Southern Superstars

Tamil superstar Suriya, who was seen in original Ghajini, is going to make his Bollywood debut with a Ram Gopal Varma flick. Here's a look at some other southern stars who have tried their luck in Mumbai.

  • Suriya is an is an award- winning Tamil film actor, and also a dubbing artist. Son of actor Sivakumar, he starred in several films, such as <em>Nandha, Kaakha Kaakha, Ghajini, Perazhagan, Pithamagan, Vaaranam Aayiram</em> and <em>Ayan</em>. The actor has won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards. He became a film distributor after opening Studio Green, which distributed several of his earlier films.
    Suriya is an is an award- winning Tamil film actor, and also a dubbing artist. Son of actor Sivakumar, he starred in several films, such as Nandha, Kaakha Kaakha, Ghajini, Perazhagan, Pithamagan, Vaaranam Aayiram and Ayan. The actor has won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards. He became a film distributor after opening Studio Green, which distributed several of his earlier films.
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  • Kamal Haasan is considered one of the leading method actors of Indian cinema. Her has won several film awards, including four National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards, and has the distinction of being the actor with the most number of films submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He is also a lyricist, playback singer and choreographer. His film production company, Rajkamal International, has produced several of his films. Two notable films he has directed include <i>Hey Ram</i> (2000) and <i>Virumaandi</i> (2004).
    Kamal Haasan is considered one of the leading method actors of Indian cinema. Her has won several film awards, including four National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards, and has the distinction of being the actor with the most number of films submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He is also a lyricist, playback singer and choreographer. His film production company, Rajkamal International, has produced several of his films. Two notable films he has directed include Hey Ram (2000) and Virumaandi (2004).
  • <p>Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has acted in various Tamil and Kannada films. He was named as one of the influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek and has won a Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award for &lt;i&gt;Nallavanuku Nallavan&lt;/i&gt; in 1984 and Muthu in 1994 respectively. The actor has a long list of fans and has a temple named after him. He will be seen opposite former Miss world Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in &lt;i&gt;Robot&lt;/i&gt;.<br /> </p>

    Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has acted in various Tamil and Kannada films. He was named as one of the influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek and has won a Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award for <i>Nallavanuku Nallavan</i> in 1984 and Muthu in 1994 respectively. The actor has a long list of fans and has a temple named after him. He will be seen opposite former Miss world Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in <i>Robot</i>.

  • <p>Before shifting her focus to Bollywood, Asin was a household name down south. The actress made her acting debut in Sathyan Anthikkad's &lt;i&gt;Narendra Makan Jayakanthan Vaka&lt;/i&gt; (2001). Asin had her first commercial success with &lt;i&gt;Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi&lt;/i&gt; in 2003, and won a Filmfare Award for the Best Telugu Actress for the film. After a number of films, she received her second South Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in her second Tamil film, Ghajini (2005). She played the lead female roles in hits, the thriller &lt;i&gt;Ghajini&lt;/i&gt; (2005) and the action comedy &lt;i&gt;Varalaru&lt;/i&gt; (2006).</p>

    Before shifting her focus to Bollywood, Asin was a household name down south. The actress made her acting debut in Sathyan Anthikkad's <i>Narendra Makan Jayakanthan Vaka</i> (2001). Asin had her first commercial success with <i>Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi</i> in 2003, and won a Filmfare Award for the Best Telugu Actress for the film. After a number of films, she received her second South Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in her second Tamil film, Ghajini (2005). She played the lead female roles in hits, the thriller <i>Ghajini</i> (2005) and the action comedy <i>Varalaru</i> (2006).

