Hyderabad, the culturally vibrant capital of Telangana, has long been known as a thriving center of arts, cinema, literature, and music. Beyond being the headquarters of Tollywood and a hub for India’s most powerful film industries, the city has produced several actresses who made their mark not only in Telugu cinema but also in Bollywood, Kollywood, regional industries, and global platforms.

From legends who shaped Indian cinema during the 70s and 80s to modern-day stars dominating OTT platforms and pan-India films, Hyderabad-born actresses have contributed immensely to the evolving landscape of entertainment.

This 2025 mega-update brings you a thoroughly researched, fact-backed, and enriched list of actresses born in Hyderabad—covering both well-known names and rising talents, along with detailed filmographies, achievements, recent projects, and their ongoing contributions.

Why Hyderabad Continues to Produce Leading Actresses

Before diving into the list, it helps to understand why Hyderabad stands out as a birthplace and training ground for powerful performers:

• Cultural diversity gives artists exposure to multiple languages—Hindi, Telugu, Urdu, and English.
• A strong film ecosystem, including Annapurna Studios, Ramoji Film City, and a vast talent pool.
• Cosmopolitan upbringing helps actresses thrive in national and international industries.
• The growing popularity of OTT platforms has spotlighted new faces emerging from Hyderabad.

With this background, let’s explore the actresses who proudly represent Hyderabad on the cinematic stage.

List of 17 well-known actresses born in Hyderabad city

Aditi Rao Hydari: The Graceful Performer

Born: 28 October 1986
Occupation: Actress
Years Active: 2006–present
Personal Life:

• Married to Satyadeep Mishra (2002–2013)
• Engaged with actor Siddharth
  Family:
• Comes from the distinguished Tyabji–Hydari family
• Related to filmmaker Kiran Rao
• Mother: Vidya Rao, renowned classical singer

Achievements:

• Known for her ethereal beauty and versatility
• Received critical acclaim for her roles in films like “Padmaavat” and “Wazir”

Awards:

• SIIMA Award for Best Actress (Critics) – Tamil for “Kaatru Veliyidai”

Career Highlights:

Aditi works across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries. Known for her expressive eyes and subtle yet powerful acting, she has crafted a niche for herself in period dramas, intense romances, and OTT storytelling.

Recent Notable Works:

• Jubilee (Amazon Prime, 2023) – A critically acclaimed retro drama where she delivered one of her career’s finest performances.
• Taj: Divided by Blood (2023) – Played Anarkali, adding a new dimension to the iconic character.
• Maha Samudram (2021, Telugu) – Displayed strong emotional depth.
• Multiple OTT productions in 2024–25, expanding her pan-India presence.

Aditi remains one of Hyderabad’s most prestigious contributions to Indian cinema.

Sushmita Sen: The Trailblazer

Born: 19 November 1975
Occupation: Actress
Years Active: 1994–present
Notable Works: “Biwi No.1”, “Main Hoon Na”, “Aarya”
Titles:

• Femina Miss India 1994
• Miss Universe 1994
  Personal Life:
• Proud mother of two adopted daughters

Achievements:

• First Indian to win the Miss Universe title in 1994
• Praised for her roles in commercially successful films and her web series “Aarya”

Awards:

• Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for “Biwi No.1”
• Rajiv Gandhi Award for her contribution to cinema

Yes—Miss Universe 1994 and Bollywood icon Sushmita Sen was born in Hyderabad.

Career Overview:

Sushmita’s career spans multi-genre films and powerful women-centric roles. In recent years, she successfully reinvented herself through OTT.

Recent Highlights:

• Aarya (Disney+ Hotstar) – Her portrayal of a strong mother involved in crime syndicates remains widely acclaimed.

• Taali (2023) – She portrayed transgender activist Gauri Sawant in a bold and celebrated performance.

Her connection to Hyderabad is a lesser-known fact that makes the city even prouder.

Nigar Sultana: The Golden Era Star

Born: 21 June 1932
Died: 21 April 2000
Occupation: Actress
Years Active: 1946–1986
Notable Works: “Mughal-e-Azam”, “Mirza Ghalib”
Personal Life:

• Married to filmmaker K. Asif
• Mother of five children

Achievements:

• Best known for her role as Bahar in “Mughal-e-Azam”
• Prominent figure in the golden era of Indian cinema

Nigar Sultana was a celebrated actress whose career spanned four decades. Her performances in iconic films like “Mughal-e-Azam” left an indelible mark on the history of Indian cinema.

