Asin Pics

Asin Thottumkal,

 known mononymously as Asin, is an Indian film actress who predominantly appears in Bollywood, Tamil films and Telugu films. Asin is a recipient of the prestigious Kalaimamani award from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for her contribution to arts and literature.[1] Making her acting debut in Sathyan Anthikkad’s Malayalam filmNarendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka (2001), Asin had her first commercial success with the Telugu film Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi in 2003, and won a Filmfare Best Telugu Actress Award for the film.

M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi (2004) was her debut in Tamil and a huge success. She received her Filmfare Best Tamil Actress Award for her most noted critically acclaimed performance in her third Tamil film, Ghajini (2005). She then played the lead female roles in several successful films, most notable being the dramatic thriller Varalaru (2006), the action thriller Pokkiri (2007) and the magnum opus blockbuster Dasavathaaram (2008) opposite Kamal Haasan. She thus established herself as a leading actress in Tamil cinema.[2][3]

In late 2008, Asin made her debut in the Bollywood film Ghajini (2008) opposite Aamir Khan which was the first Bollywood film to have collected more than 100 crore in the domestic box office,subsequemtly collecting 190 crore (US$34.58 million) worldwide. Asin won the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and many Accolades for Ghajini. 2011 marked the most successful phase of Asin’s Bollywood career, as she starred in Anees Bazmee’s romantic comedy, Ready, in which she co-starred alongside Salman Khan. The film was a major hit at the box office, collecting 184 crore (US$33.49 million) worldwide.[4]Later, in 2012, Asin first starred in Sajid Khan’s multistarrer Housefull 2 opposite Akshay Kumar, which was a major commercial success at the box office, grossing approx. 190 crore (US$34.58 million) worldwide.[5] Her latest release Bol Bachchan alongsideAjay Devgan and Abhishek Bachchan is also declared as a major success and has entered the 100 crore club of Bollywood.[6] She thus established herself as a leading actress in Bollywood.

Early Life

Asin at the screen awards 2012

Asin was born in Cochin (now Kochi) in Kerala on 26 October 1985 in a Christianfamily.[7][8] Her father, Joseph Thottumkal originally from Thodupuzha, managed several businesses. Her mother, Seline Thottumkal remains a surgeon, who moved settlements from Kochi to Chennai to Mumbai to live with her daughter. Asin’s father was keen to name her as Mary, after her grandmother. He however named her Asin as the name had a beautiful meaning.[9] Asin has quoted that her name means “pure and without blemish”. She claims that the ‘A’ in her name is from Sanskrit meaning “without”, and ‘sin’ from English”.[10][11]

She attended Naval Public School from L.K.G. (Pre.K) through 10th standard. She scored over 90% in her 10th board exams but chose Humanities in 11th standard, shocking her family who were confident she would take up science and get into the civil services.[8] She then attended St. Teresa’s School in Kochi for her Plus Two education. After that she attended St. Teresa’s College for Women in Kochi, a college affiliated with MG University, where she graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in English Literature.[12] The actress can speak seven languages; being well-versed in Malayalam(her mother tongue), two other South Indian languages (Tamil, Telugu) as well as Hindi,French, English and Sanskrit.[13][14] Asin is also learnt basic Marathi for her movie Khiladi 786 in which she played a typical Marathi girl.[15]

Career

Early work (2001–2004)

Asin Thottumkal debuted in a Malayalam film Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka in 2001, at the age of 15. After taking a year out to pursue her education, Asin returned with her breakthrough film as an actress, Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi opposite Ravi Teja, portraying a Tamil girl in her first Telugu language film, which subsequently fetched her the Telugu Filmfare Award for Best Actress.[16]In the same year she won the Santosham Best Actress Award for her performance alongside Akkineni Nagarjuna in her second Telugu film, Shivamani.[16] Her following two Telugu films, Lakshmi Narasimha and Gharshana, both portrayed Asin as the love interest for police officers.

