List of Tamil film actresses
This list outlines the names of popular lead film actresses, who previously worked or are currently working in the Tamil film industry Kollywood, based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The list is ordered by the year of their debut as a leading actor or the year of their landmark film. Actresses who have starred in at least five films as lead are included in the list.
1930s
1940s
| Year | Name | Debut film | Other notable films |
| 1941 | T. R. Rajakumari | Kacha Devayani | Haridas, Chandralekha |
| 1944 | Pushpavalli | Dasi Aparanji | Miss Malini, Chakra Dhari, Samsaram |
| 1947 | Anjali Devi | Mahathma Udangar | Marmayogi, Penn, Chakravarthi Thirumagal |
| 1947 | S. Varalakshmi | 1000 Thalai Vaangi Apoorva Chinthamani | Chakravarthi Thirumagal, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Poova Thalaiya |
| 1948 | Padmini | Vedhala Ulagam | Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Thillana Mohanambal |
| 1949 | Bhanumathi Ramakrishna | Ratnakumar | Malaikkallan, Madurai Veeran, Nadodi Mannan, Annai |
| 1949 | Vyjayanthimala | Vaazhkai | Vanji Kottai Valipan, Baghdad Thirudan, Then Nilavu |
1950s
| Year | Name | Debut film | Other notable films |
| 1952 | Savitri | Kalyanam Panni Paar | Missiamma, Mayabazar, Pasamalar, Thiruvilaiyadal |
| 1952 | Sowcar Janaki | Valayapathi | Bama Vijayam, Iru Kodugal |
| 1953 | C.R. Vijayakumari | Naalvar | Kalyana Parisu, Naanum Oru Penn, Poompuhar, Rajaraja Cholan |
| 1953 | Raja Sulochana | Gunasagari | Rangoon Radha, Gulebhagavali, Allavudeenum Arputha Vilakkum |
| 1957 | Devika | Manamagan Thevai | Kalathur Kannamma, Paava Mannippu, Bale Pandiya |
| 1957 | B. Saroja Devi | Thangamalai Ragasiyam | Nadodi Mannan, Puthiya Paravai, Anbe Vaa |
1960s
| Year | Name | Debut film | Other notable films |
| 1963 | K. R. Vijaya | Karpagam | Iru Malargal, Dheerga Sumangali |
| 1964 | Kanchana | Kaadhalikka Neramillai | Adhey Kangal, Shanti Nilayam, Sivandha Mann |
| 1965 | Jayalalithaa | Vennira Aadai | Adimaippenn, Pattikada Pattanama, Suryagandhi |
| 1966 | Vanisri | Kathal Paduthum Padu | Irulum Oliyum, Vasantha Maligai, Vani Rani |
| 1967 | Jayabharathi | Anubavi Raja Anubavi | Naan Avanillai, Allaudinaum Arputha Vilakkum, Marupakkam |
| 1968 | Lakshmi | Jeevanaamsam | Dikkatra Parvathi, Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal'', |
1970s
| Year | Name | Debut film | Other notable films |
| 1971 | Manjula Vijayakumar | Rickshawkaran | Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, Anbe Aaruyire, Cheran Pandiyan |
| 1972 | Srividya | Delhi To Madras | Apoorva Raagangal, Dowry Kalyanam, Punnagai Mannan |
| 1973 | Jayasudha | Arangetram | Apoorva Raagangal, Mannavan Vanthaanadi, Alaipayuthey |
| 1974 | Sripriya | Murugan Kaatiya Vazhi | Aattukara Alamelu, Ilamai Oonjaladukirathu, Neeya? |
