Hema Malini
Not only the first, she is perhaps the most successful actress of Bollywood of all times. Her record has not been bettered or even equalled by any other actress in Bollywood. She may not be the best of the actress of the industry but her stardom was unparalled.
Just look at the magazines and what they say about her- Superstar, one woman industry, heroes coaxing Hema to co star with him for their comebacks, films were sold on announcement due to her presence, she was favourites of both distinguished filmmakers and distributors. Her star power was unaoralleled in 1970s and much of 1980s
5 HGOTY- Johnny Mera Naam (1970), Seeta aur Geeta (1972), Sholay (1975), Dus Numbri (1976) and Kranti (1981)
Blockbusters- Johnny Mera Naam, Sholay, Pratigya, Sanyasi, Kranti, Meri Aawaz Suno, Naseeb, Andha Kanoon
Superhit- Raja Jani, Sharafat, Andaz, Jugnu, Dost, Amir Garib, Trishul, Veer Zaara, Baghban, Farz aur Kanoon, Chacha Bhatija
Hit- Naya Zamana, Tum Haseena Main Jawan, Khushboo, Dulhan, Dus Numbri, Baghavat, Samrat, Dard, Justice Chaudhary, Ramkali, Paraya Dhan, Dharmatma, Haath ki Safai, Aap Beati, Satte pe Satta, Azaad, Alibaba aur Chaalis Chor, Charas, Waris, Prem Nagar, Bhai ho to Aisa
Semi Hit/Above Average -Nastik, Aandhi Toofan, Sitapur ki Geeta, Qaidi, Dream Girl, Khel Khilari ka, Kasauti, Patthar aur Payal, Do Thug
She has more hits than Sridevi and Madhuri combined. She remained the top actress and highest paid actress from 1974–83. Between 1974–75 she worked in 15 films out of which 13 were hits. Similarly she had 8 hits and 3 average grossers between 1981–82. She is the only actress of 70’s and 80’s to have two 10 crores nett Grosser (Sholay and Kranti).
Even before Sridevi and Jayaprada we had Hema Malini from South conquering the Bollywood.