“Film is a very versatile medium. To serve the medium, you have to be versatile; you have to know a lot of things.”Indian cinema has witnessed several actors extending their creative journey beyond acting. They directed the film, produced the project, wrote the lyrics, sang the songs, and even contributed to the technical aspects of the film.Here are some actors who have made successful careers by holding multiple responsibilities in the film industry.
Kamal Hassan
Kamal Haasan is one of the most popular and versatile stars of the Indian film industry. He has appeared in more than 230 multilingual films. His achievements go far beyond acting. Kamal Haasan has directed critically acclaimed films such as “Hey Ram”, “Virumaandi” and “Vishwaroopam”. He has also worked as a producer, screenwriter, lyricist, choreographer, editor and assistant director. He received training in advanced makeup techniques from Hollywood makeup legend Michael Westmore and continues to push the boundaries of character transformation. As a playback singer and lyricist, he has composed many memorable songs including “Kamanani Anbodu Kadhalan”, “Thenpandi Seemaayile”, “Inji Idupazhagi” etc.Films like “Nayakan”, “Anbe Sivam”, “Dasavathaaram” and “Vishwaroopam” showcased his talent as an actor and filmmaker.
Tarapati Vijay and Danush
Thalapathy Vijay started his career as a child artist and went on to become one of the biggest stars in the Tamil film industry. He has achieved several commercial successes, including “Ghilli”, “Thuppakki”, “Mersal”, “Master”, “Leo”, etc.Vijay also became a playback singer with songs like “Google Google”, “Verithanam” and “Na Ready”. All these songs became trendsetters.Tamil actor Dhanush has also established himself as a complete filmmaker, with a career as a playback singer, lyricist, producer, apart from critically acclaimed performances in films like ‘Aadukalam’, ‘Pudhupettai’, ‘Karnan’, ‘Asuran’ and ‘Raanjhanaa’. His song “Why This Kolaveri Di” became an international sensation. Dhanush’s films include Pa. Pandi”, “Raayan”, “Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam”, “Idli Kadai”.
Prithviraj Sukumaran
Prithviraj Sukumaran has always taken on responsibilities other than acting. Since his debut with ‘Nandanam’ in 2002, he has given memorable performances in films like ‘Classmate’, ‘Vaasthavam’, ‘Celluloid’, ‘Ayalum Njanum Thammil’, ‘Ennu Ninte Moideen’, ‘Ezra’, ‘Ayyappanum Koshiyum’, ‘Goat Life’, ‘Salaar’ and many more.He also built a successful career as a producer and director. His directorial debut, Lucifer, was a blockbuster hit and established him as a filmmaker. He has provided vocals as a playback singer for projects like “Pokkiriraja”, “Puthiya Mugham”, “Kettille Kettill” among others.Prithviraj recently shared his excitement after receiving an inspiring response to the song ‘Circus’ from his latest film ‘I, Nobody’. The song was composed by Jakes Bejoy and lyrics by Zeeba Tomy. The song attracted attention because it was sung by the actor’s 11-year-old daughter Alankrita Menon Prithviraj.Expressing his gratitude toHe also expressed his heartfelt thanks to his daughter, adding: “Dear Ellie, Mom and Dada are so proud of the passion and drive you’ve fostered in your music, and we hope and pray you keep that fire burning forever. Thank you to ‘Uncle Jakes’ for trusting her with this incredible song and guiding her throughout the process.”
