MANY actors have found Kollywood, the ultimate gateway to Bollywood. It is not a new trend with stars like Asin, Trisha and Lekha Washington making their entry to the Hindi film industry, but existed even during the black and white era.
Popular dancer and actor Padmini, who started her career in Tamil films with 'Ezhai Padum Paadu' and went on to act in 400 Tamil films in which almost 60 films were with Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan has had her bit in Hindi films too. She acted in popular films like 'Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai', 'Mera Naam Joker' with Raj Kapoor and Nari Jeevan. One of the most beautiful actors of yesteryear, Vyjayanthimala Bali, who’s known for her dancing and acting skills started her career in Tamil with 'Vazhkai'. She later went on to become a big star in Bollywood with hits like 'Devadas', 'Sangam', Jewel Thief and many more.
Joining the stars of the 1950s was Sridevi, who made her entry in films as a child artist in 'Nam Naadu' in 1969 and gave hits like '16 Vayathinile' and 'Moondram Pirai' also became a star in Bollywood with films like 'Julie' (1975) as a child artist and blockbusters like Mr India, 'Lamhe', 'Judaai' and others. Rati Agnihotri, who was the heroine in Bharatiraja’s 'Pudhiya Vaarpukal' (1974) was part of Bollywood hits 'Shaukeen'(1982), 'Farz Aur Kanoon' (1982), 'Coolie' (1983) opposite Amitabh Bachchan.
Two of the Former Miss Worlds too started their career in Kollywood that made them reach stardom in Bollywood. Aishwarya Rai, who’s first film was Maniratnam’s 'Iruvar' (1999) in which she acted dual roles, became a star and stole the hearts of many with hits like 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Taal', 'Guru and 'Devdas'. Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra was the herione in Vijay‘s 'Thamizhan' (2002) and later she became one of the most sort after heroine in Bollywood after her hits 'Krissh', 'Don', 'Om Shanthi Om', 'Love Story 2050', 'Fashion' and 'Dostana'.
Today’s most popular heroines of Kollywood too have been part of Hindi films. Asin, being a part of the hit film 'Ghajini' might have been an old story but she now has another film on the offing, that of Vipul Shah’s Salman Khan starrer 'London Dreams'. Following her is Trisha, who made news last week by announcing her entry into Bollywood with the Akshay Kumar starrer 'Khatta Meeta'.
Kollywood’s sex bomb, Namitha debut film 'Engal Anna' in 2003 might have been a hit but she has been a part of the not so popular 'Love Ke Chakkar Mein' (2005). The heroine of Jayam, Sada too will be in Hindi films very soon with films 'Kalbali' , 'Love Khichdo', 'Click' and 'Dil' to 'Deewana Hai' being announced. Joining the bandwagon is Lekha Washington whose acting was critically acclaimed in the film 'Jayam Kondam'. Now she plays the lead lady in 'Peter Gaya Kaam Se'.
With many heroines chasing their dreams in Bollywood, Kollywood and Tamil film lovers can now expect many more to join the list.
Bollywood to Kollywood
At times, Bollywood too has been a gateway to Kollywood for few actors who later became crowning queens of Kollywood. Actor Khushboo, started her career in Hindi films with 'Thodisi Bewafaii' in 1980 and was the heroine of 'Laawaris'. But it was her stint in Kollywood with debut in 'Varusham 16' that made her a dream girl for many and the film lovers even erected a temple for the actor. Simran acted in two films 'Sanam Harjai' and 'Tere Mere Sapne' produced by Amitabh Bachachan’s ABC production company. Though she was not noticed then, her acting and dancing in her debut Tamil film 'Nerukku Ner' was much appreciated which led her to become one of the most popular actors in South. Jyothika was another lead lady who began her career in Hindi film 'Doli Saja Ke Rakhna' in 1998 starring Akshay Khanna. She later not only gave hits like 'Vaal'i, 'Vettaiyadu Vilayadu', 'Perazhagan' and 'Mozhi' but is also critically acclaimed for her acting skills.
Shriya Saran played the role of lead lady in 'Meri Kasam' in 2002. She might not have been noticed but is still one of the busiest actors down South with films including 'Kanthsamy', 'Kutty', J'aggubhai', 'Chikku Bukku' and 'Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai'. Isha Deol, daughter of Hema Malini might not have become that popular among the audience here but found a place in Mani Ratnam’s film 'Ayutha Ezhuthu'.
Heros and their stories
Kollywood heroes too have a dream of setting their foot in Bollywood and many stars have tried their luck in Hindi films. Superstar Rajinikanth might have been successful in the films he acted. He played hero in 'Andha Kanoon' but was not noticed. But he still appeared in 'Chaalbaaz', 'Uttar Dakshan', 'Geraftaar' and 'Hum'. Kamal Haasan’s first Hindi film was 'Ek Duuje Ke Liye'. Later he appeared in 'Saagar' for which he won filmfare award and 'Geraftaar'. He acted in Hindi till 1985.
Ultimate star Ajith played villain in the Shahrukh Khan starrer 'Ashoka' and Prashanth played hero in 'Anokha Prem Yudh' opposite Mamta Kulkarni. Actor Suriya has now joined the other Kollywood stars making his debut in Hindi film 'Rakta Charitra' directed by Ram Gopal Varma.
Not so good down South
While Kollywood and Bollywood have been a gateway for many actors, there are a few Tamilians who tried luck to make it in Kollywood but ultimately established themselves in Bollywood. The most unforgettable of them is Hemamalini, who tried in Tamil films and was rejected by yesteryear director Sridhar citing that she has no star appeal. She later became one of the most popular heroines in Bollywood. Actor Rekha, daughter of Tamil film actor Gemini Ganesan though wanted to follow her father’s footsteps in the Tamil industry landed in Bollywood and became a star. Actor Vidya Balan, who hails from a Tamil family too tried her luck down south, but only to make waves in Bollywood.
tejonmayam@epmltd.com