Bollywood actresses have regularly been acting in Telugu films, and in 2024, two notable Bollywood actresses made their debut in Tollywood. In addition to these two, an emerging Bollywood actress also sought opportunities in Telugu cinema. Take a look at these three starlets who made their debut in Telugu cinema.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone has dominated the Bollywood industry as the preeminent actress for several years. She agreed to act in a Prabhas film only after the producers of “Kalki 2898 AD” consented to her demand of a Rs 20 Cr paycheck. This is the highest amount an actress in a Telugu film has ever received. Consequently, Deepika made her Telugu debut as the lead actress in “Kalki 2898 AD.”
Deepika Padukone, in fact, was to debut in a Telugu film titled “Love 4 Ever” with a special song in 2009, but it did not come to fruition. In “Kalki 2898 AD,” she portrayed a pivotal character devoid of any romantic affiliation with the film’s protagonist. She received acclaim for her portrayal of Sumati.
Notably, Deepika Padukone became a mother during the production of the film, just like her on-screen character, birthing her first child just prior to its release.
Janhvi Kapoor
Numerous producers have sought to introduce Janhvi Kapoor, the daughter of the late Sridevi, but only the endeavors of the “Devara” team have come to fruition. She enthusiastically signed “Devara” to co-star NTR. Directed by Koratala Siva, the action drama achieved blockbuster status; yet, her role in the film was exceedingly minor.
Upon signing, “Devara” appeared to be an appropriate project for Janhvi Kapoor’s Telugu debut; nevertheless, the role she ultimately portrayed and the duration of her character in the film proved to be quite dissimilar, resulting in a lack of fulfillment. Nevertheless, she garnered substantial fan acclaim in Telugu, and her song “Chuttamalle” became viral.
Janhvi Kapoor achieved a successful debut and will next star alongside Ram Charan in filmmaker Buchi Babu’s sports drama, slated for release in late 2025. She is well-positioned for a prosperous career in Tollywood.
Manushi Chhillar
Another Bollywood actress who debuted in Telugu this year is Manushi Chhillar. She is a former model and the titleholder of the Miss World 2017 pageant. Chhillar made her acting debut in the Bollywood film “Samrat Prithviraj (2022)” and subsequently acted in “The Great Indian Family” and “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024).” Following her performances in three Bollywood films, she commenced her career in Telugu cinema.
In her debut Telugu film, “Operation Valentine,” she performed alongside Varun Tej. However, her first feature flopped at the box office. Her debut was unsuccessful.