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  • Genelia D'Souza, who is now a popular Bollywood actress, has acted in Telugu and Hindi films and has also appeared in Tamil and Kannada language films. She left Bollywood for a brief period and became a household name in south. Srikkanth. Tamil director, Shankar, was very much impressed with her performance in ads and cast her in a leading role in his Tamil film &lt;i&gt;Boys&lt;/i&gt; in 2003 which was a huge success. Since then she has concentrated both on her Bollywood as well as her Kollywood career. <br />
    Genelia D'Souza, who is now a popular Bollywood actress, has acted in Telugu and Hindi films and has also appeared in Tamil and Kannada language films. She left Bollywood for a brief period and became a household name in south. Srikkanth. Tamil director, Shankar, was very much impressed with her performance in ads and cast her in a leading role in his Tamil film <i>Boys</i> in 2003 which was a huge success. Since then she has concentrated both on her Bollywood as well as her Kollywood career.
  • Shriya Saran began her career acting in music videos, while also attending an acting studio to follow her dream to act. After her debut in 2001 with &lt;i&gt;Ishtam&lt;/i&gt;, she gained Telugu cinema's attention in 2002 by playing the role of Bhanu in Santhosham, her first major hit. Following the film she appeared in several Telugu films with prominent actors, whilst, also making in-roads in Bollywood as well as the Tamil film industry. In 2007, Saran became a national figure after her performance alongside Rajinikanth in &lt;i&gt;Sivaji: The Boss&lt;/i&gt;, after which she has signed several Bollywood, Kollywood and also a Hollywood film.<br />
    Shriya Saran began her career acting in music videos, while also attending an acting studio to follow her dream to act. After her debut in 2001 with <i>Ishtam</i>, she gained Telugu cinema's attention in 2002 by playing the role of Bhanu in Santhosham, her first major hit. Following the film she appeared in several Telugu films with prominent actors, whilst, also making in-roads in Bollywood as well as the Tamil film industry. In 2007, Saran became a national figure after her performance alongside Rajinikanth in <i>Sivaji: The Boss</i>, after which she has signed several Bollywood, Kollywood and also a Hollywood film.
  • <p>Shruti Haasan sang her first song aged just six in her father's &lt;i&gt;Thevar Magan&lt;/i&gt; in the composition of Ilaiyaraaja. Later while pursuing her studies in school, Haasan made her singing debut in the Hindi language film, Chachi 420, singing a duet performing for the voice of a child, with her father Kamal Haasan, who also directed the film. Shruti Haasan's second song came in &lt;i&gt;Hey Ram&lt;/i&gt;, where she sang the bilingual versions of the title theme, &lt;i&gt;Rama Rama&lt;/i&gt; with her father, in Hindi and in Tamil. Since then she has been singing for many Tamil and Telugu films. After pursuing a career in singing, Shruti Haasan branched out a career into modelling. In 2000, the pretty lady made her cinematic debut in the Tamil and Hindi bilingual film, &lt;i&gt;Hey Ram&lt;/i&gt;, directed by her father. She made a cameo appearance as the daughter of Vallabhai Patel in the biopic of &lt;i&gt;Mahatma Gandhi&lt;/i&gt;.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

    Shruti Haasan sang her first song aged just six in her father's <i>Thevar Magan</i> in the composition of Ilaiyaraaja. Later while pursuing her studies in school, Haasan made her singing debut in the Hindi language film, Chachi 420, singing a duet performing for the voice of a child, with her father Kamal Haasan, who also directed the film. Shruti Haasan's second song came in <i>Hey Ram</i>, where she sang the bilingual versions of the title theme, <i>Rama Rama</i> with her father, in Hindi and in Tamil. Since then she has been singing for many Tamil and Telugu films. After pursuing a career in singing, Shruti Haasan branched out a career into modelling. In 2000, the pretty lady made her cinematic debut in the Tamil and Hindi bilingual film, <i>Hey Ram</i>, directed by her father. She made a cameo appearance as the daughter of Vallabhai Patel in the biopic of <i>Mahatma Gandhi</i>.

     

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  • Sridevi started her career as a child artist in the Tamil movie Kandhan Karunai (1967) and acted in many Tamil and Telugu movies. During her early adult career, she acted in a number of Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam movies. But till date Sridevi is remembered for her <i>Hawa Hawai</i> number from <i>Mr India</i>.
    Sridevi started her career as a child artist in the Tamil movie Kandhan Karunai (1967) and acted in many Tamil and Telugu movies. During her early adult career, she acted in a number of Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam movies. But till date Sridevi is remembered for her Hawa Hawai number from Mr India.
  • <p>Nagarjuna's first movie &lt;i&gt;Vikram&lt;/i&gt; released on May 24, 1986. It was a remake of the hit Hindi film &lt;i&gt;Hero&lt;/i&gt;. Despite unfavourable reviews, the film was successful. After four unsuccessful films, he starred in the hit film, &lt;i&gt;Majnu&lt;/i&gt; as a tragic protagonist and now is an established actor down south. In 2004, the actor had two releases, &lt;i&gt;Nennunnanu&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Mass&lt;/i&gt;. The former, despite being slammed by critics, went on become a box office winner. &lt;i&gt;Mass&lt;/i&gt;, which was produced by Nagarjuna himself and directed by a debutant, the prominent dance choreographer Lawrence, too became one of the highest grossing films in his career. Once again, Nagarjuna proved that he had a good eye in spotting new talent. In 2005, Nagarjuna acted and produced &lt;i&gt;Super&lt;/i&gt;, which didn't exactly reach up to exceptations it was an average hit. Then in 2006, Nagarjuna reunited with Annamayya director, K.Raghavendra Rao, and starred in the film Sri Ramadasu, his second period film that was based on the great 18th century Telugu saint-composer of the same name. Nagarjuna received the Nandi award for best actor that year. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

