16 South Indian Actors Who Took Bollywood By Storm

south indian actors

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Bollywood takes major inspiration from South Indian film industry. It has picked up not just blockbusters for remakes, but also artists who ended up carving a niche for themselves here as well! While the actors have strengthened our belief that tall, dark and handsome men do exist, the actresses have redefined exotic beauty from time to time. Here are some of the top actors from South, who made it big in Bollywood, giving tough competition to their contemporaries. Jo bhi kar lo, but Bollywood actors cannot quite imitate the 'swag' of their South Indian counterparts in Hindi remakes. Oh, we just love them, don't we?

1. Madhavan

madhavan

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Hands-down, he is the most favourite among all the others. From the chocolate-boy in RHTDM to the boxing coach in Saala Khadoos, Madhavan has proven his versatility. He was spotted by Mani Ratnam on television, and that's where his cinematic journey began. While maintaining a footing in the South, he also kept churning out remarkable Hindi films like Rang De Basanti, 3 Idiots and Tanu Weds Manu.

2. Siddharth

siddharth

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My heart goes to Siddharth. He not only stole my heart but many others' as well, with his rebellious act in Rang De Basanti. He might be choosy about Hindi films, but we know many Bollywood projects are served to him on a platter. Sid, we request you to sign one real soon. The wait is getting too long now. Till then, we will quench our desire by watching his dubbed Tamil and Telugu films!

3. Asin

asin

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She was already a super successful actress in Tamil and Telugu cinema, before stepping into Bollywood. And as big was her name, she chose an equally big dream debut with Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini, for which she swept almost all awards that year. Even though her Bollywood career boasts of just a handful number of films but she has already worked with superstars Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan.

4. Genelia D'Souza

genelia

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After a failed 2003 debut Tujhe Meri Kasam, Genelia moved down South and hit the box office with a bang. She established herself as a leading actress in Telugu cinema, before returning back to Bollywood with our all time favourite teen film Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. Whatever she does, her infectious laughter takes the biggest award. 

5. Kamal Haasan

kamal haasan

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One of the biggest names in our list, Kamal Haasan has done equal wonders in Hindi movies with films like Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Sadma, Saagar and Chachi 420. Four National Film Awards and 19 Filmfare Awards down, do we still need to tell you why he is an integral part of our cinema legacy? Guess not!

6. Shruti Haasan

shruti

cineforest

Like father, like daughter. Though she is yet to give a blockbuster in Bollywood, we give her brownie points for her hotness and singing talent. She shows spark and we are still waiting for her big film.

7. Dhanush

dhanush

timesofindia

There isn't anyone who didn't swoon on his Kolaveri Di despite not understanding the lyrics. That's the magic Tamil superstar Dhanush had. He captured everyone's imagination with Raanjhanaa and then Shamitabh. Rajinikanth's son-in-law is so talented that he has been offered a leading role in a big Hollywood film opposite Uma Thurman

8. Shriya Saran

shriya

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She is one actress who not just rules the throne in Tamil and Telugu movies, but has also made a mark whenever she has appeared in a Bollywood film. Her Awarapan and Drishyam are my personal favourite. What about you? 

9. Prakash Raj

prakash raj

iflickz

He is so good in playing bad! He is one of the most sought after actors to play negative roles in South Indian films. And his impression in Bollywood is no different. He prefers to take up big projects and has been appreciated for films like KhakeeWantedSingham, Buddha Hoga Tera Baap and Dabanng 2.

10. Tamannaah Bhatia

tammanah

in.com

After a flop Bollywood debut, she went down South and made it big. Then she returned to Hindi films with Himmatwala and some more which failed again. But her hopping between various film industries landed her Baahubali. Her profile is stronger than anyone else' today, after being a part of this magnum opus which is touted as the biggest Indian film till date.

11. Suriya

suriya

moviecrow

When he did Rakta Charitra in Bollywood, he took away much critical acclaim that year. He might be a superstar in the Tamil industry, but we yearn to see him more in Hindi films. Who can help but not fall for those looks?

12. Kajal Agrawal

kajal agrawal

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After impressing in Tamil and Telugu films, she did Singham and Special 26. Both did well for her. Slowly yet steadily, she is not shying away from signing more Bollywood projects. 

13. Rana Daggubati

rana daggubati

deccanchronicle

He entered Bollywood with a bang in Dum Maaro Dum. Then he did Department, Baby and a lovely cameo in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. And all this while he kept his footing in Telugu cinema. His personality and chiseled physique impressed all. And then he played Bhallala in Baahubali. Do we need to say more?

14. Trisha Krishnan

trisha

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With a super successful career in South, the siren debuted in Akshay Kumar film Khatta Meetha. He exotic looks are to die for. Trisha please visit Bollywood sometime soon!

15. Ileana D'Cruz

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filmfare

She entered Bollywood with Barfi, but only after making a strong base in Telugu industry. She has been only taking up Hindi projects ever since. Go girl!

16. Rajinikanth

rajinikanth

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We save the best for the last! Rajini Sir is "Thalaivar". Often called the demi-God, he has blessed Bollywood by taking up Hindi projects like Geraftaar, Chaalbaaz, Hum and Bulandi. But we prefer his dubbed Tamil films more. Actually, we just want to see him onscreen. Language is no bar!

Do you wish to include some more actors in this list? Let us know in the comments below.