Dia Mirza: The Beauty Queen Turned Actress

Born: 9 December 1981
Occupation: Actress, Producer
Years Active: 1999–present
Notable Works: “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein”, “Sanju”
Titles:

• Miss Asia Pacific 2000
• Femina Miss India Asia Pacific 2000
  Personal Life:
• Married twice, to Sahil Sangha and Vaibhav Rekhi
• Mother of two children

Achievements:

• Known for her beauty and charm, Dia has won many admirers
• Active in environmental and humanitarian causes

Awards:

• IIFA Green Award for her environmental activism

Miss Asia Pacific 2000 Dia Mirza is another prominent Hyderabad-born star known for her environmental activism and acting career.

Recent Work:

• Active involvement in eco-awareness campaigns
• Roles in Thappad (2020) and various OTT productions
• Continues film production with socially driven projects

Her elegance, activism, and public influence make her a modern icon.

Tabu (Tabassum Fatima Hashmi): The Versatile Powerhouse

Born: 4 November 1971
Occupation: Actress
Years Active: 1991–present
Notable Works: “Maqbool”, “Haider”, “Andhadhun”
Awards:

• Padma Shri (2011)
• National Film Award for Best Actress for “Maachis” and “Chandni Bar”

Achievements:

• Regarded as one of the most talented actresses in Indian cinema
• Renowned for her ability to portray complex characters

Tabu, whose real name is Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, is celebrated for her powerful performances and critical acclaim. Her versatility and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous awards and a place among the greats of Indian cinema.

Payal Rohatgi: The Bold and Beautiful

Born: 9 November 1984
Occupation: Actress, Model
Years Active: 2002–2022
Titles:

• Supermodel Miss Tourism World 2001
• Miss India Tourism 2001
  Personal Life:
• Married to wrestler Sangram Singh

Achievements:

• Gained fame as a model and later transitioned to acting
• Known for her bold persona and participation in reality TV shows

Payal Rohatgi’s distinct style and personality have made her a memorable figure in the entertainment industry.

Nidhhi Agerwal: The Rising Star

Born: 17 August 1993
Occupation: Actress
Years Active: 2017–present
Notable Works: “Munna Michael”, “iSmart Shankar”, “Savyasachi”, Kalaga Thalaivan (Tamil), “Hari Hara Veera Mallu”, “Raja Saab”

Achievements:

• She quickly made a name for herself with her performances in Bollywood and Telugu films
• Known for her dance skills and screen presence

Nidhhi Agerwal’s talent and charm have garnered her a loyal fanbase, making her one of the rising stars to watch in Indian cinema.

Ritu Varma: The Talented Newcomer

Born: 10 March 1990
Occupation: Actress, Model
Years Active: 2013–present
Notable Works: “Pelli Choopulu”, “Tuck Jagadish”

Achievements:

• Her breakthrough role in the Telugu film “Pelli Choopulu” brought her critical acclaim and awards
• She continues to impress audiences with her performances in both Telugu and Tamil cinema

Ritu Varma’s natural acting skills and captivating performances have made her a promising newcomer in the industry.

Faria Abdullah: The Fresh Talent

Born: 28 May 1998
Occupation: Actress
Years Active: 2021–present
Notable Works: “Jathi Ratnalu”

Achievements:

• Debut film “Jathi Ratnalu” was a massive hit
• Known for her comedic timing and natural acting skills

Faria Abdullah’s entry into the film industry has been marked by success and acclaim, making her a fresh talent to watch.

Shabana Azmi: The Legendary Actress

Born: 18 September 1950
Occupation: Actress, Social Activist
Years Active: 1974–present
Notable Works: “Ankur”, “Arth”, “Fire”
Awards:

• Padma Bhushan (2012)
• National Film Awards for Best Actress (5 times)
  Personal Life:
• Married to poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar

Achievements:

• Known for her powerful performances and activism
• Contributions to art and society have been widely recognized

Shabana Azmi is a stalwart of Indian cinema, whose work has left a lasting impact. Her activism and dedication to social causes have also been significant, making her an inspiration to many.

Farah Naaz

Popular in the 1980s–90s and elder sister of Tabu, Farah Naaz was born in Hyderabad.

