Foreign actresses making a splash in southern cinema

Born and raised in places outside India, actresses such as Amy Jackson, Nora Fatehi and Scarlett Wilson have crossed over continents to entertain audiences in southern filmdom where they've made a big splash and have won over fans.

British model and actress Amy Jackson made her acting debut in 2010 Tamil drama "Madraspattinam".

Two years later, she made her Hindi debut in Gautham Vasudev Menon-directed "Ek Deewana Tha", and subsequently worked in Tamil and Telugu films such as "Thaandavam" and "Yevadua, respectively.

In the last 12 months, since the release of Vikram-starrer "I", Amy has signed two new Tamil projects and is expected to soon sign a Telugu project as well.

Filmmaker Shankar's magnum opus "I" was the game changer for Amy.

"I had cast Amy because she was perfect for the role of an international super model," Shankar had told IANS of the actress, who also has Akshay Kumar's "Singh Is Bling" in her kitty.

Morocco-based actress Norah Fatehi made her acting debut in 2013 Hindi film "Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans".

Earlier this year, she grooved to an item number in Junior NTR-starrer Telugu actioner "Temper"; and in the last few weeks, Nora has been signed on for two Telugu biggies "Baahubali" and "Kick 2".

"Impressed with her work in 'Temper', Rajamouli had roped her in for a seductive special number in 'Baahubali'," a source from the film's unit had told IANS.

In the song, Nora shared the screen space with another foreign actress Scarlett Wilson.

Scarlett, a British model, was introduced to Telugu filmdom by filmmaker Puri Jagannadh in his film "Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu". She did a cameo in the movie.

Since then, she has mostly featured in special appearances and item numbers in southern projects such as "Prem Adda", "Samar", "Chandee", "Yevadu" and "Jillaa.

Australian beauty Amanda is ready to make her Tamil debut with upcoming film "Saahasam", starring actor Prashanth.

"She has already shot for 40 days for the film. We've kept her identity a secret all these days as we wanted to reveal it at the right time, which is now. We didn't just import a foreign actress. We chose Amanda because her looks suit the character," the film's producer Thiagarajan told IANS.

Amanda was born in London to an English father and Indian mother.

In upcoming Tamil film "Aagam", French actress Aliona Munteanu has been roped in for a crucial role.

"The film's story is about corporate scams. Aliona will be playing a corporate agent from abroad. She will join the sets on April 17," the film's director Vijay Anand told IANS.