After studying MBBS, these 8 actresses left medical profession
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Many popular actresses in South Indian cinema are not only talented performers but also academically brilliant. Among them, several hold degrees in medical science. Some have completed MBBS, while others have earned BDS degrees in dentistry. Although they initially prepared to become doctors, they ultimately chose acting as their profession.
The list includes well-known South Indian film actresses such as Sai Pallavi, Shrileela, Aditi Shankar, and others.
Aditi Shankar
Aditi Shankar is the daughter of renowned Tamil director Shankar. Before entering the film industry, she pursued medical studies. She earned her MBBS degree from Ramachandra University. She gained recognition through films like Viruman and Maveeran.
Shrileela
Shrileela's mother is a gynecologist. Inspired by her mother, Shrileela began studying medicine. She completed her MBBS from D.Y. Patil University in Mumbai. Even amidst her busy acting schedule, she continued her studies. After finishing her MBBS coursework in 2021, she formally received her degree on February 10, 2026.
Sai Pallavi
Sai Pallavi, one of the most popular actresses in South Indian cinema, also studied medicine. She completed her medical education at Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia. Alongside acting, she holds academic qualifications in medicine. She will soon be seen portraying Goddess Sita in Nitesh Tiwari's much-anticipated two-part film Ramayana, opposite Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama.
Shivani Rajasekhar
Telugu film actress Shivani Rajasekhar also studied medicine. She attended Apollo Medical College in Hyderabad. She also has an interest in alternative medicine, flower remedies, and Ayurveda. Although she followed her father's path into acting, she continued her medical studies and completed her MBBS in February 2024.
Kamakshi Bhaskarla
Telugu actress Kamakshi Bhaskarla is also a qualified doctor. After completing her MBBS in China, she worked at Apollo Hospital. She also won the Femina Miss India Telangana title in 2018.
Rupa Koduvayur
Rupa Koduvayur is an MBBS graduate doctor. She obtained her medical degree from Katuri Medical College. During the coronavirus pandemic, she served as a frontline healthcare worker. She continued acting during that time as well. She is also trained in Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. She made her film debut in 2020 with the movie Uma Maheshwara Ugra Roopasya, for which she received praise for her performance.
Meenakshi Chowdhury
Meenakshi Chowdhury, a familiar face in Telugu and Tamil cinema, studied dentistry as a doctor. She earned her BDS degree from the National Dental College and Hospital in Punjab. In 2018, she represented Haryana at the Femina Miss India competition. That same year, she won the Femina Miss India Grand International title and went on to become the first runner-up at the Miss Grand International competition, representing India.
Komal Prasad
Telugu actress Komal Prasad is also a dentist by profession. She studied at the Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences. Later, she worked as a dentist in Mumbai. Subsequently, she left the medical profession and stepped into the world of acting. She is now one of the well-known actresses in Telugu cinema.
The stories of these actresses, who chose acting as a profession despite pursuing higher education in medical science, are truly exceptional. Alongside their on-screen success, their academic achievements have also become a point of great interest for their fans.
Sources: Siasat Daily, Times of India, Zee News
