Southern actress Disha Pandey has dropped her surname, saying she wants to be known as an Indian and not by her caste.

"I want to be known as an Indian before I'm recognised by my caste. In my effort to follow secularism, I will be known as Disha instead of Disha Pandey hereafter," Disha told.

Disha is known for southern films such as "Tamizh Padam", "Race" and "Keeripulla". She has also worked in Hindi films such as "Bolo Raam" and "Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga".

Currently, she is busy working on an untitled Telugu project.