Career Highlights:

• Starred in hits like Yateem, Naseeb Apna Apna, and Begunaah
• Known for expressive acting and a graceful screen presence

Poonam Sinha

Actress, producer, and Miss Young India 1968, Poonam Sinha (née Chandiramani) was also born in Hyderabad.

Though her acting career was shorter, her legacy grew through the Sinha film family.

 She was born on November 3, 1949, and later moved to work in Bollywood and politics.

• Birthplace: Hyderabad
• Born: November 3, 1949
• Pre-marriage name: Poonam Chandiramani
• Post-marriage name: Poonam Sinha

Sherlyn Chopra

A bold and unconventional actress, model, and social media personality, Sherlyn was born in Hyderabad.

• Born: February 11, 1984, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
• Other names: She was formerly known as Mona Chopra.
• Education: She attended Stanley Girls High School and Saint Ann’s College for Women.
• Career highlights:
  • Modeling: Won the title of Miss Andhra in 1999. Became the first Indian woman to be featured in Playboy magazine, which significantly boosted her profile.
  • Acting: Debuted in the 2002 Telugu film Vendi Mabbulu, A Film by Aravind (2005), and in Bollywood with Time Pass (2005). Her filmography includes titles like Dosti: Friends Forever (2005), Jawani Diwani: A Youthful Joyride (2006), Red Swastik (2007), and Kamasutra 3D (2013).
  • Singing: Released music albums such as Dard-e-Sherlyn and Outrageous: End of the Beginning, and has also released singles.
  • Television: Participated in the reality show Bigg Boss in 2009.
• Other ventures: Recently released a short film titled Maya. She is also active on social media.
• Personal life: She is the daughter of a Christian father and a Muslim mother. She has an older brother and a sister.

Career Notes:

• Worked in Bollywood and Telugu films
• Known for glamour modeling, reality shows, and digital content

Her distinct career path sets her apart from many contemporaries.

Sri Divya

Born on April 1, 1993, Sri Divya is a well-recognized actress in Tamil and Telugu cinema.

Brief Profile:
Full Name: Sri Divya
Born: April 1, 1993, in Hyderabad, Telangana
Career Start: Began acting as a child artist in Telugu films
Notable Traits: Known for natural acting, expressive eyes, and a simple, girl-next-door image
Languages: Primarily works in Tamil and Telugu films

Notable Movies:

• Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam (2013): Her breakthrough film in Tamil cinema, which received positive reviews.
• Jeeva (2014): A critically acclaimed performance in this Tamil film.
• Kaaki Sattai (2015): Another popular Tamil film where she starred opposite Sivakarthikeyan.
• Bus Stop (2012): A commercially successful Telugu film.
• Mallela Theeramlo Sirimalle Puvvu (2013): Praised for her performance in this Telugu film.
• Eetti (2015): A Tamil film where she played a key role.
• Bangalore Naatkal (2016): A Tamil film where she played the role of Divya Raghavan.
• Marudhu (2016): A successful Tamil film directed by Muthaiah.
• Jana Gana Mana (2022): Her debut in Malayalam cinema.

Her charm and relatability make her widely loved.

Recommended Read: Actors Born in Hyderabad City

Impact of Hyderabad-Born Actresses on Indian Cinema

Hyderabad-born actresses have:

1. Redefined Pan-India Acting

Most of them work across multiple languages.

2. Powered India’s OTT Boom

Sushmita Sen, Aditi Rao Hydari, Dia Mirza, and Donna Munshi all have strong OTT portfolios.

3. Represented India Internationally

Tabu & Shabana Azmi continue to work in cross-border productions.

4. Influenced Social and Cultural Discussions

Especially activists like Dia Mirza and Shabana Azmi.

5. Inspired Regional Aspirants

Newcomers like Gouri Priya and Kavya Kalyanram motivate young artists in Telangana.

Final Thoughts

Hyderabad has given Indian cinema some of its most powerful, graceful, and impactful actresses. From legends like Shabana Azmi and Tabu to modern stars like Aditi Rao Hydari and emerging talents like Sri Gouri Priya, these actresses continue to shape how stories are told on screen.

This curated list reflects the city’s deep relationship with cinema, artistry, and storytelling — and will continue to evolve as more Hyderabad-born actresses rise to prominence.