Tamil cinema as well as Indian cinema has been enriched by the contribution of the Tamil actresses during various eras. The expertise of the Tamil actresses is at par with that of the Tamil actors. Tamil movie actresses with their powerhouse performance and indeed with their beauty, glamour and creativity has delineated Tamil movies too a great extent. They can dance, emote and are immensely beautiful.

Savithri Kommareddy was a well-known actress in South Indian film industry. She was well accustomed with the stage from her early childhood. An outstanding actress, she could portray any role with élan. She was felicitated with title `Nadigayar Thilakam` (Greatest Actress) for her fine performances in Tamil films. She was also awarded with the title `Kalai Mamani` by the Tamil Nadu State Government. Her films in Tamil are Manam Pola Mangalyam, Kalathur Kannamma, Kai Kodutha Deivam, Thiruvilaiyadal, Navarathiri, Pasa Malar, Yaar Paiyyan, Paarthal Pasi Theerum, Padithal Mattum Podhuma, Karpagam, Karnan, Paava Mannippu and others. She was often paired opposite Sivaji Ganesan, MG Ramachandran and Gemini Ganesan.

Pandari Bai was a notable leading lady of the 1950s. This Tamil actress has acted opposite stalwarts like Sivaji Ganesan and Dr. Rajkumar. Apart from the Tamil films she has been a part of Telegu, Kannada and Malayalam films. Overall she has mesmerized the audience with her performance in around 1500 films. In her heyday she was the leading lady of the Tamil films. But a later stage she played the character roles.

The rich heritage of these actresses was carried forward by Tamil actresses such as Manorama, Gauthami, Khusboo, Bhanupriya, Devayani, Kanaka, Sridevi, Meena and others. The contemporary heroines, too, have contributed to the Tamil film industry.

Jyothika
The most sought after heroine of Tamil Nadu, Jyothika entered Tamil films through a cameo role in Vaali. Her performance in Chandramukhi as a possessed girl was widely appreciated by ten audience and critics. For more than 8 years she has dominated the industry with her talent.

Trisha
Lesa Lesa was her first film. However Ameer`s Mounam Pesiyadhe with Surya remains her debut film as hit was released earlier. Gradually she was part of the star system of Indian cinema with Tamil films, such as, Enakku 20, Unakku 18, Lesa Lesa etc. Her first venture in Gilli with Vijay was also a superhit.

Shreya
She entered Kollywood or Tamil films with a small role in Enakku 20, Unakku 18. She was paired with Jeyam Ravi in Mazhai. She ahs shot to fame with Rajnikanth `s Sivaji: the Boss.

Asin
This pretty Tamil actress was introduced in Malayalam films. Dasavatharam with Kamal Hassan is her latest film. Armed with a superb screen presence and lively disposition this Tamil actress has a promising future.

Meera Jasmine
She is the National Award winner. Her debut film was Run opposite Madhavan. The film was a superhit. She was also part of Mani Ratnam`s Ayutha Ezhuthu and Sandakozhi opposite Vishal. The flick was directed by Lingusamy.

Sneha
She is also known as junior K. R Vijaya. What puts her at a different league is that this Tamil actress has never appeared in glamorous roles in films. She was noticed for her acting ability in the film Virumbugiren, her debut film. She has acted with Tamil actors, such as, Kamal Hassan. Her latest Tamil film is Pudhupettai. She is seen here in a negative character.

With numerous talented Tamil actresses trying their luck at the film industry each day there will never be a dearth of brilliance in the future.