“Cinema is a very versatile medium. To serve that medium, you have to be versatile; you have to know a lot of things.”Indian cinema has witnessed many actors expanding their creative journeys beyond acting. They have directed films, produced projects, written lyrics, sung songs and even contributed to the technical aspects of cinema.Here’s a look at some of the actors who have built successful careers by taking on more responsibilities in cinema.
Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is one of the most loved multi-talented stars of Indian cinema. He acted in more than 230 films in many languages. His achievements go beyond acting. Kamal Haasan directed acclaimed films like ‘Hey Ram’, ‘Virumaandi’ and ‘Vishwaroopam’. He also worked as a producer, screenwriter, lyricist, choreographer, editor and assistant director. Trained in advanced makeup techniques by Hollywood makeup legend Michael Westmore, she constantly pushes the boundaries of character transformation. As a playback singer and lyricist he has contributed many memorable songs including ‘Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan’, ‘Thenpandi Seemaayile’, ‘Inji Idupazhagi’ and others.Films like ‘Nayakan’, ‘Anbe Sivam’, ‘Dasavathaaram’ and ‘Vishwaroopam’ showed his range as an actor and filmmaker.
Thalapathy Vijay and: Dhanush
Thalapathy Vijay started his career as a child actor before becoming one of the biggest stars in Tamil cinema. He gave many commercial successes which include ‘Ghilli’, ‘Thuppakki’, ‘Mersal’, ‘Master’, ‘Leo’ and many more.Vijay has also made a mark as a playback singer in songs like ‘Google Google’, ‘Verithanam’ and ‘Na Ready’. All these songs became trend setters.Tamil actor Dhanush has also established himself as a complete filmmaker and with acclaimed performances in films like ‘Aadukalam’, ‘Pudhupettai’, ‘Karnan’, ‘Asuran’ and ‘Raanjhanaa’, he has built an inspiring career as a playback singer, lyricist, producer and director. His song ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ became an international sensation. Dhanush’s directorial films include ‘Pa. Pandi’, ‘Raayan’, ‘Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam’, ‘Idli Kadai’.
Prithviraj Sukumaran
Prithviraj Sukumaran consistently took on responsibilities beyond acting. Since making his debut in ‘Nandanam’ in 2002 he has given memorable performances in films like ‘Classmates’, ‘Vaasthavam’, ‘Celluloid’, ‘Ayalum Njanum Thammil’, ‘Ennu Ninte Moideen’, ‘Ezra’, ‘Ayyappanum Koshiyum’, ‘The more Goshiyum’, ‘The more Goshiyum Life’.He also established a successful career as a producer and director. His directorial debut, ‘Lucifer’, became a blockbuster and established him as a filmmaker. He has lent his voice as a playback singer for projects including “Kettille Kettille” from “Pokkiriraja”, “Puthiya Mugham”, “Premamennaal”, etc.Prithviraj recently shared his excitement after receiving an enthusiastic response to ‘Circus’, a song from his latest film ‘I, Nobody’. The track is composed by Jakes Bejoy with lyrics by Zeeba Tomy. It attracted attention because it was sung by actor Alankrita Menon Prithviraj’s 11-year-old daughter.Expressing his gratitude to X, Prithviraj wrote, “Thank you for the love, reviews and feedback on I, Nobody. ‘Circus’ from I, Nobody, composed by Jakes Bejoy, and written by Zeeba Tomy, is a very special song for us because it was sung by our little Ally, all of 11!”He also dedicated a heartfelt message to his daughter, adding, “Dear Ally, Mamma and Daada are so proud of the love and drive you have developed for music and we hope and pray that you will keep the fire burning forever.