South sensations invade Bollywood

By Access rtCamp -

May 15, 2012 - 10:55 AM IST

For quite some time it had seemed that Asin and Genelia D'Souza are isolated cases of leading ladies from down South who have managed to make it big in Bollywood. However, not anymore since as many as half a dozen girls from South are all set to invade Bollywood with a promise of long run in the industry.

South sensations invade Bollywood

"It is unprecedented", comments an industry veteran, "For last couple of years it had seemed that South remakes was the only trend that was picking up. Now we are also importing girls with South roots into Hindi cinema. Never before have I seen such hurry on the part of Bollywood filmmakers to launch South girls in their cinema."

Some of the notable girls who are dreaming to make it big are Tamanna Bhatia, Ileana DCruz, Tapsee Pannu, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Nidhi Subbaiah who are already quite popular in regional cinema. In addition, there are also Madhu Shalini and Lakshmi Manchu who would be seen in this week's release Department.

"Till Nathalia Kaur came into picture, it was Madhu and Lakshmi who were hot on Ramu's wish-list. It has to be seen now how much of an impression these girls manage to make in his full-on macho affair like Department", a fellow filmmaker comments with a hint of reluctance in his voice.

However, there are no such doubts around others who are enjoying an author backed launch.

"Barfii has three prime protagonists and other than Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopta, there is Ileana Dcruz who features in an important part. I don't think Anurag Basu would repeat 'a Kangna' with her as was the case in Kites", says a source, "I am most confident about Tapsee Pannu though since she is the central element of Chashme Baddoor remake. Also, Nidhi Subbaiah should do well; Ajab Gazabb Love is a love story and the girl is an important part of it. It would be interesting to see though whether that film releases first or Oh! My God where she has a small part to play."

Samantha Ruth Prabhu doesn't have to worry about the length of her role though since Gautham Menon has huge confidence in her abilities after directing her in a South film. Now with Assi Nabey Poore Sau, he intends to give her a good Bollywood launch.

A filmmaker reasons, "The South-North divide has gone. A good actress is what you need." No wonder, Sajid Khan seems to have zeroed in on Tamanna Bhatia for his remake of Himmatwala. Though an official statement is yet to be released, she may could well be jigging to the tune of 'Naino Mein Sapna' opposite Ajay Devgn.

With Kajal Agarwal (of Singham fame) already extending her Bollywood run with Special Chabbis (even as Trisha seems to have found contentment in South only after her Bollywood flirtation with Khatta Meetha), one waits to see superstar heroines like Anushka Shetty, Nayanthara bite the bait as well and get ready for their Bollywood sojourn. Last one heard, they are already being wooed by the bigwigs from Bollywood and it is about time that an announcement would be on its way.