The reel race to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

If you have turned on a Tamil or a Telugu television channel, and are wondering about the actresses acting in the soap or even judging a reality show, there is a universal Kannada connect! You might have seen them previously acting in Kannada shows and serials. Among the current lot, many actresses who are essaying lead characters in Tamil and Telugu tele-serials are from the Kannada industry. While acting certainly has no boundaries nor is it limited to one language, there are other factors which also play a major role in small screen actresses from Kannada choosing or being chosen to act in other south Indian language TV ventures. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.

Unlike their counterparts from cinema, where the percentage of actresses who hail from other language industries are high in numbers, the beautiful small screen wonders are more in demand in TV projects and garner far better prospects, including remuneration, reach and popularity. Actress Kavya Shastry, a popular TV personality and anchor, who started her small screen venture with Kannada soap Shubha Vivaha, went on to do a Tamil serial Mahalakshmi which completed a year of telecast and two more appearances in Telugu soaps as well. She says, “Apart from seeking better opportunities to work, one of the most important and vital factors behind a majority of actresses from the Kannada industry working in other language ventures, is better pay and treatment. Also, they tend to choose talent from Kannada because of our dedication, and also the time factor which is critical in small screen ventures. With better pay and the best of treatment, there are hardly any other special demands and this makes it comfortable to work with actresses hailing from Kannada,” says Kavya.

Infact she adds, “Why would anyone demand for more anything else when they are getting paid at least three times more than what they get paid locally?” Even, actress Anusha Rai, who acted in Tamil serial Vani Rani agrees with Kavya. “Honestly, I chose to do other language serials because I prefer working in all languages. In addition to better pay, the reach is tremendous. With higher TRPs, and audiences that are so addicted to the soaps and shows, it gives an edge to actresses who work in Tamil and Telugu projects.”

This particular actress has her bag full. Meghana Gowda is busy juggling Kannada serial Avalu with her latest Telugu serial Swarnakhadgam. The actress feels that different subjects and experiences keep her interested. Kavya also feels that the dubbing process helps matters. “If an actor is able to read from prompts, it is easy to manage, and eventually one learns the language through frequent interactions. Also, usually, new faces are cast in Kannada serials, and once the serial gets over, a new face is chosen for a different project, which is another major factor for actresses turning to other languages,” she adds.