Bollywood's Prem-Pooja

William Shakespeare asked, 'What's in a name?' he probably had no idea about Bollywood's persistent obsession with the same. On one hand, filmmakers love to concoct offbeat and outstanding on-screen handles like Gabbar Singh (Sholay) and Bhikhu Mhatre (Satya). Whereas, there are some who prefer to tailor their actors around a set image, which has a fixed byline

On one hand, filmmakers love to concoct offbeat and outstanding on-screen handles like Gabbar Singh (Sholay) and Bhikhu Mhatre (Satya). Whereas, there are some who prefer to tailor their actors around a set image, which has a fixed byline.

And so Salman Khan becomes Prem and Amitabh Bachchan's alter ego is Vijay.

a lists of some such popular examples.

Prem

Director Sooraj Barjatya is famously known to identify his lead character -- Prem, a name he picked from his production house, Rajshri Films' hit melodrama, Dulhan Vahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye. Interestingly, the hero's name in the concerned film was Prem, both -- reel and real time.

According to Barjatya, Prem effectively conveys 'a shy, sensitive character,' much like himself. And so Salman Khan endorsed this Mr Nice Guy in blockbusters like Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and the lukewarm success, Hum Saath Saath Hain.

The soft-spoken film-maker's continuous tribute to Prem resulted in the abysmal love triangle, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, starring both Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan in the titular avatar.

Undeterred, the coveted title was eventually passed on to Shahid Kapur in the runaway hit, Vivah.

Up next, Jodhaa Akbar's Sujamal aka Sonu Sood is all set to slip into Prem's shoes in Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi co-starring Isha Kopikkar.

Chandni

A vision in white churidar and dozen bangles, running her unmindful fingers through those long, flowing tresses, alternately playful and poetic, she cavorts through lush green landscapes, laughs like there's no tomorrow and loves like she's never been hurt. You call her 'wow', Yash Chopra prefers Chandni.

Raakhee played the original Chandni in Chopra's engaging drama about relationships, Daag. The surreal quality of the name and character gained definite status through Rekha's bewitching portrayal of flawless femininity in Silsila. Too bad, a stunning albeit spiritless Farah couldn't achieve the same in the mediocre Faasle.

Later, of course, Sridevi immortalised the name by starring in and as Chandni. Her dramatic transformation from fun-loving to melancholic remains one of the most beloved performances on her resume.

While the King of romance may have opted for Kiran and Zaara in subsequent love stories like Darr and Veer-Zaara, nothing can recreate the magic of Chandni.

Pooja

Mahesh Bhatt loves the name Pooja. He even named his daughter so.

In fact, for the longest time, the eloquent filmmaker addressed some of his remarkable heroines as Pooja. Shabana Azmi in Arth and Dimple Kapadia in Kaash are prominent cases in point.

Afterwards, the off-screen Pooja joined the movies and carried the on-screen legacy of her name ahead in several films like Daddy, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, Sadak, Sir, Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee, Chahaat and Angaaray.

Radha and Ganga

Showman Subhash Ghai is known to showcase Indianness through his heroines. And what better names than Radha or Ganga to elucidate this thought.

As Radha, Meenakshi Seshadri, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit and Manisha Koirala stood for values and integrity in Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan and Saudagar respectively.

Even as Madhuri and Mahima Chaudhry epitomised grit and substance as Ganga in Khalnayak and Pardes.

Raja

The man behind several hits like Dil and Beta -- Indra Kumar, too, couldn't resist the temptation of giving into a name.

In his case -- Raja.

The cocky, attitude-driven hero of Dil and Ishq was appropriately conveyed by Aamir Khan as Raja. The actor-turned-film-maker's stint as Raja doesn't stop here. He also played the the title role in Dharmesh Darshan's money-spinning melodrama, Raja Hindustani.

Inspired by the good luck factor of the said name, Kumar went ahead and christened his film, Raja. Luckily for its titular lead -- Sanjay Kapoor, the ploy worked.

Anjali Sharma

Think Anjali Sharma. Think Kajol.

The actress did awe-inspiring justice to this endearing fictional character, penned by Karan Johar, with her trademark vivacity and efficiency.

No wonder, both KJo films featuring Kajol (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham), carried forward the name of Anjali Sharma with gusto.

Raj, Vijay and Rahul

Some names catch on in such a big way that they refuse to remain restricted to any particular filmmaker.

Amitabh Bachchan is synonymous with Vijay, a name so popular it could well figure on his passport. From Zanjeer and Deewar to Shahenshah and Agneepath, it's Vijay-path all the way.

Though Shah Rukh Khan made history as Raj Malhotra in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, filmmakers love to call him Rahul. Be it Darr, Yess Boss, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or K3G, it's always, 'Rahul, naam to suna hoga?'

And there are others, like the charismatic Raj Kapoor, who was simply known as 'Raj' in some of his memorable movies like Shree 420, Awaara, Anari, Aah, Dastaan and Bewafa.

Some really good name prem and anjali i love because of the image the name has and the character. 😳