Jaishankar (actor)

Jaishankar from the film C.I.D.Shankar

Jaishankar is a yesteryear star of Kollywood. He is fondly referred to as Thennagathu James Bond or South Indian James Bond. His penchant for dashing roles earned him the sobriquet of James Bond of South India, thanks to his roles in films like Vallavan Oruvan, Vallavanukku Vallavan, CID Shankar and such. In an era dominated by M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan, Jaishankar had his own loyal following.He had too much of competition from his peers

Very prolific during his heyday, he was at one point known as the Friday Hero, because a new film of his would debut almost every Friday. He is also remembered as a good Samaritan as he helped the needy without any publicity.

Among his more memorable roles was a reprisal of the Sidney Poitier role in To Sir With Love, in the K Balachander film, Noothukku Nooru. Interestingly, Jaishankar was the hero in Gayatri, which saw Rajinikanth play baddie. Years later, the roles were reversed with Rajinikanth playing hero to Jaishankar's villain in Murattu Kaalai. He was last seen on screen in Iravum Pagalum -- which was the title of his debut film as well.

Unlike his contemporaries Sivaji Ganesan, Muthuraman, Sivakumar and Vijayakumar, Jaishankar has no children following him onto the marquee.

Selected filmography

Vallavan Oruvan
C.I.D. Shankar
Yaar Nee
Thunivey Thunai
Noothukku Nooru
Neelagiri Express
Vandikkaran Magan
Jambu
Jeevanaamsam
Ponvandu
Veettukku Veedu
Vairam
Gayathri
Murattu Kaalai
Dalapathi
Apoorva Sagotharargal
Singaaravelan
Oomai Vizhigal
Kuzanthaiyum Deivamum
Poova Thalaiya
Iru vallavargal
Pattanathil bootham
Keezhvaanam sivakkum
Idhayam paarkiradhu (100th film)
Kulama gunama
Mannippu
Cinema paithiam
Amman arul
Akka thangai
Naam moovar
Kannan Vandhan
Marumagal
Iravum pagalum
Vaazhkai
Bhavani
Bommalaattam
Aayiram poi
Pandhattam

External links

Jaishankar at IMDb

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