In the early years of Tamil cinema, screen actresses either had a theatre or dance background. They were proficient in any one. Many of them like Savitri, Achi Manorama, Vyjayantimala, Padmini became icons of their time. In the new century, it is the era of advertising models taking to films. We have a bevy of lithe models aspiring to become screen goddesses. Trisha and Laila can be identified immediately. Keeping up the tradition is Renuka Menon who is a leading star in Malayalam films and commercials. She will be seen in Tamil in Das and February 14. Another interesting news is that she is an undergraduate student of English literature.