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South Indian cinema, particularly the Tamil and Telugu film industries, has produced some of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema. These actors have captivated audiences with their powerful performances, mesmerising dance moves, and larger-than-life personalities. If you love to know facts about cinema or actors then this blog is of your taste where we explore the top 10 most famous South Indian actors and their contributions to the film industry.
Table of Contents
List of Top 10 Famous South Indian Actors
South Indian cinema boasts a rich history of talented actors below is the table which highlights the famous South Indian actors and the memorable characters they have played –
| S.No. | Famous South Indian Actors Names | Memorable Characters and Movie Names |
| 1. | Vijay | Thalapathy (from Mersal) |
| 2. | Suriya | Nandha Gopalan Kumaran (NGK) (from NGK) or Bodhidharman (from 7aum Arivu) |
| 3. | Rajinikanth | Chitti the Robot (from Enthiran) |
| 4. | Dhanush | Kundan Shankar (from Raanjhanaa) |
| 5. | Allu Arjun | Pushpa Raj (from Pushpa: The Rise) |
| 6. | Kamal Haasan | Senapathy (Indian Thatha) (from Indian) |
| 7. | Mahesh | Bharath Ram (from Bharat Ane Nenu) |
| 8. | Prabhas | Amarendra Baahubali (from Baahubali series) |
| 9. | Ram Charan | Alluri Sitarama Raju (from RRR) |
| 10. | Vikram | Ambi / Anniyan / Remo (from Anniyan) |
Also Read – 16 Shocking Facts About the Bollywood Industry
South Indian cinema has a rich history, and is home to some of the most talented actors in the world. From Rajnikanth to Prabhas we will get to know about the top 10 famous South Indian actors below –
1. Vijay
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar Known as Vijay is an Indian actor and playback singer in Tamil cinema. Born on June 22, 1974, he is one of the industry’s highest-paid stars with multiple box-office hits making him a great figure in South Indian cinema.
| About Vijay | |
| Name | Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar |
| Born | 22 June 1974 (age 50) Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Political party | Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (2024–present) |
2. Suriya
Suriya-born Saravanan Sivakumar is a well-known Indian actor and producer known primarily for impactful roles in Tamil cinema, particularly in Ghajini and Soorarai Pottru. Besides acting he supports education for underprivileged children through his Agaram Foundation.
| About Suriya | |
| Name | Saravanan Sivakumar |
| Born | 23 July 1975 (age 49) Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India |
| Other names | Nadippin Nayagan |
| Alma mater | Loyola College, Chennai |
| Occupations | Actor, Film producer |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Organisation | 2D Entertainment |
3. Rajinikanth
Rajnikanth also known as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad born icon 1950 is a legendary Indian actor primarily in Tamil cinema. He is known for his unique style and screen presence, he rose to fame with Mullum Malarum and has since become a cultural icon. Honoured with awards like Padma Vibhushan, Rajinikanth remains one of India’s most respected film stars.
| About Rajinikanth | |
| Name | Shivaji Rao Gaikwad |
| Born | 12 December 1950 (age 73) Bangalore, Mysore State, India |
| Alma mater | Adyar Film Institute |
| Occupations | Actor, film producer, screenwriter, playback singer |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Awards | Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019) NTR National Award (2016) Kalaimamani (1984) |
| Honours | Padma Vibhushan (2016) Padma Bhushan (2000) |
4. Dhanush
Dhanush born Venkatesh Prbhu is a popular Indian actor and filmmaker in Tamil cinema, best known for Aadukalam(2011) which won him a National Award, and the viral song “ Why This Kolaveri Di”. He has also worked in Bollywood and Hollywood expanding his reach internationally.
| About Dhanush | |
| Name | Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja |
| Born | 28 July 1983 (age 41) Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Occupations | Actor, director, producer, playback singer, lyricist |
| Years active | 2002–present |
5. Allu Arjun
Allu Arjun is well known for working in Telugu cinema. He debuted as a lead actor in 2003 with Gangotri and gained fame with hits like Arya (2004) and Desamududru (2007). Arjun is famous for his dancing skills and received several awards including Filmfare and Nandi Awards.
