JOIN USSandalwood still hasn’t shaken off its obsession with actresses from other film industries.
Whether it’s for item numbers or even lead roles, film-makers take great pride in announcing that they have included heroines from other industries in their movies.
There was a time when this fact would pinch Kannada actresses but now, they seem to have made peace with the issue.
In fact, they have tried their hand at working in other industries themselves.
Be it Sharmila Mandre, Nidhi Subbaiah, Pranita or even Ramya, these actresses
have all ventured out of Sandalwood.
The fact is that many within the industry believe that working in a film of a different language gives actresses more scope to experiment here in Sandalwood.
A popular film actress, on the condition of anonymity, says that it was only when she started working in the Tamil film industry that more opportunities started opening up here.
“I had done a couple of Kannada movies earlier but at that time, I was making a slow progress. But now that I have gone out of the industry and worked in other films,
the roles that I am getting here are far more intense.
It’s sad that film-makers see our talent only when we step out,” she adds.
Neettoo, who has worked in ‘Photographer’, a Malayalam film that also starred Mohanlal, agrees with this theory to a certain extent.
“But it’s not always the case. The movie you have worked in should be a hit — only then can you come back to the industry for a higher renumeration and
better opportunities. Sustenance is the key here,” she adds.
Pranita, who has done her share of good Tamil and Kannada movies, says that things were different for her.
“I started my career with a huge hit like Pokiri. I already had recognition in this industry as well as in Tamil films. So, I don’t think there is any short-cut formula to get better
visibility in Kannada films,” she says.
The experience is something most of them cherish. “Working in another industry does give you a good learning experience and helps widen your audience,” adds Pranita.
Actress Shubha Punja, who has never acted in any other film industry, says,
“It’s not about which industry you go to. It’s about sustaining yourself
and delivering good performances. Then, things will fall into place,” she sums up.