The southern film industry is far more traditional than Bollywood, which caters to a wider audience and gives opportunities to women in technical fields, says actor Asin Thottumkal after a five-year stint in Hindi films.
“The south Indian film industry is more traditional and this reflects in their work. The cultural differences, language and approach are completely different, while Bollywood is more open and caters to a wider audience,” Asin said.
There is another key difference, she added. Down south “people are ready to accept you the way you are. They appreciate and value simplicity. You don’t have to wear make-up or be in your glamorous image when you make public appearances”.
“Whereas in Bollywood, it’s about creating a star image, a style quotient that you have to carry throughout. You have to be in the glamorous image all the time,” said the actor, who made a big name for herself in Tamil and Telugu films before she moved to Hindi cinema.
Asin, who debuted opposite Aamir Khan in the 2008 hit Ghajini, said Bollywood gives a chance to women in varied spheres.
“On the sets, I see a lot of young women technicians, women camera persons, hairdressers, make-up artists, dress designers, stage designers and technicians — it’s not the same in the south,” she said.
The 27-year-old, however, feels that the barrier between the two industries is slowly diminishing.
Bollywood film-makers have taken inspiration from Tamil and Telugu films and remade them in Hindi. Yuva, Singham, Rowdy Rathore and Wanted are some examples.
She is glad “the trend is growing at a fast pace”.
“The main purpose is to entertain viewers and that is undoubtedly being done. I also like the fact that a lot of young writers and directors are coming in with fresh and original scripts,” she added.
Aamir, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar…Asin has romanced some of the top-notch actors of Hindi cinema on the big screen in the last five years and says teaming up with big names helps in growth.
She feels “blessed” that Hindi movie buffs have accepted her. “It’s not easy,” she added.
“Those who migrate from Tollywood or Kollywood or freshers do not really get to work with A-listers,” she said. “Working with them helps in growth. I am lucky. I worked with Aamir Khan and AR Rahman in my first film Ghajini. But I have also put in a lot of hard work to be where I am today.”
“I would like to do well-written fresh characters. So far, I have played the fun loving girl-next-door. Now, I would like to try something more challenging and exciting,” she said, about the roles she wishes to play.
Ready, Housefull 2 and Bol Bachchan are some of her recent Hindi releases.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 28th, 2013.
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