From Gullu to Rambo: The Most Surprising Nicknames of Famous Bollywood Stars
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They may rule the red carpet and win hearts on screen, but even the most glamorous Indian celebrities have an adorable, down-to-earth side that only their inner circle sees. One of the sweetest glimpses into their real lives comes in the form of nicknames - those quirky, heartfelt monikers given by family and close friends. Here’s a peek into the most surprising and lovable nicknames of India’s most famous stars.
Aishwarya Rai – Gullu
You might know her as the elegant former Miss World, but at home, Aishwarya is lovingly called “Gullu.” The nickname came to light through her sister-in-law’s Instagram story and instantly charmed fans.
Alia Bhatt – Aloo
Alia Bhatt’s family calls her “Aloo,” a desi twist on her name. Given her bubbly personality and relatable charm, the nickname couldn’t be more fitting.
Varun Dhawan – Pappu
B-town’s livewire, Varun Dhawan, is known as “Pappu” among his loved ones. His high-energy roles and playful nature off-screen make this nickname feel just right.
Hrithik Roshan – Duggu
Before becoming a Greek God to millions, Hrithik was simply “Duggu” to his family - a name lovingly given by his grandmother.
Shahid Kapoor – Sasha
Shahid’s friends and family affectionately call him “Sasha,” a soft and sweet name that contrasts his intense on-screen roles.
Akshay Kumar – Raju, Akki
Akshay Kumar has not one but two endearing nicknames. “Raju,” from his original name Rajiv, is used by family, while “Akki” is a popular pet name among fans.
Ranbir Kapoor – Raymond
Neetu Kapoor nicknamed her son “Raymond” because she believes he’s the complete man - perfect in every way. It’s a name straight out of an emotional TV ad.
Arjun Kapoor – Fubu
Known for his sense of humour, Arjun Kapoor earned the nickname “Fubu” in his youth - a unique name that adds to his candid and fun-loving image.
Virat Kohli – Chiku
Long before he became a cricket icon, Virat Kohli was “Chiku” to his coach. The name stuck and even today, teammates and fans often use it with affection.
Karisma Kapoor – Lolo
The ever-glamorous Karisma Kapoor is fondly called “Lolo,” a name her father picked, inspired by Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida.
Kareena Kapoor – Bebo
Known for her stylish sass, Kareena Kapoor is “Bebo” at home - a name as bold and catchy as her on-screen presence.
Priyanka Chopra – Mithu, Mimi
Global icon Priyanka Chopra started as “Mithu” in childhood, later evolving into “Mimi.” She’s still called that by her family, adding a sweet contrast to her fierce public persona.
Karan Johar – Kattu Battu
Behind the designer suits and celebrity talk shows, Karan Johar’s childhood friends know him as “Kattu Battu” - a playful and unexpected nickname that fans rarely hear.
Ranveer Singh – Rambo
Could there be a more fitting nickname for the high-voltage Ranveer Singh than “Rambo”? His boundless energy and fearless fashion choices scream it loud.
Govinda – Chichi
The king of comedy and dance, Govinda has perhaps the cutest nickname in Bollywood - “Chichi.” It’s a name that perfectly captures his infectious charm.
MS Dhoni – Mahi
He may be known as “Captain Cool,” but to fans and teammates, MS Dhoni is simply “Mahi” - a name that resonates with warmth and respect.
Behind the camera flashes and red-carpet appearances, India’s biggest stars share intimate moments with their inner circle - often marked by these heartfelt nicknames. These names aren’t just cute - they’re a window into the real, unfiltered lives of our favourite celebrities, making them more relatable and human than ever.
Aishwarya Rai – Gullu
You might know her as the elegant former Miss World, but at home, Aishwarya is lovingly called “Gullu.” The nickname came to light through her sister-in-law’s Instagram story and instantly charmed fans.
Alia Bhatt – Aloo
Alia Bhatt’s family calls her “Aloo,” a desi twist on her name. Given her bubbly personality and relatable charm, the nickname couldn’t be more fitting.
Varun Dhawan – Pappu
B-town’s livewire, Varun Dhawan, is known as “Pappu” among his loved ones. His high-energy roles and playful nature off-screen make this nickname feel just right.
Hrithik Roshan – Duggu
Before becoming a Greek God to millions, Hrithik was simply “Duggu” to his family - a name lovingly given by his grandmother.
Shahid Kapoor – Sasha
Shahid’s friends and family affectionately call him “Sasha,” a soft and sweet name that contrasts his intense on-screen roles.
Akshay Kumar – Raju, Akki
Akshay Kumar has not one but two endearing nicknames. “Raju,” from his original name Rajiv, is used by family, while “Akki” is a popular pet name among fans.
Ranbir Kapoor – Raymond
Neetu Kapoor nicknamed her son “Raymond” because she believes he’s the complete man - perfect in every way. It’s a name straight out of an emotional TV ad.
Arjun Kapoor – Fubu
Known for his sense of humour, Arjun Kapoor earned the nickname “Fubu” in his youth - a unique name that adds to his candid and fun-loving image.
Virat Kohli – Chiku
Long before he became a cricket icon, Virat Kohli was “Chiku” to his coach. The name stuck and even today, teammates and fans often use it with affection.
Karisma Kapoor – Lolo
The ever-glamorous Karisma Kapoor is fondly called “Lolo,” a name her father picked, inspired by Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida.
Kareena Kapoor – Bebo
Known for her stylish sass, Kareena Kapoor is “Bebo” at home - a name as bold and catchy as her on-screen presence.
Priyanka Chopra – Mithu, Mimi
Global icon Priyanka Chopra started as “Mithu” in childhood, later evolving into “Mimi.” She’s still called that by her family, adding a sweet contrast to her fierce public persona.
Karan Johar – Kattu Battu
Behind the designer suits and celebrity talk shows, Karan Johar’s childhood friends know him as “Kattu Battu” - a playful and unexpected nickname that fans rarely hear.
Ranveer Singh – Rambo
Could there be a more fitting nickname for the high-voltage Ranveer Singh than “Rambo”? His boundless energy and fearless fashion choices scream it loud.
Govinda – Chichi
The king of comedy and dance, Govinda has perhaps the cutest nickname in Bollywood - “Chichi.” It’s a name that perfectly captures his infectious charm.
MS Dhoni – Mahi
He may be known as “Captain Cool,” but to fans and teammates, MS Dhoni is simply “Mahi” - a name that resonates with warmth and respect.
Behind the camera flashes and red-carpet appearances, India’s biggest stars share intimate moments with their inner circle - often marked by these heartfelt nicknames. These names aren’t just cute - they’re a window into the real, unfiltered lives of our favourite celebrities, making them more relatable and human than ever.
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