The Top Telugu Actresses of 2012

The top heroines of Telugu cinema are all from outside Hyderabad this year too. Here's our pick of the best five:

Tamannaah Bhatia
Films: Rachcha, Endukante Premanta, Rebel, Cameramen Ganga Tho Rambabu

Tamannaah has had a good run this year. Since she has been concentrating on Telugu cinema for the last two years she has had seven releases.

Her role in Rachcha was a pucca commercial one where she didn't have much to do but certainly was eye-candy and looked especially glamorous in the song Vaana Vaana Velluvaaye.

In Endukante Premanta, she emoted well in this reincarnation story and looked pretty.

She looked uber glam in Rebel and got an opportunity to show off her dancing skills.

Although she didn't have a well-etched role in Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu, she performed well as the tomboyish girl.

Film: Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum

Last year, she gave a great performance as Sita in Sriramarajyam. This year she had an author-backed role as Devika, the documentary filmmaker in Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum.

As the fearless filmmaker taking up the issue of illegal mining, she lent credibility to the role with her subtle yet firm performance. The role got added impetus, as she dubbed her voice for the film.

Film: Eega, Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu (YVM)

Samantha's been having a dream run in Telugu; all her four films have been successful so far.

She's another talented actress who fits into any character well. In Eega, she was believable as the micro artist who ran an NGO.

In YVM, she was the major plus point of the film and in fact carried the film on her shoulders. She looked gorgeous in the three phases (school, college and 24-year-old) and gave an intense and emotional performance as Nithya.

It was a delight to watch her on screen in that role.

Film: Shiva Manasulo Shruti (SMS), Routine Love Story (RLS)

She's another natural performer with a good screen presence. Regina brightens up the screen whenever she appears.

In both the films she had substantial roles, which she played with aplomb. She can convey a variety of emotions and gets into the skin of the character easily.

As Shruti (SMS) and Tanvi (RLS) she acted so well that one was glued to her performance.

Film: Ishq

Nithya is a complete natural. In Ishq she was spontaneous and fresh as Priya. In fact, she was the highlight of the love story.

Though there wasn't too much scope for her in the role, she did what she could to add extra zing to it. Nithya's expressions are realistic. She glides into any character effortlessly.