| About Allu Arjun | |
| Name | Allu Arjun |
| Born | 8 April 1982 (age 42) Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India |
| Other names | Bunny |
| Occupations | Actor, dancer |
6. Kamal Haasan
Kamal Hassan has made a significant contribution to Tamil cinema. He began his career as a child artist and gained fame for his performance in films like Moondram Pirai and Nayakan, receiving multiple National Film Awards. With over 60 years in the industry, he is recognised as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema and has been honoured with prestigious awards including Padma Bhushan and Padma Shiri.
| About Kamal Haasan | |
| Name | Parthasarathy Srinivasan |
| Born | 7 November 1954 (age 69) Paramakudi, Madras State, India |
| Political party | Makkal Needhi Maiam (2018–present) |
| Occupation | Actor, Film director, Film producer, Choreographer, Playback singer, Lyricist, Television presenter, Social activist, Politician |
| Awards | Padma Shri (1990) Padma Bhushan (2014) Prix Henri-Langlois French Award (2016) Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier) (2016) |
7. Mahesh
Mahesh Babu is a beloved Indian actor known for his charming performances in Telugu cinema Born on August 9, 1975, he grew up in a film family and started acting as a child before making his mark as a lead actor in Rajakumarudu 1999. With numerous awards to his name, including several Filmfare Awards, he has become one of India’s most popular and highest-paid actors.
| About Mahesh | |
| Name | Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu |
| Born | 9 August 1975 (age 49) Madras now Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Education | Loyola College (BCom) |
| Occupations | Actor, film producer, media personality, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1979–1990 (child artist) 1999–present |
| Organisation | G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment |
8. Prabhas
Prabhas whose name is Prabhas Raju Uppalapati is a leading Indian actor known for his work in Telugu cinema. He gained immense popularity with Baahubali film, which established him as a global star. Prabhas is one of the highest-paid actors in India, and he is recognised for his versatility across various film genres.
| About Prabhas | |
| Name | Uppalapati Venkata Suryanarayana Prabhas Raju |
| Born | 23 October 1979 (age 45) Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India |
| Education | Sri Chaitanya College, Hyderabad (BTech) |
| Years active | 2002–present |
9. Ram Charan
Ram Charan is a popular Indian actor and producer known for his work in Telugu cinema. Born on March 27, 1985, he first wowed audiences with his role in Magadheera (2009), which became a massive hit. Besides acting, he runs his own production company, Konidela Production Company, and has received numerous accolades for his performance.
| About Ram Charan | |
| Name | Konidela Ram Charan |
| Born | Konidela Ram Charan 27 March 1985 (age 39) Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Alma mater | St. Mary’s College, Hyderabad |
| Occupations | Actor, film producer, entrepreneur |
| Years active | 2007–present |
10. Vikram
Vikram, born on April 17, 1966, is a prominent Indian actor celebrated for his diverse roles in Tamil cinema. He gained fame with films like Sethu and Pithamagan, winning several awards including a National Film Award for Best Actor. Known for his dedication and versatility, Vikram has starred in major hits such as Anniyan and Ponniyin Selvan.
| About Vikram | |
| Name | Kennedy John Victor |
| Born | 17 April 1966 (age 58) Chennai, India |
| Other names | Chiyaan Vikram, Kenny |
| Alma mater | Loyola College, Chennai, Pachaiyappa’s College |
| Occupations | Actor, Playback singer |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Honours | Kalaimamani (2004) |
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FAQs
Rajinikanth is often considered the number one actor in South India, renowned for his immense popularity and iconic roles in Tamil cinema. Following closely, actors like Kamal Haasan and Chiranjeevi are also highly regarded.
As for the top 20 actors in India, the list includes prominent figures like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, and newer stars like Vijay Deverakonda and Allu Arjun, reflecting a mix of established and emerging talent across various film industries.
The title of the second-best actor in South India is often debated, but Kamal Haasan and Chiranjeevi frequently receive this recognition due to their significant contributions and long-standing careers.
Relevant Reads
This was all about the Famous South Indian Actors. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!