Mention the name Vineeth, and it might not strike a chord immediately, but say “the hero from Prema Desam”, and the memories flood in. It’s been 29 years since the film’s release, yet audiences continue to watch it on television without hesitation.
This 1996 film turned Vineeth into an overnight star, catapulting him to immense popularity and a busy career filled with back-to-back roles. He became a sought-after actor not just in Tamil cinema, but also in Telugu, where he delivered a string of hits.
Interestingly, Vineeth was introduced to Telugu audiences even before Prema Desam, with the film Sarigamalu in 1993, directed by Kranthi Madhav. The movie, which starred Rambha as the female lead, was a major success at the time.
Following that, he featured in a series of notable films such as Aaro Pranam (1997), Rukmini (1997), and W/o V. Vara Prasad (1997). He wasn’t just limited to lead roles; Vineeth also made his mark as a character artist. He played Rajasekhar’s younger brother in Maa Annayya (2000), directed by Raviraja Pinisetty, and went on to appear in films like Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo (2002), and Nee Premakai (2002). Most recently, he was seen in the romantic comedy Rang De (2021), which starred actor Nithin.
What many may not know is that Vineeth is related to another major star of South Indian cinema, his cousin, Shobana. A true sensation of the 1990s, Shobana’s presence on screen would instantly energise cinema halls. Posters featuring her were enough to draw crowds, regardless of who the male lead was. She acted opposite nearly every major South Indian star of the era and was widely sought after as a leading lady.
Known for her stunning beauty and exceptional talent in both acting and classical dance, Shobana has appeared in over 230 films across six languages. Her versatility made her a standout performer, not only as an actress but also as a character artist, dancer, and choreographer.
Shobana began her journey in Telugu cinema with Bhakta Dhruva Markandeya in 1982. She went on to deliver a string of hits, including Vikram (1986), Muvva Gopaludu (1987), Trimurtulu (1987), Rudraveena (1988), Nari Nari Naduma Murari (1990), Neti Siddhartha (1990), Appula Appa Rao (1991), and Rowdy Alludu (1991), among others. Her charm and screen presence quickly made her one of the most admired heroines in the industry.
After starring in Game (2006) with Mohan Babu, Shobana took an 18-year hiatus from Telugu films. She made a notable comeback in the blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD (2024), portraying the key character of ‘Maryam’ alongside Prabhas. The film, released last year, was a massive success, collecting Rs 1,200 crore at the box office.