Asin’s first Tamil language film was M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi, in which she co-starred with Jayam Ravi. Asin reprised her role from her film Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi for the remake, which saw her portraying a Malayali girl instead of the Tamil girl in the original. The movie subsequently went on to become one of the biggest hits in Tamil cinema during 2004, introducing Asin to Tamil film industry.[17] After a brief return to Telugu films, to do Chakram, she appeared in Ullam Ketkumae.[18] The film, initially launched in 2002, is a college love story, directed by Jeeva, which was long-delayed but eventually became a successful venture at the box-office, creating wider opportunities for her and the rest of the cast.[19]

Kollywood breakthrough & Stardom (2005–2007)

After the release of Ullam Ketkumae, Asin was cited as a leading heroine of the Tamil film industry after starring in blockbuster films like Ghajini, Sivakasi, Varalaru and Pokkiri respectively.[20] The film which provided the breakthrough for Asin was Ghajini. The film, co-starring Surya and was directed by A. R. Murugadoss, earned her the Tamil Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Her role was that of a vivacious young model named Kalpana. Sify.com praised her portrayal as “magical”, describing her character as a “lovable chatterbox”, played with “sheer ability in the romantic interludes, the poignant and heartfelt scenes when she rescues minor girls from villains and her gory end are touching”.[21] The following Diwali in 2005, Asin had two releases, Sivakasi and Majaa. Despite the latter becoming an average grosser, the former went on to be a successful venture at the box office.[22][23]

The following year, her long-delayed venture, Varalaru opposite Ajith Kumar also succeeded at the box office, and The Hindu said she “looks lustrous and sails through her role smoothly”.[24] Asin appeared in Pawan Kalyan’s Annavaram, another successful venture which was a remake of Thirupaachi.[25] In January 2007, Asin appeared opposite Ajith Kumar and Vijay in two different films, Aalwar andPokkiri, with the latter becoming a success, whilst Aalwar became a failure. Whilst Asin’s role in Aalwar was criticized, her performance in Pokkiri was lauded by critics.[26][27] Her final project of the year was opposite Surya, in Hari’s Vel, which had a Diwali 2007 release, subsequently becoming her third successful film which released during the Diwali season in three years. Asin, who portrayed a TV anchor, was appreciated for her role in the film.[28]

Blockbusters & Bollywood debut (2008–2010)

Asin in 2010

Asin appeared in her first dual role in K. S. Ravikumar’s Dasavathaaram opposite Kamal Haasan, who portrayed ten roles. The film, which was under production since September 2006, became Asin’s largest film till date. Despite being overshadowed by Haasan’s ten roles, Asin’s portrayals in the film were praised as her “best-to-date” with one of her roles being that of a Vaishnavite in 12th century Tamil Nadu; whilst the other character was a Brahmin girl from Chidambaram for which she won her first ITFA Best Actress Award.[29] Dasavathaaram subsequently went on to become one of the biggest blockbusters in South Indian film history.[30]

Since establishing herself as the leading actress in South India, Asin opted to move into Bollywood. Her first film, Ghajini opposite Aamir Khan was the remake of her breakthrough film of the same name. Upon release, the film garnered positive reactions from critics and masses alike, with Asin being singled out for her “fabulous” portray. Noted critic, Taran Adarsh described her Hindi debut as “fabulous” and that “to share the screen space with an actor of the stature of Aamir Khan and yet remain in your memory even after the show has ended is no cakewalk. She looks fresh and photogenic and acts her part brilliantly”, giving Asin’s performance a positive outlook.[31]

Ghajini became the highest grossing Bollywood film of 2008 and sixth highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time according to net collections.[32] Asin later appeared in Vipul Shah’s London Dreams alongside Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn, in which she played as a south Indian girl, Priya, who is emotional but strong willed and an ambitious dancer at the same time.[33][34] The film received mixed reviews from critics.

Comeback & success in Kollywood

Her first film of 2011 was Kaavalan which released on 15 January 2011. The film was a critical and commercial success.[35]Behindwoods review of the film praised her performance: “Asin, in Tamil for the first time after Dasavatharam, convinces us with her portrayal. The chemistry of the lead pair has worked out well; especially the portions where Asin tries various ways to exasperate Vijay; things that ultimately result in love”.[36] The Chemistry between Vijay and Asin worked out well and was appreciated like their before films Sivakasi and Pokkiri. The film also includes Vadivelu as the comedian along with Mithra Kurian, Roja, Rajkiran playing supporting roles.