| 1974 | Shoba | Vairam | Azhiyatha Kolangal, Pasi, Moodu Pani |
| 1976 | Jayaprada | Manmatha Leelai | Ninaithale Inikkum, Ezhai Jaathi, Dasavathaaram |
| 1976 | Sridevi | Moondru Mudichu | Moondram Pirai, 16 Vayathinile, Sigappu Rojakkal |
| 1978 | Geetha | Bairavi | Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu, Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal, Azhagan |
| 1978 | Saritha | Thappu Thalangal | Netrikkann, Achamillai Achamillai, Julie Ganapathi |
| 1978 | Raadhika | Kizhakke Pogum Rail | Moondru Mugam, Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran, Kizhakku Cheemayile |
| 1979 | Ambika | Sakkalathi | Sagalakala Vallavan, Mr. Bharath, Vikram |
| 1979 | Sumalatha | Thisai Maariya Paravaigal | Murattu Kaalai, Kazhugu, Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu |
| 1979 | Rati Agnihotri | Puthiya Vaarpugal | Murattu Kaalai, Kazhugu, Majunu |
1980s
| Year | Name | Debut film | Other notable films |
| 1980 | Vijayashanti | Kallukkul Eeram | Nenjile Thunivirunthal, Mannan, Sri Bannari Amman |
| 1980 | Silk Smitha | Vandichakkaram | Alaigal Oivathillai, Silk Silk Silk, Adhisaya Manithan |
| 1980 | Madhavi | Pudhiya Thoranangal | Thillu Mullu, Raja Paarvai, Thambikku Entha Ooru |
| 1980 | Menaka | Ramayi Vayasukku Vanthutta | Savithiri, Netrikkan, Urangatha Ninaivugal |
| 1980 | Archana | Thai Ponggal | Rettai Vaal Kuruvi, Veedu, Seethakaathi |
| 1980 | Suhasini | Nenjathai Killathe | Palaivana Solai, Sindhu Bhairavi, Manathil Uruthi Vendum |
| 1980 | Shobana | Mangala Nayagi | Enakkul Oruvan, Siva, Thalapathi |
| 1981 | Radha | Alaigal Oivathillai | Tik Tik Tik, Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey, Muthal Mariyathai |
| 1983 | Rohini | Ilamai Kaalangal | Thanthu Vitten Ennai, Marupadiyum, Magalir Mattum |
| 1983 | Revathi | Mann Vasanai | Mouna Ragam, Thevar Magan, Power Paandi |
| 1983 | Ramya Krishnan | Vellai Manasu | Padayappa, Panchathanthiram, |
| 1983 | Bhanupriya | Mella Pesungal | Chatriyan, Azhagan, Amaran |
| 1983 | Urvashi | Mundhanai Mudichu | Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Magalir Mattum, Siva Manasula Sakthi |
| 1984 | Monisha Unni | Paavayya | Moonravadhu Kaan, Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen, Pookkal Vidhum Thottu |
| 1985 | Ranjini | Mudhal Mariyathai | Kadalora Kavithaigal, Velicham, Urimai Geetham |
| 1985 | Kalpana | Chinna Veedu | Sindhu Nathi Poo, Sathi Leelavathi, Dumm Dumm Dumm |
| 1985 | Nadhiya | Poove Poochudava | Uyire Unakkaga, Rajathi Raja, M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi |
| 1986 | Amala | Mythili Ennai Kaathali | Agni Natchathiram, Sathya, Vetri Vizha |
| 1986 | Rekha | Kadalora Kavithaigal | Punnagai Mannan, En Bommukutty Ammavukku, Roja Kootam |
| 1987 | Saranya | Nayakan | Vanakkam Vathiyare, Em Magan, Thenmerku Paruvakaatru |
