9 Tamil Heroes Who Made A Mark In Telugu Cinema

Superstar Rajinikanth who is a demi-god in Tamil Nadu enjoys popularity cutting across countries and continents, including Japan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Thalaiva, as he is affectionately referred to by his fans, has strong market and commands huge following in Telugu as well. His foray into Telugu films began with the 1976 movie Anthu Leni Katha directed by his mentor Balachander. The dubbed versions in Telugu were as successful as his Tamil films. Some of his blockbusters in Telugu are Muthu, Dalapathi, Arunachalam, Narasimha and Chandramukhi.

Kamal Haasan has become a household name with the release of the Balachander directorial Maro Charitra which ran for more than a year in Andhra Pradesh. In fact, Kamal himself said on many occasions that he had become a national star, thanks to Telugu people. With his performances in classics like Akali Rajyam, Sagara Sangamam and Swati Mutyam, Kamal has secured a permanent place in the hearts of the Telugu audience. Nayakudu, Vichitra Sodarulu, Bharateeyudu, Drohi, Micheal Madana Kama Raju and Viswaroopam are some of his memorable films in Telugu.

Prema Lekha has earned a legion of female fans for Thala Ajith. Winner of three Filmfare Awards, Ajith who was born in Secunderabad, who started out as a car mechanic before entering films featured in the Forbes’ list of India’s Top Celebrities in 2014. His movies like Aasa Aasa Aasa, Vali, Priyuralu Pilichindi and Gambler went on to become superhits in Telugu. Also his films like Billa which were remade in Telugu struck gold at the box-office.

Chiyaan Vikram became a sensation in Andhra Pradesh with the release of Aparichitudu in 2005. The movie went on to become the biggest hit of 2005. But Vikram has previously acted in Telugu in the 90s in films like Bangaru Kutumbam, which also starred the legendary ANR. Iconic Tamil movie Pithamagan was dubbed into Telugu as Sivaputrudu which became a decent hit in Telugu as well. Post the release of Aparichitudu, Vikram started commanding a great following in Telugu, thanks to his performances in Villain, Naanna and Mallanna.

Suriya who established himself as an actor with films like Pithamagan, Perazhagan and Kaakha Kaakha became popular in Telugu with the release of his 2005 film Ghajini directed by A.R. Murugadoss. Subsequently, all his films were dubbed in Telugu and released simultaneously with the Tamil versions. Surya S/O Krishnan, Raktha Charitra, Yamudu, Nuvvu Nenu Prema and 7th sense are some of his memorable films in Telugu.

It is indeed an irony that Vishal Krishna Reddy, who was born to Telugu parents in Chennai became successful in Kollywood. He had become famous in Telugu with his dubbed films. The 2005 blockbuster Pandem Kodi has catapulted Vishal into the league of big stars. Ever since, his movies like Salute, Pistha, Bharani and Jayasurya have been released and were successful at the Telugu box-office.

Karthi has followed his brother Suriya’s footsteps and earned fame in Telugu with his 2010 movie Awara which also stars Tamanna Bhatia. With the likes of Yuganiki Okkadu and Naa Peru Shiva, Karthi has entrenched his position as a bankable star in Telugu.

National Award winner Dhanush who made his debut in 2002 is known for his intense performances in films like Aadukulam had become a national phenomenon with the song Kolaveri Di in the movie 3. Kolaveri Di was a sensation on the Internet and was quite famous with the Telugu audience even before 3 movie was released. Incidentally, 3 was his first film to be dubbed into Telugu and went on to become a superhit. Raghuvaran B. Tech, the Telugu version of the 2014 blockbuster VIP has made Dhanush a crowd-puller in Telugu.

Jiiva is another Telugu lad who was born and brought up in Chennai. Born to producer R.B. Chowdary, Jeeva who made his debut in Tamil has become a known face in Telugu with Rangam. Known for his performances in films like E, Dishyum and Kattradu Tamizh, movies like Vachchadu Gelichadu have made him an established star in Tollywood as well.