As for me, my foundations were laid in the south. We did the post-production of 'Hum Paanch' in Chennai, with many technicians from here working for us.
I have been working in north Indian villages, so I know the truth. Compared to the south Indian states, north India is less developed, and there's little awareness on menstrual hygiene.
I was born in 1952 in Chidambaram, an ancient temple town in Tamil Nadu best known for its temple of Nataraja, the lord of dance.
I watch a lot of Hindi films. I live in Hyderabad, where 60 per cent of the people speak Hindi.
I cannot pick one single forest to be a favourite, but I am in love with the Indian jungles - be it Madhumalai and Kabini in South India or Tadoba and Pench National Park in Maharashtra. The wildlife in Satpura and Corbett National Park can't be missed, either.
While families in South India are familiar with Soundaryalahari, I wanted others to know of it, too.
When I was growing up in the south Indian city of Madras, there were only two political parties that mattered; one was run by a former matinee idol, and the other was run by his former screenwriter.
Southern India has an abundance of coconut, so the coconut chutney hails from there. Eastern India Bengal produces mustard oil, which is used in its traditional tomato chutney.
I have acted in all four film industries in the South. I speak all four languages because of my upbringing in various cities.
I am a pakka South Indian at heart.
I had been working nonstop for two years and needed a break. Instead of flying or booking myself at the usual holiday spots, we decided to drive across south India. The only thing that changes in the landscape are the posters of film stars and politicians.
Chennai has always been special to me. I love the food here and people are so warm.
I knew that all South Indian language films were first made in Chennai and that Tamil Nadu is one of the biggest film-producing centres in the country. I wanted to be part of films here.
Chennai is certainly not a fashion place, though I hear it's picking up.
If there is one city apart from Mumbai where I would love to settle down, it has to be Chennai.
In South India, the audience is more traditional than the Bollywood cine-goers.
I started with Pudhu Paattu' in K'town.
I know it's a craze in Bollywood to have six-pack abs, but here, it's not the abs or the biceps that make us feel or look macho. Down south, the moustache still works for us!
I have stayed in south India all my life. English comes more naturally to me than Hindi.
South India, and in particular Hyderabad, holds a special place in my heart because I have a huge fan base here.
Luckily, 'Rakta Charitra' did well in the South and I started getting a lot offers from the Tamil and Telegu film industry.
I feel Bollywood is slowly recognising the South as a major market.
For a Punjabi singer to find acceptance down South is a tall task. I'm glad I earned their love and respect.
South India has beautiful villages.
I wish to contribute more to south Indian music, especially Tamil music.