| 1987 | Shantipriya | Enga Ooru Pattukaran | Rayilukku Neramachu, Poovizhi Raja, Sirayil Pootha Chinna Malar |
| 1987 | Rupini | Cooliekkaran | Manithan, Raja Chinna Roja, Michael Madana Kama Rajan |
| 1988 | Nirosha | Agni Natchathiram | Soora Samhaaram, Inaindha Kaigal, Vetri Padigal |
| 1988 | Gautami | Guru Sishyan | Apoorva Sagodharargal, Raja Chinna Roja, Dharma Durai |
| 1988 | Kushboo | Dharmathin Thalaivan | Chinna Thambi, Nattamai, Kolangal |
| 1989 | Kanaka | Karakattakaran | Athisaya Piravi, Periya Kudumbam, Katta Panchayathu |
| 1989 | Sithara | Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal | Pudhu Vasantham, Archana IAS, Padayappa |
1990s
| Year | Name | Debut film | Other notable films |
| 1990 | Meena | Oru Pudhiya Kadhai | Avvai Shanmugi, Bharathi Kannamma, Rhythm |
| 1990 | Aamani | Pudhiya Kaatru | Idhuthanda Sattam, Honest Raj, Pudhayal |
| 1990 | Easwari Rao | Kavithai Paadum Alaigal | Raman Abdullah, Virumbugiren, Kaala |
| 1990 | Aishwarya | Nyayangal Jeyikkattum | Meera, Ejamaan, Aaru |
| 1990 | Sivaranjani | Mr. Bharath | Thalaivasal, Kalaignan, Vandicholai Chinraasu |
| 1990 | Divya Bharthi | Nila Pennae | Vaaliban, Pokkiri Mappilai, Ilam Nenje Vaa |
| 1991 | Mohini | Eeramana Rojave | Naan Pesa Ninaipathellam, Vanaja Girija, Thayagam |
| 1991 | Sukanya | Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu | Walter Vetrivel, Vandicholai Chinraasu, Indian |
| 1991 | Kasthuri | Aatha Un Koyilile | Amaidhi Padai, Indian, Kaadhal Kavidhai |
| 1991 | Madhoo | Azhagan | Roja, Gentleman, Mr. Romeo |
| 1991 | Heera Rajgopal | Idhayam | Nee Pathi Naan Pathi, Thiruda Thiruda, Kadhal Kottai |
| 1992 | Roja | Chembaruthi | Indhu, Veera, Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen |
| 1992 | Ranjitha | Nadodi Thendral | Walter Vetrivel, Jai Hind, Karnaa |
| 1993 | Soundarya | Ponnumani | Kaathala Kaathala, Padayappa, Chokka Thangam |
| 1993 | Sanghavi | Amaravathi | Coimbatore Mappillai, Porkkaalam, Nilaave Vaa |
| 1993 | Rambha | Uzhavan | Ullathai Allitha, Arunachalam, Kaathala Kaathala |
| 1994 | Nagma | Kaadhalan | Baashha, Love Birds, Pistha |
| 1994 | Sangita | Sarigamapadani | Pullakuttikaran, Poove Unakkaga, Pongalo Pongal |
| 1994 | Rajashree | Karuththamma | Neela Kuyil, Amman Kovil Vaasalile, Sethu |
| 1995 | Manisha Koirala | Bombay | Indian, Mudhalvan, Baba |
| 1995 | Suvaluxmi | Aasai | Gokulathil Seethai, Love Today, En Aasai Rasave |
| 1995 | Devayani | Thotta Chinungi | Kaadhal Kottai, Bharathi, Azhagi |
| 1996 | Manthra | Priyam | Love Today, Periya Idathu Mappillai, Rettai Jadai Vayasu |
| 1996 | Tabu | Kadhal Desam | Iruvar, Kandukondain Kandukondain, Snegithiye |
| 1996 | Kausalya | Kaalamellam Kadhal Vaazhga | Nerukku Ner, Pooveli, Vaanathaippola |
| 1997 | Aishwarya Rai | Iruvar | Jeans, Kandukondain Kandukondain, Raavanan |
| 1997 | Simran | V. I. P. | Vaali, Vaaranam Aayiram, Petta |
