Before they had the giant cutouts and the thousands of YouTube videos, before they became easily recognisable faces, some of Kollywood’s leading actors made their first appearances in advertising.
Look back at the videos of some of these ads, and it’s hard to believe that the Kollywood stars who rule the roost in the industry came from such humble beginnings.
Here's a very young Ajith in an ad for Miami Cushions chappals. Dressed as Krishna and gifting the world comfortable chappals, his earnest expressions are sure to put a smile on your face.
Nayanthara, in this ad for a men's clothes brand, is near unrecognizable. She looks amazed and spell-bound by the male model and follows him around everywhere... even in purdah!
Tamannaah appeared in an ad for Fair & Lovely anti-marks when she was a teenager. She's shown as a lawyer fighting for the "truth" about fairness creams (yes, really).
This is a fairly well-known ad: Aravind Swamy in Leo Coffee! What makes it more special is that this was AR Rahman's first composition.
Do you recognise Asin in this ad for AVT Premium Tea? She appears in the role of a homemaker recommending the chai.
And now for the two kings of Kollywood – Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Both of them have been reluctant to endorse brands since they became popular, but here are rare old ads that feature them.
Rajini is known as one star who has not endorsed any product, but this old video resurfaced on YouTube a while ago showing him in a cola ad. Was this really an ad or was it part of a film shoot?
This mittai ad with Kamal as a child artist is supposedly well over fifty years old!