Metamorphosis of Identity: Actors who changed their names – F’day Spl. Article by Naveen
Tamil cinema, renowned for its rich storytelling and vibrant characters, has seen numerous actors who, in pursuit of stardom or personal rebranding, decided to alter their names. These name changes often mark significant transformations, both personally and professionally.
Here, we explore the fascinating journey of some Tamil actors who embarked on the path of identity transformation.
1. Rajinikanth (Shivaji Rao Gaekwad):
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema, Superstar Rajinikanth’s journey from a bus conductor to a superstar is legendary. Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in Bangalore, he adopted the stage name “Rajinikanth” early in his career, inspired by his admiration for the South Indian film director K Balachander. This transformation not only marked the beginning of a new era in Tamil cinema but also established Rajinikanth as a cultural phenomenon transcending geographical boundaries.
2. Kamal Haasan (Parthasarathy Srinivasan):
Another stalwart of Tamil cinema, Kamal Haasan, started his career as a child artist under his birth name, Parthasarathy Srinivasan. However, he later adopted the screen name “Kamal Haasan” to avoid confusion with another actor, Gemini Ganesan, whose real name was Srinivasa Ramanujam. Kamal Haasan’s versatility and dedication to his craft have earned him accolades globally, making him one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema.
3. Vijay (Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar):
Initially credited as “Joseph Vijay,” he later dropped his first name and adopted “Vijay” as his stage name. This change proved to be a turning point in his career, propelling him to superstardom with his charismatic on-screen presence and mass appeal.
4.Suriya (Saravanan Sivakumar):
Suriya, the actor known for his versatility and dedication to meaningful cinema, was born as Saravanan Sivakumar. However, upon entering the film industry, he chose “Suriya” as his screen name.
5. Vikram (Kennedy John Victor):
Kennedy John Victor, better known by his stage name “Vikram,” is celebrated for his chameleon-like ability to immerse himself in diverse roles. His decision to adopt the name “Vikram” early in his career was influenced by astrological advice, as it was believed to bring him luck and success. Vikram has carved a niche for himself in Tamil cinema, earning critical acclaim and admiration from audiences worldwide.
6. Dhanush (Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja):
Dhanush, the multifaceted actor, singer, and filmmaker, was born as Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja. However, he chose “Dhanush”. This transformation not only highlighted his determination but also paved the way for his meteoric rise to fame, establishing him as a powerhouse performer in Tamil cinema.
7. Arun Vijay (Arun Kumar):