| 1998 | Sangeetha | Bhagavath Singh | Pithamagan, Dhanam, Manmadan Ambu |
| 1998 | Vijayalakshmi | Poonthottam | Friends, Yes Madam, Boss Engira Bhaskaran |
| 1998 | Isha Koppikar | Kaadhal Kavithai | En Swasa Kaatre, Nenjinile, Narasimha |
| 1998 | Shalini | Kadhalukku Mariyadhai | Amarkalam, Kannukkul Nilavu, Alaipayuthey |
| 1999 | Laila | Kallazhagar | Nandha, Pithamagan, Kanda Naal Mudhal |
| 1999 | Jyothika | Vaali | Kushi, Chandramukhi, Mozhi |
| 1999 | Malavika | Unnai Thedi | Rojavanam, Vetri Kodi Kattu, Chandramukhi |
| 1999 | Mumtaz | Monisha En Monalisa | Kushi, Chocolate, London |
2000s
| Year | Name | Debut film | Notable films |
| 2000 | Pooja Kumar | Kadhal Rojavae | Vishwaroopam, Uttama Villain, Meen Kuzhambum Mann Paanaiyum |
| 2000 | Abhirami | Vaanavil | Samudhiram, Virumaandi, 36 Vayadhinile |
| 2000 | Sneha | Ennavale | Virumbugiren, Pirivom Santhippom, Parthiban Kanavu |
| 2001 | Monica | Love Channel | Bagavathi, Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi, A Aa E Ee |
| 2001 | Reemma Sen | Minnale | Rendu, Thimiru, Aayirathil Oruvan |
| 2001 | Monal Naval | Badri | Paarvai Ondre Podhume, Samudhiram, Pesadha Kannum Pesume |
| 2002 | Kiran Rathod | Gemini | Anbe Sivam, Winner, Aambala |
| 2002 | Meera Jasmine | Run | Aaytha Ezhuthu, Kasthuri Maan, Sandakozhi |
| 2002 | Gajala | Ezhumalai | Raam, Em Magan, Durai |
| 2002 | Trisha | Mounam Pesiyadhe | Abhiyum Naanum, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, Endrendrum Punnagai |
| 2002 | Priyanka Trivedi | Raajjiyam | Kadhal Sadugudu, Jananam, Raja |
| 2003 | Sherin | Thulluvadho Ilamai | Whistle, Urchagam, Nannbenda |
| 2003 | Sadha | Jayam | Anniyan, Unnale Unnale, Torchlight |
| 2003 | Sonia Agarwal | Kaadhal Kondein | 7G Rainbow Colony, Pudhupettai, Thanimai |
| 2003 | Genelia D'Souza | Boys | Sachein , Santosh Subramaniam, Uthamaputhiran |
| 2003 | Pooja | Jay Jay | Ullam Ketkumae, Naan Kadavul, Vidiyum Munn |
| 2003 | Chaya Singh | Thiruda Thirudi | |
| 2003 | Shriya Saran | Enakku 20 Unakku 18 | |
| 2004 | Namitha | Engal Anna | |
| 2004 | Divya Spandana | Kuththu | |
| 2004 | Priyamani | Kangalal Kaidhu Sei | |
| 2004 | Madhumitha | Kudaikul Mazhai | |
| 2004 | Gopika | Autograph | |
| 2004 | Sandhya | Kaadhal | |
| 2004 | Asin | M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi | Ghajini, Varalaaru, Pokkiri |
| 2005 | Nayanthara | Ayya | Thani Oruvan, Viswasam, Bigil |
| 2005 | Remya Nambeesan | Oru Naal Oru Kanavu | |
| 2005 | Raai Laxmi | Karka Kasadara | |
| 2006 | Bhavana | Chithiram Pesuthadi | |
| 2006 | Vedhika | Madrasi | |
| 2006 | Ileana D'Cruz | Kedi | Nanban |
| 2006 | Tamannaah | Kedi | Ayan, Paiyaa, Dharma Durai |
| 2006 | Vasundhara Kashyap | Vattaram | |
| 2006 | Anushka Shetty | Rendu | Vettaikaaran, Singam, Deiva Thirumagal |
| 2006 | Regina Cassandra | Azhagiya Asura | |
