Wig-gypedia

"Topa Topa ..." my dad used to scream whenever there was a kezha vayasu Gemini or kezha Shivaji song on Oliyum Oliyum, when it was the whole and sole entertainment for most of us.

Our (sis, bro and I) aversion towards wig-wearers started then. Any actor with a wig or a topa as we call it (toupee`) automatically came under the trash or rejected list. This was not the wig that they used wear to give them an old get-up or for any character in particular. This was what we call the 'topa' that they used to wear to make them look younger, fuller...atleast that's what they thought.

Here's my top 10 of Wig-gypedia.

#10 . At #10 we have this fellow whose name I am not aware of. This is the first time I am seeing a model for an ad, wear a wig. Ads with loving, doting, ever-smiling, every-ironed shirt wearing dads have models who kind of look natural...atleast supposed to. I hate this ad not just for its script but also for the model with an ugly wig. Just, look at this idiot who stares at us not just on TV but all across Mumbai from the hoardings.

#9 . Why do television anchors need to wear a wig? This guy, Balaji is a good RJ, wannabe anchor on TV and in my opinion, doesn't need a wig 'coz his hairline is decent. Does he wear this horrible thing on his head when he is on TV only 'coz he is also a wannabe actor in Kollywood and wants to impress Kollywood directors with his youth look?



#8. Actor-voice artiste Arif Zakaria. I had worked with him in an Indian English (!) film where he played an old guy in most parts of the film. He'd come to the sets wearing his 'normal' wig, go to the make-up room, change to the old wig, for the character. Quite a lot of effort, I thought especially when we used to shoot till 2 am and had to report next morning (I mean the same morning )at 8 .. this went on for almost 20 days! More than the fact that he wore the wig, he's on this list 'coz his wig was the ugliest thing that I had ever seen on earth...er.. on someone's head.


#7 . Ilayathilagam Prabhu Sir & Bhaakyaraaj Sir. Honestly, Prabhu WAS quite ok as an actor, especially in films where he played the second lead. Chinnathambi-Periyathambi, Guru Sishyan to name a few. Adu ennamo terila enna maayamo terila these guys get jittery when they see new kids in Kollywood making it big and in a desperate attempt to be on top , start wearing this hideous thing on their heads... and their downfall begins then.
Another example. Bhaakyaraj. uuuveee! This guy was bankrupt and had this sogam cover story on Kumudam a few years ago.... No money but still had the money to buy a wig.

Add Sathyaraj to this list. They wear such similar wigs that I wonder if they share the same wig. Double uveeee!

#6. Once upon a time he was the Kanavu-kannan of most young girlees in Tamizhland including yours truly. Karthik is now on my kandravee-kannan list all thanks to his topa.

#5. Actors, yes. They are supposed to look good and yaaaooung on screen. Ivanukku enna poachu? Once upon a time director and trrrrryyying to become a yaaoung heart throb with a youth look - R V Udhayakumar. Ugly face. Ugly wig.


#4. Barely three years old in this industry, pal has already started wearing a wig. Saw a few scenes from Dhaam Dhoom on tv with Jeyam Ravi and that stupid wig. Jeyam, your azhivu kaalam is nearing.

#3. Mike Mogaaaan. Yagain, once more to the never ending list of trying-to-make-a-comeback list. Deeei!! Deeei !! Why the why? Go back to Suntv serials and act as Five girls' father or Kollywood will instantly take you as Nayanthara's Annan or become Sandalwood's (Kannada film industry) next Appa-in-demand roles. Why the why do you torture us your ghastly topa?

# 2. The last two numbers are going to be a sort of let down for us, Kollywood fans. I am not including Kamalagaasan and Thalaivar for their wigs. I cannot do that drogam to Kollywood.
Sachin Pilgaonkar - The Bhishma Pitamah of Marathi films, Marathi ads, Marathi television shows, anything and everything that's Marathi. Once upon a time kisu-kisu-thufyed with Sarika of Kamalagaasanji fame, this guy is at # 2. A few years ago, he took part in the world famous in India dance contest on television called Nach Baliye which went on and on for almost four months. Not only did he survive and win the competition in the end but also managed to do the sesky dance movements with the wig intact. I used to watch the show only to see how he successfully managed to dance with the wig. Wah Sachinbhai! Kai zaala ta konaala baagichla (Who cares what it means! Marathi sounds like this wonly!)


# 1. It was a hugely blow to my topa-identifying skills when a dear friend told me that Amitabh Bachchan wears a wig. I didn't believe her. This particular friend works as an Executive producer in Bollywood films and had worked with Big B in a popular Hindi film. She once sneaked into Big B's make-up room to inform him that his shot was ready and ... and saw his almost there sotta tala.

Soon to feature in 2009 top # 10 Wig-gypedia - Madhavan, Shaam, Abbas... Welcome guys! Welcome to Wig-gy pedia ! Wig-a poduyya!