The Southern Sirens!

Yesterday, when I heard Hema Malini’s condolence message on the demise of Jayalalithaa, she mentioned that the two of them had started off their career in films together. Also coincidently was the fact that both were (Hema Malini still is) in the field of politics. Well, maybe, that might not be such a coincidence given the number of people with a background in films who make into politics in India - acting here or there, makes no difference!

Anyway, that aside, Hema Malini’s statement triggered the idea for this post - a tribute to all those lovely ladies from the South of India who made it big in Hindi films. Armed with the trademark large eyes and chiseled features (nose included), the much required dancing talent, loads of grace and oodles of confidence, these ladies created a niche for themselves in films that weren’t in their mother-tongue.

Waheeda Rehman was born in Tamil Nadu. Trained in dance, she was a stage performer before she made her foray into Telugu films and subsequently into Hindi films. 

Here are two of my favourites:

(When I visited Chittorgarh, I made it a point to walk on the wall that she does in the picturisation!)

Padmini, hailed from Kerala. Padmini, along with her sisters, were referred to as the ‘Travancore Sisters’. Trained in Bharathnatyam, she had acted in films in the South Indian languages - Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, too. On screen, she exuded an innocence that was very endearing. Her niece, Shobhana, is an actress as well as an accomplished dancer dancer.

Vyjayanthimala was trained in Carnatic classical music as well as Bharathnatyam. Born in Tamil Nadu, she made her debut in the film world though a Tamil movie and went on to becoming one of the most popular actresses of her time in the Hindi film industry.

Hema Malini was born in Tamil Nadu and spent her early childhood in New Delhi. (My aunt, who goes by the same name was her classmate!). It was to pursue her passion for dance that she moved back to Chennai (then Madras). It was through a Tamil film that she made her entry into the world of movies (this was the movie in which she acted alongside Jayalalithaa). She made her debut in Hindi films with Sapno ka Saudagar at the age of 16. From there, it was no looking back for this young girl who came to be known as ‘Dream Girl’! She entered the echelons of politics, first as a member of the Rajya Sabha and then as a Member of the Lok Sabha. 

Rekha, born Bhanurekha, is the daughter of the yesteryear Tamil star, Gemini Ganesan. Initially, dismissed for being dark and plump for an actress, she worked hard and proved her critics wrong. She won the National Award for her portrayal of the courtesan, Umrao Jaan, in a movie by the same name. She was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha. 

Jayaprada hails from Andhra Pradesh. Trained in Kuchipudi, her entry into films was through a three minute song-dance sequence. She went on to make a name for herself in movies in the South Indian languages. (When I lived, as a teenager, in Machilipatnam for a few years I had managed to learn some Telugu, I had watched many of her films!) She then acted in Hindi and even Bengali films. Jayaprada entered the world of politics in 1994 and has since played an active role in the field, having been elected as a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha.

Sridevi started her career as a child artiste in South Indian films. She became a rage despite those ‘thunder thighs’. Known for her spontaneity, she was an excellent dancer and actress and could act in a movie like Moondram Pirai (Sadma in Hindi) with as much ease as a movie like Chaalbaaz or Chandni. Such was her versatility! Her large, expressive eyes are best described as “two drops of coffee in a could of milk” (from English Vinglish)!

Shilpa Shetty was born and brought up in Mumbai but has roots in Karnataka. She is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer. Winner of the Big Brother, she briefly had interests in the sport of cricket. 

Aishwarya Rai was born in Mangalore, Karnataka. I don’t think I need say anything more about this absolutely beautiful lady!

Deepika Padukone is from my home city - Bengaluru! The daughter of badminton star Prakash Padukone, was also a badminton champion herself. He made her debut in acting with a Kannada film.