Lekha Washington
It’s hard to spot a person who doesn’t know her. Beginning her career as a theatre artiste, Lekha Washington sprang to popularity in 2006, when she became a video jockey in SS Music. She hosted shows like PCO and Connect and stole the hearts of many. She began her film career by playing the lead role in the film Framed in 2007, a film directed by Chetan Shah. Anchoring the first IPL cricket tournament on Sony TV only got her more fans and fame. Lekha was noticed and appreciated for her role in the film Jayamkondaan, where she played Vinay’s sister. The film graduate from NID has been signed up for Jai-starrer 'Rakkozhi'. She has also made her entry into Bollywood, playing the lead lady in Peter Gaya Kaam Se.
Prajin
A dream since childhood has been fulfilled now. Prajin began his homework in acting when he was in class seven. While searching for a film offer, he auditioned for Sun Music and became a video jockey. Modeling and participation in Mr Chennai got him an offer in the Vijay TV serial 'Kadalikka Neramilai' and K Balachandar’s 'Idhu Oru Kadhal Kathai'. The serial got him not just fame but also a chance to achieve his dream of becoming a Kollywood hero. Director Prathap offered him the lead role in Sa Boo Three. His hardwork and the dream to achieve what he wants have got him more roles including that of a bad cop in the film 'Muthirai' and the hero in 'Mullum Malarum'. “Television was a platform for me to step into film industry. It has not just got me offers but also helped me in facing the camera and deliver dialogues confidently,” says Prajin.
Suguna
Acting in films was never really on her agenda but VJ Suguna of Sun Music eventually landed up in Kollywood with the 'Kudiyarasu'. “I never wanted to act in films. But when I got an offer, I knew it was a turning point in my career and I wanted to give it a shot,” she said. It was indeed a turning point in Suguna’s career as an actor. She is now acting in 'Nyabagangal', along with Pa Vijay. Acting in films and a few television serials, Suguna’s only dream now is to don a negative role in a film.
Ananda Kannan
Stealing the hearts of many with his wit, Anandha Kannan was a video jockey with Sun Music, right from its start in 2005. Dabbling in radio as well, Anandha Kannan is now acting in the film Ithanai Naalaai Engu Irunthaai directed by Balu. Though he never expected a movie offer to come his way, Anandha Kannan is now going with the flow and is honing his acting skills. He is also offered another role for a yet-to-be-announced film
Ranjeeth
Trying to enter the film industry since 1999, Ranjeeth did small roles in films 12B and 'Eh Nee Romba Azhaga Iruka' and later moved to modeling, waiting for four years to grab a good film offer. When Sun Music auditioned for video jockeys in 2006, Ranjeeth was chosen and there began his career as a VJ.
His looks and spontaneous speech made him won him prime time shows and Ranjeeth became a well-known face among the people. That got him an offer to play a role in Arasi. Both VJing and TV serials taught him the nuances of acting, which are now being put to practice in his first film as a hero. Ranjeeth is now playing the protagonist in Odum Megangale, a debut film by director NRN Chezhiyan. Shooting for the film is complete and postproduction work is on. “Though VJing is different from acting in films or serials, it has helped a great deal in the delivery of the dialogues as my conversation in TV is spontaneous,” he says, adding that talks are on for another film. “When I auditioned for films before working in TV, I was rejected because I wasn’t a well-known face among the audience. Now, people in the film industry don’t want me to continue in TV. So, if I get more offers in films, I will quit TV,” he signs off.
tejonmayam@epmltd.com