<p>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 actress Asin Thottumkal after a five-year stint in Hindi films.<br /><br /></p>.<p>"The south Indian film industry is more traditional. 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 told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.<br /><br />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".<br /><br />"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 actress who made a big name for herself in Tamil and Telugu films before she moved to Hindi cinema.<br /><br />Asin, who debuted opposite Aamir Khan in the 2008 hit "Ghajini", said Bollywood gives a chance to women in varied spheres.<br /><br />"On the sets, I see a lot of young women technicians, women camerapersons, hairdressers, makeup artists, dress designers, stage designers and technicians... It's not the same in the south," she said.<br /><br />The 27-year-old however feels the barrier between the two industries is slowly diminishing.<br /><br />Bollywood filmmakers have taken inspiration from Tamil and Telugu films and remade them in Hindi. "Yuva", "Singham", "Rowdy Rathore" and "Wanted" are some examples.<br />She is glad "the trend is growing at a fast pace".<br /><br />"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 original scripts," she added.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />She says she feels "blessed" that Hindi movie buffs had accepted her. "It's not easy."<br />"Those who migrate from Tollywood or Kollywood or freshers do not really get to work with A-listers. Working with them helps in growth. I am lucky. I worked with Aamir Khan and A.R. Rahman in my first film 'Ghajini'. But I have also put in a lot of hard work to be where I am today," she said.<br /><br />Before entering Hindi films, she was already a star in the south Indian film industry and featured in films like "Chakram", "Varalaru" and "Dasavathaaram".<br /><br />Apart from movies, the 27-year-old keeps herself busy with endorsements, but her wish list includes more Bollywood projects.<br /><br />Asked what kind of roles she was eyeing, Asin said: "I would like to do well-written fresh characters. So far I have played a fun loving girl-next-door. Now I would like to try something different, something more challenging and exciting."<br /><br />"Ready", "Housefull 2" and "Bol Bachchan" are some of her recent Hindi releases.<br />Many film stars are dabbling in television but the small screen is not for Asin.<br /><br />"I haven't thought about it. It's good that film personalities are appearing on TV as hosts or judges but I am not ready for it. I won't do it," she said.</p>
<p>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 actress Asin Thottumkal after a five-year stint in Hindi films.<br /><br /></p>.<p>"The south Indian film industry is more traditional. 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 told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.<br /><br />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".<br /><br />"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 actress who made a big name for herself in Tamil and Telugu films before she moved to Hindi cinema.<br /><br />Asin, who debuted opposite Aamir Khan in the 2008 hit "Ghajini", said Bollywood gives a chance to women in varied spheres.<br /><br />"On the sets, I see a lot of young women technicians, women camerapersons, hairdressers, makeup artists, dress designers, stage designers and technicians... It's not the same in the south," she said.<br /><br />The 27-year-old however feels the barrier between the two industries is slowly diminishing.<br /><br />Bollywood filmmakers have taken inspiration from Tamil and Telugu films and remade them in Hindi. "Yuva", "Singham", "Rowdy Rathore" and "Wanted" are some examples.<br />She is glad "the trend is growing at a fast pace".<br /><br />"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 original scripts," she added.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />She says she feels "blessed" that Hindi movie buffs had accepted her. "It's not easy."<br />"Those who migrate from Tollywood or Kollywood or freshers do not really get to work with A-listers. Working with them helps in growth. I am lucky. I worked with Aamir Khan and A.R. Rahman in my first film 'Ghajini'. But I have also put in a lot of hard work to be where I am today," she said.<br /><br />Before entering Hindi films, she was already a star in the south Indian film industry and featured in films like "Chakram", "Varalaru" and "Dasavathaaram".<br /><br />Apart from movies, the 27-year-old keeps herself busy with endorsements, but her wish list includes more Bollywood projects.<br /><br />Asked what kind of roles she was eyeing, Asin said: "I would like to do well-written fresh characters. So far I have played a fun loving girl-next-door. Now I would like to try something different, something more challenging and exciting."<br /><br />"Ready", "Housefull 2" and "Bol Bachchan" are some of her recent Hindi releases.<br />Many film stars are dabbling in television but the small screen is not for Asin.<br /><br />"I haven't thought about it. It's good that film personalities are appearing on TV as hosts or judges but I am not ready for it. I won't do it," she said.</p>