Breakthrough & Stardom in Bollywood (2011 – present)

Asin at Housefull 2 success party at Akshay Kumar’s house, 2012

Her next movie with Salman Khan, Ready was released on 3 June 2011 to mixed reviews.[37] Critics praised the chemistry between Salman and Asin.[38] Upon release, Ready became the second highest weekend grossing Bollywood film, after Dabangg[39] and went on to became the fifth film in Bollywood history to collect more than 100 crore (US$18.2 million) in the domestic market.[40] In 2012, she appeared alongside Akshay Kumar in Sajid Khan’s Housefull 2. Housefull 2 became the third major success for Asin after Ghajini and Ready in Bollywood, which also went on to collect more than 100 crore (US$18.2 million) in the domestic market.[41] The critics praised Asin as compared to other actresses in the film proving her acting capability and star power.[42] Bollywood Hungama’s reviewer Taran Adarsh stated, “Amongst the female leads, Asin has the meatiest role and gives a decent account of herself. Jacqueline, Shazahn and Zarine act more as eye candy.”[43] While a reviewer from Behindwoods stated “Asin looks super chic and has really spiced up her clothes with her generous necklines, micro-minis and hot pants.”[44] and another reviewer from Sify.com stated, “Asin shines with her spirited act.”[45]

On 6 July 2012, Rohit Shetty’s Bol Bachchan alongside Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan released with Mixed reviews with the Critics praising the performances of Asin, Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan. Taran Adarsh from Bollywood Hungama who praised Asin’s performance stated, “Asin does well, though her screen time is limited. Nonetheless, her amiable looks and stimulating smile add to her charisma!!.”[46] Another reviewer from Galatta stated, “Asin has also emerged as a wonderful actress. Her smile alone is sure to take you to dreamland.” While the reviewer from Behindwoods quoted, “There is a small surprise with regards to Asin’s role. She is the romantic interest of Ajay and looks serene and absolutely cute.”[47] The movie is now declared a superhit[6] making it a hat trick for Asin and second film in the same year collecting more than 100 crores after Housefull 2.

Currently Asin is filming for Khiladi 786, which will reunite her with her Housefull 2 costar, Akshay Kumar., which is set for release in December 2012. [48]. Khiladi 786 released on 7 December 2012 to mixed reviews.

Other works

Brand ambassador

Asin at Fairever launch

Asin is the brand ambassador for a number of products including Fairever Fairness cream, Clinic All Clear Shampoo, Parachute Hair Oil, Colgate Maxfresh Tooth paste, Mirinda (soft drink), Spinz Talcum Powder, BIG 92.7 FM Radio station, Tanishq, Goldplus Jewellery, Fair & Lovely,[49] and Sure (anti-perspirant).[50]

The soap brand Lux signed Asin as their brand ambassador in late 2010.[51] Earlier, Asin was also signed as the brand ambassador for Amrutanjan.[52] Asin was also the brand ambassador for Big Bazaar, with the Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.[53]

Philanthropy

Asin Thottumkal has decided to fund the education of Radhika, an eight-year-old orphan girl from Kerala.[54] During her shoot of her film Ready with Salman Khan she was part of the camps that were meant to help the Sri Lankan Tamil people who were affected by the wars in Sri Lanka.[55]

In an interview during the Women’s Half Marathon, Asin was talking about the importance of health and the necessity of education and quoted,

“This cause is probably one of the biggest women centric issues in our country. I support the education of six children each year, five of which are girls. I have closely worked with these children and I know that if given the opportunity, women can educate themselves much better and know what is wrong or right for them. Education is a basic right and women should not be deprieved of that.”[56]

Personal Life

Residence

Asin currently resides in Lokhandwala, Mumbai.[57][58] She also owns an apartment in Marine Drive, Kochi[59][60][61][62] and a farmhouse in Vagamon, Kerala.[63][64][65]

