshan: ‘Pralay’
Known for her performances in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu movies like “Lokah: Chapter 1 Chandra,” “Hello,” “Chitralahari,” “Maanaadu” and “Hridayam,” actress and legendary filmmaker Priyadarshan’s daughter, Kalyani Priyadarshan, is making her Hindi debut with “Pralay.” The zombie thriller will see her in an action-packed avatar, performing breathtaking stunts alongside Ranveer Singh.
Preity Mukhundhan: ‘Naagzilla’
After impressing audiences with her South films like “Sarvam Maya,” “Blast” and “Idhayam Murali,” the young actor will make her Hindi debut opposite Kartik Aaryan in the creature comedy “Naagzilla.” Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, known for the popular “Fukrey” franchise, is directing the film.
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Sreeleela: Anurag Basu's next with Kartik Aaryan and Guneet Monga Kapoor's Untitled Next
The Kannada and Telugu actress, who featured in films like “Kiss,” “Dhamaka,” “Bhagavanth Kesari” and “Guntur Kaaram,” is stepping into the Hindi film industry with Anurag Basu’s intense romantic film “Tu Meri Zindagi Hai,” featuring Kartik Aaryan as the lead protagonist.
She will also feature in Guneet Monga Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor's untitled production venture. Also starring Janhvi Kapoor, the movie is helmed by Umesh Bist of "Pagglait" fame.
Nayanthara: ‘Monster’
The ‘Lady Superstar’ of South cinema, who made a smashing Hindi debut with Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan,” is currently busy with a Salman Khan-starrer, which is tentatively titled “SVC63.” Directed by Vamshi Paidipally of “Yevadu” and “Maharshi” fame, it is bankrolled by Dil Raju and Sirish and is set to hit the screens on Eid 2027.
Priyamani: ‘Golmaal 5’
The South actress, who impressed the Hindi audiences with projects like “The Family Man,” Article 370” and “Maidaan,” is playing the antagonist in Rohit Shetty’s “Golmaal 5.” The comic-caper features Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, among others.
Parvathy: ‘Captain India’
Known for iconic South films including “Bangalore Days,” “Uyare” and “Take Off,” Parvathy is playing a crucial role in Kartik Aaryan’s “Captain India.” The aviation thriller marks director Shimit Amin’s return to filmmaking after a 17-year hiatus. Parvathy has previously been seen in Hindi projects like “Qarib Qarib Singlle,” “Kadak Singh” and “Tu Yaa Main.”
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