    Nagarjuna's first movie <i>Vikram</i> released on May 24, 1986. It was a remake of the hit Hindi film <i>Hero</i>. Despite unfavourable reviews, the film was successful. After four unsuccessful films, he starred in the hit film, <i>Majnu</i> as a tragic protagonist and now is an established actor down south. In 2004, the actor had two releases, <i>Nennunnanu</i> and <i>Mass</i>. The former, despite being slammed by critics, went on become a box office winner. <i>Mass</i>, which was produced by Nagarjuna himself and directed by a debutant, the prominent dance choreographer Lawrence, too became one of the highest grossing films in his career. Once again, Nagarjuna proved that he had a good eye in spotting new talent. In 2005, Nagarjuna acted and produced <i>Super</i>, which didn't exactly reach up to exceptations it was an average hit. Then in 2006, Nagarjuna reunited with Annamayya director, K.Raghavendra Rao, and starred in the film Sri Ramadasu, his second period film that was based on the great 18th century Telugu saint-composer of the same name. Nagarjuna received the Nandi award for best actor that year.

     

  • Hema Malini, known as Bollywood's dream girl, also started her acting career down south before moving to Bollywood with <i>Sapnon Ka Sauagar</i>.
    Hema Malini, known as Bollywood's dream girl, also started her acting career down south before moving to Bollywood with Sapnon Ka Sauagar.
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  • Rambha has acted in over 100 South Indian films and also in a number of Bollywood films. She had done several successful films in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, Bengali and Bhojpuri films. She also won the prestigious National Award for her debut Malayalam film <i>Sargam</i>. Rambha was seen romancing Salman Khan in hit film <i>Judwa</i> and then Govinda in <i>Kyunki Main Jhoot Nahin Bolta</i>.
    Rambha has acted in over 100 South Indian films and also in a number of Bollywood films. She had done several successful films in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, Bengali and Bhojpuri films. She also won the prestigious National Award for her debut Malayalam film Sargam. Rambha was seen romancing Salman Khan in hit film Judwa and then Govinda in Kyunki Main Jhoot Nahin Bolta.
  • Jaya Prada, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, became a major star in 1976 with huge hits. <i>Anthuleni Katha</i> showcased her dramatic skills and worked in Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada films and had hit films in all of them.
    Jaya Prada, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, became a major star in 1976 with huge hits. Anthuleni Katha showcased her dramatic skills and worked in Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada films and had hit films in all of them.
  • At the age of 5, Vyjayanthimala got the rare chance of performing a dance before the Pope. At age 15, she got a break in AVM Productions Tamil movie, &lt;i&gt;Vazhkai&lt;/i&gt;. The movie was a success, and was remade in Hindi as &lt;i&gt;Bahaar&lt;/i&gt; (1951). She acted in a few more Tamil movies before moving on to a highly successful career in Hindi movies. Her dance competition with Padmini in the Tamil film, &lt;i&gt;Vanjikottai Vaaliban&lt;/i&gt;, received much acclaim. Vyjayanthimala's Tamil movies included &lt;i&gt;Vanjikottai Valiban, rumbuthirai, Then Nilavu, Vaazhkai, Penn, Parthiban Kanavu&lt;/i&gt; (old), and &lt;i&gt;Baghdad Thirudan&lt;/i&gt;.
    At the age of 5, Vyjayanthimala got the rare chance of performing a dance before the Pope. At age 15, she got a break in AVM Productions Tamil movie, <i>Vazhkai</i>. The movie was a success, and was remade in Hindi as <i>Bahaar</i> (1951). She acted in a few more Tamil movies before moving on to a highly successful career in Hindi movies. Her dance competition with Padmini in the Tamil film, <i>Vanjikottai Vaaliban</i>, received much acclaim. Vyjayanthimala's Tamil movies included <i>Vanjikottai Valiban, rumbuthirai, Then Nilavu, Vaazhkai, Penn, Parthiban Kanavu</i> (old), and <i>Baghdad Thirudan</i>.
