Kissing: No longer taboo in Kollywood
While kissing has become mandatory in Hollywood, it was forbidden by the Censors in Indian cinema (inspite of the fact that the first Indian film did have a kissing scene!). Legendary actor Raj Kapoor was the first to kiss onscreen in his evergreen Sangam. In the montage song 'Ishku Hasi I Love You' shot in Switzerland, Raj planting a kiss on Vyjayanthimala was passed by the Censors.
Slowly, the kissing bug has caught on in Kollywood, thanks to the enterprising ways of Universal Star Kamal Haasan. Then came Simbhu. Today, even the latest entrants see kissing as a valid passport for instant fame and a rush of movie offers.
The latest to join the liplock wagon are Jai and Vijayalakshmi in the soon-to-release Adhe Neram Adhe Idam. Producers hope the tag of U/A (which is mandatory for movies with kissing scenes) will draw crowds.
Director Prabhu said he had no difficulty to can the smooching scene as the lead pair were comfortable with each other.
