Bharathiraja took Tamil cinema by storm when he debuted with the movie 16 Vayathinile. He introduced a different kind of films to the Tamil audience which dealt with rural and social issues. His movies were path breaking and this was the first time entire movies were shot outdoors and not inside studios. His movies have been widely appreciated, making him one of the best directors that Tamil cinema ever had! Bharathiraja who had an eye for picking talents, is known for introducing some of the best heroines during the 80’s. His prodigies have held his name high in the world of Indian cinema. We pick 5 of his heroines who have left an ever lasting impact.
RADHIKA
Bharathiraja introduced teenager Radhika Sarathkumar with the movie Kizhake Pogum Rail. The story was set in the backdrop of small village which had a connecting rail network. The love story of Radhika in the movie was a long distance one with the couple communicating to each other by writing on the train. This film too dealt with caste, religion and race.
RADHA
Alaigal Oivathilai, the path breaking movie about inter-religion marriage, had Radha play the role of a rich Christian girl who falls in love with a poor Hindu boy. Bharathiraja introduced Radha to the Tamil audience with this movie. Later he cast Radha in the cult classic Mudhal Mariyadhai with had the great Shivaji Ganesan play the lead role. This love story was between a old man and a young girl in the most non-lustful way.
REVATHI
Bharathiraja introduced another terrific talent, Revathi with the another cult classic Mann Vasanai. Revathi played a innocent village girl with simple wishes. This tragic love story was a blockbuster hit and took Revathi to heights. We should talk about the R connect here. Bharathiraj had an affinity to the letter R and named the heroines he introduced starting with R. Revathi original name is Asha Kutty Nair. Also actress Radha name is Udaya Chandrika.
SRIDEVI
Sridevi is the most memorable of Bharathiraja’s heroines. She acted in his debut movie and the cult classic, 16 Vayathinile along with Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. She portrayed the role of a 16-year-old school girl, Mayil. The movie was about the strengths and weaknesses of the protagonist played by Sridevi. She stole the show and is still remembered for her performance.
AMALA
Bharathiraja chose Amala to play the role of a Brahmin girl in the movie, Vedham Pudhidhu which dealt with the caste system in rural Tamil Nadu. She struck a cord with the audience by her portrayal of the poignant girl who loses her family and the love of her life.