Filmography

See also: List of awards and nominations received by Asin

YEAR	FILM	ROLE	LANGUAGE	NOTES
2001	Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka	Swathi	Malayalam
2003	Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi	Chennai	Telugu	Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu
2003	Shivamani 9848022338	Vasantha	Telugu
2004	M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi	Mythili / Malabar	Tamil	Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil
2004	Lakshmi Narasimha	Rukhmini	Telugu
2004	Gharshana	Maya	Telugu
2005	Ullam Ketkumae	Priya	Tamil
2005	Chakram	Lakshmi	Telugu
2005	Ghajini	Kalpana	Tamil	Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil
2005	Majaa	Seetha Lakshmi	Tamil
2005	Sivakasi	Hema	Tamil
2006	Annavaram	Aishwarya	Telugu
2006	Varalaru	Divya	Tamil
2007	Aalwar	Priya	Tamil
2007	Pokkiri	Shruthi	Tamil	Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil
2007	Vel	Swathi	Tamil
2008	Dasavathaaram	Andaal, Kothai Radha	Tamil	Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil
2008	Ghajini	Kalpana Shetty	Hindi	Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress
2009	London Dreams	Priya	Hindi
2011	Kaavalan	Meera	Tamil	SIIMA Awards, 2012 – Best Actress (Tamil)
2011	Ready	Pooja / Sanjana Singh	Hindi
2012	Housefull 2	Heena Kapoor	Hindi
2012	Bol Bachchan	Sania Ali / Apeksha	Hindi
2012	Khiladi 786	Indu Tendulkar/singh.	Hindi

