Although the south ladies have always been on top in hindi films right from the days of Vyjayantimala, Waheeda Rehman, Hema Malini and then Rekha , Jaya prada , Meenakshi Sheshadri , Sreedevi to Aishwarya Rai and now Deepika Padukone , the men have never had such luck in hindi films.
There was Ranjan in the good old days who acted in some films but did not go far, later Gemini Ganeshan did act in a couple of successful films like Miss mary,Devta , Suvarna Sundari but never got any offers other than south banners. The same was the case of Kamal Hasan and Rajnikant even Malayalam stars like Mammooty and others ! The only actor who was/is reasonably successful is Sunil Shetty. What could be the reson for this ?

I too feel that their Dravidian looks come in the way and may be to a certain extent their accent.Since ladies in Hindi films have to look good and do precious little , things are not so bad for them and in fact they were all very successful inspite of their accents ..

I too feel that their Dravidian looks come in the way and may be to a certain extent their accent.Since ladies in Hindi films have to look good and do precious little , things are not so bad for them and in fact they were all very successful inspite of their accents ..

But in Telugu film industry which is as big as Bollywood all the heroines are non - Telgu. Of course these female roles are drawing room show pieces. Histrionics are not necessary here.

I too feel that their Dravidian looks come in the way and may be to a certain extent their accent.Since ladies in Hindi films have to look good and do precious little , things are not so bad for them and in fact they were all very successful inspite of their accents ..

But in Telugu film industry which is as big as Bollywood all the heroines are non - Telgu. Of course these female roles are drawing room show pieces. Histrionics are not necessary here.

I guess barring a few handful of films, there is not much for the leading lady to do in Indian films ! At least in the seventies there was a period when some good film makers like Basu Chatterji, Govind Nihlani, Shyam Benegal and Basu Bhattacharya and Mani Ratnam gave substantial roles to the heroines and in all those films looks were only secondary ...

It is true that many actors from south could not become successful in Bollywood. However, Rajnikant and Kamal Hasan are the most successful actors.

It is true that many actors from south could not become successful in Bollywood. However, Rajnikant and Kamal Hasan are the most successful actors.

True. But their career in Bollywood did not last for a long time though they are highly talented.

It is true that many actors from south could not become successful in Bollywood. However, Rajnikant and Kamal Hasan are the most successful actors.

True. But their career in Bollywood did not last for a long time though they are highly talented.

Yes, their career cannot go for longer duration. Their way of clothing, way of talking and way of acting restrict them to become a big Bollywood stars.