Top 10 Tamil actors of all time
If you’re looking to watch some great Tamil movies, look no further than this list of the top 10 Tamil actors of all time. These actors have provided film fans with plenty of memorable performances, whether it was in one movie or several throughout their careers. Take a look at the list below to find out who made the cut and which actors will forever be etched in your memory after you finish watching one of their films.
#1 Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth is an Indian film actor who works predominantly in Tamil films. He began acting in plays while working in the Bangalore Transport Service as a bus conductor and later took up supporting roles as a villain in many films. His prominence rose to fame after his portrayal as Dr. Veera in K. Balachander’s drama Apoorva Raagangal (1975), and he has since received critical acclaim for his work in over 150 films.
#2 Kamal Hassan
கமல ஹுஸை (Kamal Haasan) is an Indian film actor, screenwriter, director, producer, playback singer and lyricist who primarily works in Tamil cinema. He is widely regarded as one of India’s best actors and a cultural icon. Apart from his acting career, Kamal has worked as a screenwriter, film producer and playback singer.
#3 Sivaji Ganesan
Sivaji Ganesan is an Indian film actor and playback singer, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors in South Indian cinema. In a career that spanned close to six decades, he has acted in more than 200 films. Ganesan was also an accomplished Carnatic music vocalist and is credited with over 400 songs in various languages, including several Hindi films.
#4 Vijay
Vijay has acted in over 60 films and his contribution to Tamil cinema can’t be overlooked. His best performances till date include ‘Nadunisi Naaygal’, ‘Virumandi’, ‘Aalwar’ and others. His latest blockbuster movie is ‘Thalaivaa’. The actor has also won several awards including Filmfare Awards South for Best Actor – Male and Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor-2014.
#5 Ajith Kumar
With over 150 films in a career spanning over 22 years, Ajith Kumar is one of South India’s most sought-after actors. His good looks and well-toned physique have made him famous throughout South India and beyond.
#6 Surya
Suryakanth Sriram (born December 17, 1973), better known by his stage name Surya, is an Indian film actor, producer and television presenter who works primarily in Tamil cinema. After working as a software engineer for two years in Chennai and London he debuted as an actor through Thamarai’s 2000 film Raja, but did not gain fame until his comedy act with Karthik started off a series of box office hits.
#7 R. Madhavan
In a career spanning nearly two decades, R. Madhavan has managed to turn heads with his performances in films like Alai Payuthey, Ghajini and 3 Idiots. The 45-year-old is one of those rare actors who has won millions of fans in almost every corner of India. His performance in Vikram Vedha was widely appreciated by audience as well as critics.
#8 Suriya
Surya is an actor, producer and director who made his debut in a lead role with Alaipayuthey in 2000. The film was well-received by critics and had a successful run at theaters throughout India.
#9 Vikram
One of South India’s most well known actors, Vikram began his career as an assistant director to Mani Ratnam and slowly transitioned into acting. In 1998 he made his debut with Azhagiya Theeye and worked consistently throughout 2000s, appearing in many award-winning films such as Rajini Murugan, Anniyan, Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam and more.
#10 Dhanush
Dhanush (born 17 April 1980) is an Indian film actor, producer, lyricist, screenwriter, singer and composer. Dhanush has won several awards including three National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards South. In addition to his acting work, he has also worked as a playback singer in several films and composed music for a few films. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by M.G.R University after graduating from there with a degree in Visual Communication Design in 2012.