  • R Madhavan, unlike other prominent actors in the country began to appear in films after marriage, at the age of 29 and his short career has seen performances in diverse roles. He has received several Filmfare Awards in various categories. Madhavan's first major film appearance was in 2000s romantic film, &lt;i&gt;Alaipayuthey&lt;/i&gt;, in which he played a husband going through the trauma of marriage. In the 2002 blockbuster &lt;i&gt;Kannathil Muthamittal&lt;/i&gt;, he portrayed a father of an orphaned child alongside Simran. He then played the role of an action hero, for the first time in the successful project, &lt;i&gt;Run&lt;/i&gt; (2003) and, the year after, won critical acclaim as a henchman in Mani Ratnam's film, &lt;i&gt;Aayutha Ezhuthu&lt;/i&gt;. In 2007, Madhavan set up his own production company, Leukos Films, which will distribute several of his forthcoming films.
    R Madhavan, unlike other prominent actors in the country began to appear in films after marriage, at the age of 29 and his short career has seen performances in diverse roles. He has received several Filmfare Awards in various categories. Madhavan's first major film appearance was in 2000s romantic film, <i>Alaipayuthey</i>, in which he played a husband going through the trauma of marriage. In the 2002 blockbuster <i>Kannathil Muthamittal</i>, he portrayed a father of an orphaned child alongside Simran. He then played the role of an action hero, for the first time in the successful project, <i>Run</i> (2003) and, the year after, won critical acclaim as a henchman in Mani Ratnam's film, <i>Aayutha Ezhuthu</i>. In 2007, Madhavan set up his own production company, Leukos Films, which will distribute several of his forthcoming films.
  • Chiranjeevi was a student at the Madras Film Institute and an amateur stage actor.Before completing his training at the film institute, he attended auditions and selected for the film &lt;i&gt;Punaadi Raallu&lt;/i&gt; (1978). However, Pranam Khareedu was his first film released in theaters. His first public performance was in the Republic Day parade ballet of Andhra Pradesh on 26 January, 1976. In the film &lt;i&gt;Paleru Narsayya&lt;/i&gt;, he acted without makeup and impressed the prominent members of the industry. Famous directors Bapu and K Balachandar,who had attended the preview of this film ,offered the roles in their respective movies.In Balachander&rsquo;s Idi Katha Kaadu he acted in a negative role,but in Bapu&rsquo;s Manavoori Pandavulu he played one important role. For this movie he received a remuneration of Rs 1116. Most notably, his performances in &lt;i&gt;Punnami Naagu&lt;/i&gt; (1980) and &lt;i&gt;Nyayam Kavali&lt;/i&gt; (1981), albeit having negative shades, were acclaimed by critiques and audience alike. The year 1983 was a major turning point in Chiranjeevi&rsquo;s career. Khaidi, which was released in October of this year, brought immediate stardom to Chiranjeevi and marked the beginning of his dominance in the industry. The actor has now turned politician. His entry into politics has been widely debated in Andhra Pradesh, but his floating a political party remained uncertain until 2008 when he finally forayed into politics. <br />
    Chiranjeevi was a student at the Madras Film Institute and an amateur stage actor.Before completing his training at the film institute, he attended auditions and selected for the film <i>Punaadi Raallu</i> (1978). However, Pranam Khareedu was his first film released in theaters. His first public performance was in the Republic Day parade ballet of Andhra Pradesh on 26 January, 1976. In the film <i>Paleru Narsayya</i>, he acted without makeup and impressed the prominent members of the industry. Famous directors Bapu and K Balachandar,who had attended the preview of this film ,offered the roles in their respective movies.In Balachander’s Idi Katha Kaadu he acted in a negative role,but in Bapu’s Manavoori Pandavulu he played one important role. For this movie he received a remuneration of Rs 1116. Most notably, his performances in <i>Punnami Naagu</i> (1980) and <i>Nyayam Kavali</i> (1981), albeit having negative shades, were acclaimed by critiques and audience alike. The year 1983 was a major turning point in Chiranjeevi’s career. Khaidi, which was released in October of this year, brought immediate stardom to Chiranjeevi and marked the beginning of his dominance in the industry. The actor has now turned politician. His entry into politics has been widely debated in Andhra Pradesh, but his floating a political party remained uncertain until 2008 when he finally forayed into politics.