Jaishankar
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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.
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.
[edit] Selected filmography
- Vallavan Oruvan
- Vallavanukku Vallavan
- C.I.D. Shankar
- Yaar Nee
- Thunivey Thunai
- Noothukku Nooru
- Neelagiri Express
- Vandikkaran Magan
- Jambu
- Jeevanaamsam
- Justice Gopinath
- Ponvandu
- Veettukku Veedu
- Vairam
- Gayathri
- Murattu Kaalai
- Dalapathi
- Apoorva Sagotharargal
- Singaaravelan
- Oomai Vizhigal
- Kuzanthaiyum Deivamum
- Poova Thalaiya