References

1. ^ Social Post (25 February 2009). ”Kalaimamani awards distributed | News – Oneindia Entertainment”. Entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
2. ^ Kollywood longs for Asin – Tamil Movie News. IndiaGlitz (2010-02-16). Retrieved 10 July 2012.
3. ^ Top 10 Heroines of Kollywood – Behindwoods.com – Tamil Movie Slideshow – Nayanthara Asin Shriya. Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
4. ^ Top Worldwide Grossers ALL TIME: 37 Films Hit 100 Crore. Boxofficeindia.com (2012-02-03). Retrieved 10 July 2012.
5. ^ ”Housefull 2 lifetime worldwide collections in 7 weeks”. 29 May 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
6. ^ a b Bharti Dubey, TNN 13 July 2012, 06.37PM IST (13 July 2012). ”Bol Bachchan’s business going strong at box office – Times Of India”. Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
7. ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1821791/bio
8. ^ a b ”I am quite like Aamir: Asin”. The Times of India. 10 November 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
9. ^ Asin was supposed to be named as Mary. Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com (2012-06-14). Retrieved 10 July 2012.
10. ^ Ahmed, afsana (11 May 2009). ”Salman’s very supportive: Asin”. Times of India. Retrieved 5 August 2009.
11. ^ ”A surprise step, an award-winning debut”. The Hindu(Chennai, India). 9 March 2009.
12. ^ ”‘I have seen enough success before to not get carried away’”. Rediff. Retrieved 5 January 2011.
13. ^ ”Asin’s Jack of all and master of one”. Asianage. 3 November 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
14. ^ ”Asin dishes out choice words!”. Filmyfriday. 22 July 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
15. ^ 27 August 2012 DC chennai (27 August 2012). ”Asin learns Marathi”. Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
16. ^ a b Thottumkal, Asin (24 December 2008). ”Awards”. AsinOnline.com. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
17. ^ Radhakrishnan, Mathangi (15 October 2004). ”‘M. Kumaran…’ rules the Tamil box office”. MusicIndiaOnline. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
18. ^ Narasimhan, ML (30 December 2005). ”Dubbed films rule yet again”. Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
19. ^ Shivram, Prasanna (13 July 2007). ”Jeeva’s lyrical frames”.The Hindu. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
20. ^ Kamath, Sudhish (1 November 2005). ”Asin turns out to be the brightest sparkler this year”. Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
21. ^ ”Ghajini”. Sify. 27 September 2005. Retrieved 23 December 2008.
22. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (11 November 2005). ”With the formula intact”. Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
23. ^ Ashok Kumar, SR (4 November 2005). ”Where is the entertainment?”. The Hindu. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
24. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (27 October 2006). ”In the race, surely — Varalaaru”. Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
25. ^ Vardhan, Adithya (2 January 2007). ”Annavaram is paisa vasool”. Rediff. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
26. ^ Mohan, Piraba (14 January 2007). ”Aalwar: Ajith is the saving grace”. Behindwoods. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
27. ^ Bhaskar, Shweta (15 January 2007). ”Pokkiri: Watch only for Vijay, Asin”. Rediff. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
28. ^ Hari, TSV (8 November 2007). ”Vel is slick and neat”. Rediff. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
29. ^ Vijayasarathy, R. G. (13 June 2008). ”Dasavathaaram is spectacular”. Rediff. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
30. ^ ”Kamalhassan’s new blockbuster hit is setting records worldwide”. The Times. 29 June 2008. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
31. ^ Adarsh, Taran (23 December 2008). ”Review: Ghajini has blockbuster written all over it”. Sify. Retrieved 23 December 2008.
32. ^ ”Top Lifetime Grossers 2000–2009 (Figures in Ind Rs)”. Box-Office-India.
33. ^ Jha, Subhash. K (10 December 2008). ”Asin to croon for London Dreams”. NDTV. Retrieved 24 December 2008.
34. ^ IndiaGlitz (17 January 2009). ”Asin’s encore with Kamal Hassan”. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 17 January 2009.
35. ^ ”Vijay’s Kaavalan is a hit!”. Sify. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
36. ^ ”Vijay (re)turns romantic! Feel good – Feel emotional”. Behindwoods. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
37. ^ ”Box Office: Ready opens to good opening with mixed response”. ibosnetwork. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
38. ^ ”Ready Movie Review”. Behindwoods. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
39. ^ ”Ready is second to Dabangg”. Times Of India. 7 June 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
40. ^ ”Ready At 101.50 Crore Nett After Two Weeks”. Box-Office-India. Retrieved 17 June 2010.
41. ^ ”Housefull 2 Crosses 100 Cr Nett In 3rd Weekend”.
42. ^ Housefull 2: Movie Review. Entertainment.oneindia.in (2012-04-06). Retrieved 10 July 2012.
43. ^ Housefull 2 (2012) | Hindi Movie Critic Review By Taran Adarsh. Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
44. ^ HOUSEFULL 2 REVIEW – HOUSEFULL 2 MOVIE REVIEW. Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
45. ^ Movie Review:Housefull 2 review: Just about bearable. Sify.com. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
46. ^ Bol Bachchan (2012) | Hindi Movie Critic Review By Taran Adarsh. Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
47. ^ Bol Bachchan Review – Bol Bachchan Movie Review. Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
48. ^ Asin replaces Nargis | Box Office India : India’s premier film trade magazine. Box Office India (2012-06-02). Retrieved 10 July 2012.
49. ^ Viveat Susan Pinto (3 May 2010). ”Fair & Lovely goes in for facelift”. Business Standard. Retrieved 1 March 2012.
50. ^ ”Asin signs on as brand ambassador for Sure”. Bollywoodhungama.com. 31 May 2010. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
51. ^ ”Asin to be brand ambassador of Lux”. Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 5 January 2011.
52. ^ ”Asin signed up as brand ambassador for Amrutanjan”.Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 5 January 2011.
53. ^ Bollywood Mantra Staff (26 March 2009). ”Asin, Dhoni in Big Bazaar ad”. Bollywood Mantra. Retrieved 5 January 2011.
54. ^ Siddharth Soni (22 September 2010). ”Asin thottumkal to fund girl’s education”. Myasin.com. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
55. ^ ”Asin wins hearts in Sri Lanka — Times Of India”. Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 13 July 2010. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
56. ^ Health is of utmost importance, says Asin – Entertainment – DNA. Dnaindia.com (2012-02-20). Retrieved on 2012-07-10.
57. ^ Mehul S Thakkar, Mumbai Mirror 5 August 2012, 12.00AM IST (5 August 2012). ”Prabhudheva is Asin’s new neighbour – Times Of India”. Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
58. ^ ”Lokhandwala – Andheri’s Famous Area Lokhandwala Complex”. Mumbai77.com. 12 December 2009. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
59. ^ ”Birthday girl Asin gifts herself a plush 6-room home – Entertainment – DNA”. Dnaindia.com. 26 October 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
60. ^ ”Only ASIN – Nishita Mahajan”. The Sunday Indian. 2 December 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
61. ^ ”Asin – The cool chameleon!”. Sify.com. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
62. ^ ”Birthday girl Asin gifts herself a plush apartment”. daily.bhaskar.com. 26 October 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
63. ^ http://www.bharatstudent.com/+(18 October 2010). ”Asin’s success secret comes out!! – Malluwood News & Gossips”. Bharatstudent.com. Retrieved 26 October 2012.

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