| 2007 | Andrea Jeremiah | Pachaikili Muthucharam | |
| 2007 | Vijayalakshmi | Chennai 600028 | |
| 2007 | Anjali | Kattradhu Thamizh | |
| 2007 | Aditi Rao Hydari | Sringaram | |
| 2008 | Kajal Aggarwal | Pazhani | Maattrraan, Thuppakki, Vivegam |
| 2008 | Poorna | Muniyandi Vilangial Moonramandu | |
| 2008 | Swathi Reddy | Subramaniapuram | |
| 2008 | Piaa Bajpai | Poi Solla Porom | |
| 2008 | Sunaina | Kadhalil Vizhunthen | |
| 2008 | Sameera Reddy | Vaaranam Aayiram | |
| 2008 | Parvathy | Poo | |
| 2008 | Poonam Bajwa | Seval | |
| 2009 | Priya Anand | Vaamanan | |
| 2009 | Sai Dhanshika | Peranmai |
2010s
| Year | Name | Debut film | Other notable |
| 2010 | Amala Paul | Veerasekaran | Mynaa, Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi, Aadai |
| 2010 | Aishwarya Rajesh | Neethana Avan | Kaaka Muttai, Dharma Durai, Kanaa |
| 2010 | Sanchita Shetty | Azhukkan Azhagakiran | Soodhu Kavvum, , Rum |
| 2010 | Samantha | Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa | Neethaane En Ponvasantham, Kaththi, U Turn |
| 2010 | Oviya | Kalavani | Kalakalappu, Yaamirukka Bayamey, 90ML |
| 2010 | Amy Jackson | Madrasapattinam | I, Theri, 2.0 |
| 2010 | Chandini Tamilarasan | Siddhu +2 | |
| 2010 | Srushti Dange | Kadhalagi | |
| 2011 | Taapsee Pannu | Aadukalam | |
| 2011 | Hansika Motwani | Mappillai | Engeyum Kadhal, Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, Maan Karate |
| 2011 | Janani Iyer | Avan Ivan | |
| 2011 | Pranitha | Udhayan | |
| 2011 | Nithya Menen | Nootrenbadhu | Kanchana 2, Iru Mugan, Mersal |
| 2011 | Shruti Haasan | 7aum Arivu | 3, Puli, Vedalam |
| 2011 | Rakul Preet Singh | Yuvan | Yennamo Yedho, Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru, NGK |
| 2011 | Nivetha Thomas | Poraali | Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham, Jilla, Darbar |
| 2012 | Radhika Apte | Dhoni | All in All Azhagu Raja, Vetri Selvan, Kabali |
| 2012 | Nandita Swetha | Attakathi | |
| 2012 | Gayathrie | 18 Vayasu | |
| 2012 | Lakshmi Menon | Sundarapandian | Kumki, Vedalam, Miruthan |
| 2012 | Varalaxmi Sarathkumar | Podaa Podi | Vikram Vedha, Sandakozhi 2, Sarkar |
| 2012 | Mahima Nambiar | Saattai | |
| 2012 | Vani Bhojan | Orr Eravuu | Oh My Kadavule |
| 2013 | Nazriya Nazim | Neram | |
| 2013 | Sri Divya | Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam | |
| 2014 | Catherine Tresa | Madras | |
| 2015 | Nikki Galrani | Darling | |
| 2015 | Keerthy Suresh | Idhu Enna Maayam | Rajinimurugan, Sarkar, Annaatthe |
| 2016 | Nivetha Pethuraj | Oru Naal Koothu | Tik Tik Tik, Sangathamizhan, Pon Manickavel |
| 2016 | Ritika Singh | Irudhi Suttru | |
| 2017 | Priya Bhavani Shankar | Meyaadha Maan | Kadaikutty Singam, Monster, Indian 2 |
| 2017 | Arthana Binu | Thondan | Kadaikutty Singam, Semma, Vennila Kabaddi Kuzhu 2 |
| 2017 | Sayyeshaa | Vanamagan | Kadaikutty Singam, Junga, Kaappaan'' |