From the start of her acting career, Genelia D'Souza has had the best of both worlds – Bollywood and Downsouth.
Can you think of any actress who began her acting career with films in three different languages? Or recall an actress who left Bollywood for South and returned with a bang after a gap of years? Genelia qualifies the distinction of being such an actress.
The year was 2003. A sprightly, bubbly Genelia made her acting debut in Bollywood with ‘Tujhe Meri Kasam’. And downsouth she worked simultaneously in two films – ‘Boys’ in Tamil and ‘Satyam’ in Telugu.
After she tasted success in Bollywood with Masti Genelia did something no one expected. She moved away from Bollywood and began doing films in Tamil and Telugu, becoming one of the most sought-after heroines downsouth. And with blockbusters like Bommarillu under her belt, Genelia looked well ensconced in her niche in south, but destiny had other plans for her.
Abbas Tyrewala decided to cast her in his directorial debut Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na opposite Imran Khan despite initially wanting to introduce a new face in the film. Abbas found Genelia “most suited for the role because of her unique exuberance”.
The same goes for Priyadarshan who cajoled Genelia to end her self-chosen sabbatical from Bollywood and act in his comedy film Mere Baap Pehle Aap opposite Akshaye Khanna .
And now that Genelia is reviving her Bollywood career, offers have already begun pouring in for the gal.
To start with, she has signed a multi-starrer comedy with Govinda and Fardeen Khan . She will also be Harman Baweja ’s leading lady in a film to be directed by Anees Bazmee . The movie, titled It's My Life is the Hindi remake of her Telugu hit ‘Bommarillu’.
From Bollywood to South to Bollywood. Genelia has come a full circle.
