From Santhanam to Vani Bhojan: Movie stars who started their careers on Tamil TV​

Getting stardom and enjoying fame is like a dream come true to many. While some struggle hard to earn fame, some are fortunate enough to earn stardom with their controversies and stints on television. Here are some of the Tamil celebs who shot to fame with their stints on television.

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Santhanam developed his signature humour skills during his days at Lollu Sabha. From a TV comedian to playing a hero, Santhanam's journey has been a spectacular one. But many do not know that the actor had a humble beginning in a local tele-caller show called 'Pondicherry'.

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The list would never be complete without Sivakarthikeyan’s transition from a stand-up comedian to a superstar. Sivakarthikeyan's performance as a contestant in Kalakkapovathu Yaaru earned him much recognition. Pretty soon, he started anchoring shows and became a blockbuster star in his own right.

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The ‘Jawan’ actor has featured in the TV serial ‘Penn,’ which aired from February to November 2006. Vijay Sethupathi was also a part of Nalaya Iyakkunar. The show was more like a short film competition.

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Actor Dinesh too began his career with TV serial ‘Penn’ where he played the role of actress Seetha’s son.

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Sai Pallavi went from being a contestant in various dance reality shows, including Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhu Deva, to a South Indian celebrity crush. The actress made her debut in the Malayalam movie Premam which led her to become a prowess across Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam.

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Actor-director Samuthirakani would often make an appearance in the cult show, Ramani Vs Ramany. He has also played numerous roles in TV shows, including Arasi, Anni and others.

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Priya Bhavani Shankar started her career as a news presenter. The actress made her acting debut in the popular daily soap Kalyanam Mudhal Kadhal Varai. She also appeared in other shows like Jodi Number One Season 5, Super Singer Senior Season 5, and Kings of Dance Season 1. Then she shifted her career to the film industry, Priya Bhavani Shankar made her film debut in the film Meyaadha Maan.

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He started his career as an actor in the TV show 'Kana Kaanum Kalangal Kalloori Saalai.' Rio also worked as a video jockey, hosting daytime shows such as Kaloorikalam, Suda Suda Chennai, and Free Ah Vidu among others. Rio acted in the lead role in the third season of the popular daily soap, Saravanan Meenatchi between 2016 and 2018. Later, he made his lead role in a feature film through the comedy-drama, Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu Odu Raja (2019), produced by actor Sivakarthikeyan. The film opened to mixed reviews, with a critic noting he makes a "decent debut". And also he participated in the reality show Bigg Boss Tamil 4.

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Karthik started his acting career with the TV show, Kana Kaanum Kaalangal Kallooriyin Kadhai (2011-2012), where he essayed the character Karthikeyan. He participated in Jodi Number One Season 7 with actress Nancy Jennifer. In 2017, Karthik essayed the role of Adithyaa in the Tamil daily soap Sembaruthi alongside newcomer Shabana Shajahan. The serial made Karthik a household name. Later Karthik stepped into the film, he made his debut in the film Mugilan along with actress Ramya Pandian.

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Kavin began his career with the TV series Saravanan Meenatchi, where he played the character Vaettayan. He also participated in Bigg Boss. After that, the actor acted in various films like Lift, Dada to name a few.

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Ashwin Kumar started his career with a reality show, Cook with Comali. He was paired opposite Sivaagi and won many hearts. Ashwin made his debut in the Tamil film 'Enna Solla Pogirai’.

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Ramya Pandian went from anchoring small events to being a contestant in the reality show Cook with Comali. Cook with Comali. She was the second runner-up of the show. Ramaya also made her presence felt in 'Bigg Boss Tamil'. Eventually, she stepped into the movie industry. The actress received wide recognition for her acting skills in Joker and Aan Devathai.

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The ravishing actress participated as a contestant on the dancing reality show 'Maanada Mayilada'. Later she shifted her career into acting. The charming actress made her debut in the film Attakathi.

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Vani Bhojan played the role of Sathyapriya in the show Deivamagal. She also participated in various reality shows. Later, Vani shifted her career to the film industry. Vani Bhojan made her film debut in the film Oh My Kadavule she acted along with actor Ashok Selvan.

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