Asin Thottumkal (born 26 October 1985), known mononymously as Asin, is an Indian film actress who predominantly appears in Hindi and Tamil Cinema ,while also appearing in Telugu and Malayalam Cinema once in a way. Making her acting debut in Sathyan Anthikkad's Malayalam film Narendran 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,she then appeared in several commercially successful films like Shivamani 9848022338 (2003), Lakshmi Narasimha (2004) and Gharshana (2004), she has thus established herself as a leading actress in Telugu Film Industry.
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 played the lead female roles in several films such as the dramatic thriller Varalaru (2006), the action thriler Sivakasi (2005),Pokkiri (2007) and Dasavathaaram (2008). She thus established her as leading actress in Tamil cinema.
In late 2008, Asin made her début in the Bollywood film Ghajini (2008) which was the first bollywood film to have collected more than 100 crore in the domestic box office, subsequently winning the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award. She also starred in blockbuster movies Ready (2011) opposite Salman Khan and Housefull 2 (2012) alongside Akshay Kumar, thus establishing herself as a leading actress in Bollywood as well.Her recent hindi release Housefull 2 also had record breaking opening collections in Bollywood.
Early life & background
Asin was born in Kochi, Kerala on 26 October 1985 to Josheph and Seline Thottumkal. Her father, Joseph Thottumkal originally from a Nasrani Christian family in 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 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".She attended Naval Public School from L.K.G.(Pre.K) through 10th standard (grade). 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 earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in English Literature. 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
Career
Early work (2001–2004)
Asin Thottumkal debuted in a Malayalam film Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka in 2001, at the age of 16. 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. In the same year she won the Santosham Best Actress Award for her performance alongside Akkineni Nagarjuna in her second Telugu film, Shivamani. 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. After a brief return to Telugu films, to do Chakram, she appeared in Ullam Ketkumae. 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.
Breakthrough (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.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". 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.
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". Asin appeared in Pawan Kalyan's Annavaram, another successful venture which was a remake of Thirupaachi.In January 2007, Asin appeared opposite Ajith Kumar and Vijay in two different films, Aalwar and Pokkiri, 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. 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.
Success & hindi films (2008–2010)
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. Dasavathaaram subsequently went on to become one of the biggest blockbusters in South Indian film history.
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.
Ghajini is the highest grossing Bollywood film of 2008 and sixth highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time according to net collections. Asin later appeared in Vipul Shah's London Dreams alongside Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan, in which she played as a south Indian girl, Priya, who is emotional but strong willed and an ambitious dancer at the same time.The film received mixed reviews from critics.
After the debacle of London Dreams in which most of her scenes were chopped off, Asin rejected several Bollywood movies including Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan opposite Akshay Kumar,Delhi-6 opposite Abhishek Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar's Kartik Calling Kartik and Ashutosh Gowariker's period flick Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey opposite Abhishek Bachchan and decided to be part of Tamil movie Kaavalan.
Kaavalan was released on 15 January 2011. The film was a critical and commercial success. 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". After this film, she is the highest paid south Indian actress with
2 crore (US$399,000).Bollywood films (2011 – present)
Her next movie with Salman Khan, Ready was released on 3 June 2011 to mixed reviews.Critics praised the chemistry between Salman and Asin. Upon release, Ready became the second highest weekend grossing Bollywood film, after Dabangg and went on to became the fifth film in Bollywood history to collect more than
100 crore (US$19.95 million) in the domestic market.Housefull 2 opposite Akshay Kumar released on 6th April 2012. Housefull 2 became the third blockbuster for Asin after Ghajini and Ready in bollywood, which also went on to collect more than
100 crore (US$19.95 million) in the domestic market. The critics praised Asin as compared to other actresses in the film proving her acting capability and star power.
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."
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."and another reviewer from Sify.com stated, "Asin shines with her spirited act."She is currently filming for Rohit Shetty's Bol Bachchan, which also includes Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan. The shooting of the film is currently in progress and is slated for July 2012 release.
Awards
Asin has won a number of awards for her performance in various films in the Tamil, Telugu and Hindi industries, including the Kalaimamani award by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 2009.She also won the Giant award along with Shahid Kapoor in the same year.She has won various Filmfare awards and other prominent awards for her acting skills in all three major industries which she has been part of in her career. The three Filmfare awards, she has won so far includes, Filmfare Best Telugu Actress Award for Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi, Filmfare Best Tamil Actress Award for Ghajini and Filmfare Best Female Debut Award for her Hindi debut in Ghajini.
Asin was also awarded for her achievements and success in the field of entertainment by the government of Kerala in March 2012. The annual award is presented to women who are true icons for young women in Kerala. She quoted,
"I'm honoured and humbled. It was amazing to receive the award on home soil. Though I have attended several award ceremonies and bagged several honours all these years, this was singularly unique for me. It was special even for my family. Being recognised by people in the place where you come from has special significance."She has also won Stardust Award for Superstar of Tomorrow - Female, IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female and Star Screen Award for Most Promising Newcomer - Female and was also nominated for Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance in Ghajini. Apart from her Filmfare awards, she has also won Santosham Best Actress Award for her performance in Shivamani 9848022338 alongside Nagarjuna and ITFA Best Actress Award for her portrayal of a Brahmin girl opposite Kamal Haasan in Dasavathaaram. In 2012, she won the "Pride of Kerala" award at the Asianet Film Awards.
Other works
Brand ambassador
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, and Sure (anti-perspirant).
The soap brand Lux signed Asin as their brand ambassador in late 2010.Earlier, Asin was also signed as the brand ambassador for Amrutanjan.Asin was also the brand ambassador for Big Bazaar, with the Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Philanthropy
Asin Thottumkal has decided to fund the education of Radhika, an eight-year-old orphan girl from Kerala.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.In an interview during the Women’s Half Marathon, Asin was talking about the importance of health and the necessity of eductaion 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."
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka | Swathi | Malayalam | |
| 2003 | Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi | Chennai | Telugu | Filmfare Best Telugu Actress Award |
| 2003 | Shivamani 9848022338 | Vasantha | Telugu | |
| 2004 | M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi | Mythili/Malabar | Tamil | |
| 2004 | Lakshmi Narasimha | Rukhmini | Telugu | |
| 2004 | Gharshana | Maya | Telugu | |
| 2005 | Ullam Ketkumae | Priya | Tamil | |
| 2005 | Chakram | Lakshmi | Telugu | |
| 2005 | Ghajini | Kalpana | Tamil | Filmfare Best Tamil Actress Award |
| 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—Vijay Award for Best Actress Nominated—Vijay Award for Favourite Heroine |
| 2007 | Vel | Swathi | Tamil | |
| 2008 | Dasavathaaram | Kothai Radha, Andaal |
Tamil | Nominated—Vijay Award for Best Actress Nominated—Vijay Award for Favourite Heroine |
| 2008 | Ghajini | Kalpana Shetty | Hindi | Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut Nominated—Filmfare Best Actress Award |
| 2009 | London Dreams | Priya | Hindi | |
| 2011 | Kaavalan | Meera | Tamil | |
| 2011 | Ready | Sanjana Singh/Pooja | Hindi | |
| 2012 | Housefull 2 | Heena Kapoor | Hindi | |
| 2012 | Bol Bachchan | Sania Bachchan | Hindi | Releasing on July 6, 2012 |
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