MUMBAI: Previously, the old-school tradition of newlywed girls changing their original surname by adopting that of their husband's family has been a well-known norm of almost every patriarchal society, from history to the present day. Most importantly, nobody questioned its prevalence or dared to be rational, all for attaining the 'well-deserved' social status and patriarchy-friendly validation. Hence, it was silently followed by every single woman throughout generations and in the majority of countries.

However, there's a slight change in the existing circumstances owing to the transmission of integrated education among both gender groups. However, it seems like education is greatly benefiting women at large since they're gaining awareness, especially regarding the zones they have been suppressed in over generations, with the most fundamental norm of giving up on your birth identity post-marriage.

To look into the aspect, the surname acquired by every woman in a patriarchal setup has been passed onto them by either their husbands (for wives) or their fathers (for daughters), as a sign of a female's valid identity in the society. Depending on this, many registered documents for women get enrolled with their existing surnames. Hence, millennial girls/ ladies (starting with whom the generations are getting exposed to the concept of 'gender equality') are okay with maintaining surnames acquired at birth. However, they are resisting the requirement of changing their surnames post-marriage by sticking to their birth one as their sole identity and education have helped in awakening this sense of self-empowerment by choice.

Talking about Bollywood celebrities, since the previous decade, even this renowned entertainment industry has recorded instances wherein women celebrities, who are related to this industry, are opting out of the concerned institution's ongoing norm of changing their surnames post-marriage. They have contributed to breaking the authoritarian cycle and kudos to their male counterparts for addressing causes of change and supporting the revolution at large.

Today, let's take a note of Bollywood actresses who haven't changed their surname post-marriage. Scroll down below:

1. Anushka Sharma

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Actress Anushka Sharma, who did not change her name to Anushka Kohli or Anushka Sharma Kohli post-marrying the skipper of the Indian Cricket Team - Virat Kohli, would be completing 4 years of marriage this year. The duo has been blessed with their baby daughter Vamika Kohli this year itself.

2. Vidya Balan

While her fans were eagerly anticipating the Kahaani actress to change her name to Vidya Sidharth Roy Kapur post-marrying Siddharth Roy Kapur, Vidya shut down all speculations regarding the same by boldly stating, "I don’t know who said that (I am changing my name to Vidya Balan Roy Kapur.) I remain Vidya Balan. I think Sid (Siddharth) and I, both feel that since he will remain Siddharth Roy Kapur and not become Siddharth Balan Roy Kapur, I will remain Vidya Balan and not become Vidya Balan Roy Kapur.".

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3. Rani Mukherji

Even after marrying Aditya Chopra over 7 years now, Mardaani actress Rani Mukherji still sticks to her reputed surname proudly, which she had acquired from her famous forefathers of the 'Mukherji lineage'. In a previous interview, she was quoted saying, "I love my name and I will keep to that. For my films, people know me as Rani Mukerji and they will always know me by that name. Personally, when I admit my children in school that time there will be a change of surname. But for my fans, it will always remain Rani Mukerji.".

4. Soha Ali Khan

Bollywood actress and Saif Ali Khan's sister Soha Ali Khan had married actor Kunal Kemmu almost 6 years ago and since then, she had chosen to not give up her maiden name and is currently addressed as either Soha Ali Khan or Soha Ali Khan Pataudi

5. Deepika Padukone

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In her very first interview right after her grand marriage with Ranveer Singh back in 2018, Deepika was asked if she would change her surname and considering it's Deepika, the actress had a witty comeback for the same, which grabbed everybody's attention in no time. Very casually, the Ram Leela actress replied that instead of her changing her surname, her hubby Ranveer can rather be referred to as 'Ranveer Singh Padukone'.

6. Twinkle Khanna

As 'Mrs Funny Bones', Twinkle Khanna's witty responses never fail to miss the mark. During a throwback Twitter chat, while providing a befitting reply to a netizen's query, Twinkle responded by saying, "A lot of people bring this up, though not as stridently as this gentleman-Khanna it will always be #MarriedNotBranded".

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Credit: Times Now