Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan, Katrina Kaif: Other Bollywood Actors Who Made Their Debut in South Films Way Before Akshay Kumar in 2.0 (Watch Videos)

Bollywood fans are going gaga over Akshay Kumar's quirky appearance in upcoming film 2.0. The Rajinikanth and Amy Jackson starrer has him as a antagonist (crow man) who has given a new look for the flick. This being his debut in the South film industry, the hype around it is pretty much high! However, this is not the first time that a Bollywood star entered the South zone to feature in the films. Actors like Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Katrina Kaif are already on the list, way before Akki!

Although, it might be noted that these actors mostly experimented with the roles in the South films, before making it big in Bollywood. Most of them took the opportunity as the ladder to success in B-town but that does not take away their contribution to the industry, does it? Here are some of the names that you might or might not know, who already worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu or Malayalam films.

Deepika Padukone- Before waving her hand in Bollywood as Shanti in Om Shanti Om, she was a part of a Kannada film named Aishwarya. However, she got her claim to fame only after her Hindi debut in the SRK starrer. She also featured in a Rajinikanth starrer animated film 'Kochadaiiyaan'.

Katrina Kaif- The barbie doll of Bollywood first started with the South Indian films. Before setting her foot in B-town, she worked in Telugu and Malayalam flicks like Malliswari, Allari Pidugu, and Balram vs Tharadas.

Sushmita Sen- The Miss Universe 1994 has also done a few films down South. Her performance in 1997 Tamil Ratchagan was applauded by the critics and masses. The Bong beauty also had a short role in a Tamil film Mudhalvan.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan- After bagging the Miss World title, she debuted in the films through Tamil flick Iruvar 1997. She also featured in other films like Jeans, Kandukondain Kandukondain, Raavanan, and Enthiran.

Irrfan Khan- The talented star has not only worked in Hindi and Hollywood films but has also worked in a Telugu film. He was seen in Sainikudu in the character of Pappu Yadav in 2006.

Priyanka Chopra- Did you know that the global icon started her acting and singing debut through Tamil film Thamizhan? She lent her voice as a playback singer right at the start of her career to through this film's song named "Ullathai Killathe." She also did a bilingual film (Hindi and Telugu) named Zanjeer later on.

Well, these are just a few examples of the times when the Bollywood stars made a humble beginning through the industry. However, when it comes to Akshay Kumar, the anticipation over his debut his huge as he is an already established actor, which makes the whole thing a grand affair! Tell us if you have watched any of these films listed above and how did you find them.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 28, 2018 08:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).