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, 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. He died of heart attack on 3rd June 2000.
[edit] 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 Varuvan
- Marumagal
- Iravum pagalum
- Vaazhkai
- Bhavani
- Bommalaattam
- Aayiram poi
- Pandhattam
- Padikkadhavan
- Uyira manama
- Oru kodiyil iru malargal
- Ore vanam ore bhoomi
- Maanavan
- Thudikkum karangal
- Kaliyuga kannan
- Anbalippu
- Panchavarna kili
- Muthuchippi
- Arunachalam
- Chinnaraja
- Nee
- Athaya maamiya