One-film wonders

With filmmakers here constantly introducing new faces, actresses like Karishma Kotak, Anuradha Mehta, Siya Goutham, Bhanushree Mehra and Isha Sahani have been fortunate to have mega debuts in Tollywood.

And although they’ve been paired opposite a top star, in a big-budget film, none of them could build a successful career. Some became one film wonders, others acted in a couple of more films.

Not surprisingly, most of the actresses are imported from Mumbai, Delhi and other metros. Some have even managed to reach the top and rule the Telugu cinema while others struggled to find a decent project.

“When we sign on an actress, we look into several aspects. At the end of the day, talent matters,” says director Gunasekhar, who delivered blockbusters like Sogasu Chooda Tharama, Choodalani Vundi, Manoharam, Okkadu and the recent Rudhramadevi.

He introduced Bhanu Sri Mehra with the film Varudu (2010) opposite Allu Arjun. After her debut, she couldn’t find a single good project. Bhanu’s face was not used in the pre-publicity of the film.

“The makers wanted to create a buzz about the leading lady, so they didn’t show her face in any publicity poster,” says the source. That backfired for Bhanu Sri. Since the film didn’t do well and she didn’t get another chance to prove.

Anu Mehta too made her debut opposite Allu Arjun in a blockbuster film Arya, did another film Nuvvante Naakishtam with director EVV Satyanarayana and left the industry. Rumours were rife that she was fed up with the people’s attitude in the industry.