Star kids have always been welcomed in Tamil cinema industry. They have an edge over other aspiring actors, thanks to the influence of their celebrity parents. But, many of these kids prefer to get a launch pad from other banners.

For instance, popular actor Kamal Haasan's eldest daughter Shruti made her debut in a Hindi film titled "Luck" alongside Imran Khan. Being a star kid, Shruti could have been launched by her legendary father. Instead, she chose to tread the path on her own and take up movies of her choice.

After the debacle of "Luck," Shruti tried her hands in Telugu and Tamil films. With a string of hit films, the actress is one of the leading stars of south cinema.

Take a look at a list of star kids who have entered filmdom with movies offered by popular directors.

Thulasi Nair

Thulasi Nair
Thulasi Nair. [Credit: Twitter]

Born to popular South Indian actress of yesteryears actress Radha, and niece of actress Ambika, Thulasi couldn't ask for a better debut than her recently released film "Kadal" directed by much-acclaimed director Maniratnam. She was only 15 when she made her first appearance as the lead star.

Following her debut, she has signed up for her second movie alongside popular actor Jiiva.

Gautham Karthik

Gautam Karthik
Gautam Karthik [credit: Twitter]

Son of popular actor Karthik, Gautham indeed has the acting talent flowing in his blood. Maniratnam spotted him for his film "Kadal," and thus began the acting career of this young star. A talented guitarist and vocalist, Gautham avoided public appearances and even removed his pictures from social networking sites once he signed up for "Kadal."

The star son's role in his debut vehicle was appreciated by many. The actor is currently busy reading scripts and choosing his next project.

Vikram Prabhu

Vikram Prabhu (Twitter)
Vikram PrabhuTwitter/Vikram Prabhu

Oozing with talent, Vikram can be seen in the leading role in the film "Kumki," the story of a mahout. Born to actor Prabhu and the grandson of veteran actor Late Sivaji Ganesan, it would be an understatement to say that the actor will go many a mile with his acting talent. Following "Kumki"s success, he has signed up for two more Tamil films, both slated for release in 2013.

Karthika Nair

Karthika Nair
Karthika Nair [credit: Facebook/ official fan page]

Karthika's first Tamil movie "Ko" alongside actor Jiiva received extremely rave reviews. She made her debut opposite Telugu actor Nagarjuna's son Naga Chaitanya in Telugu movie "Josh" in 2009. Karthika is the eldest daughter of actress Radha of "Mudhal Mariyadhai" fame.

She starred in the critically-acclaimed Malayalam film "Makaramanju," which is about celebrated painter Raja Ravi Verma's life. Her upcoming projects include "Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum," a film which has a village centric theme and is directed by Bharathiraja.

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar

Varalaxmi may not be the youngest of the newcomers, but definitely has the acting talent required. Daughter of Sarathkumar, a famous Tamil film actor and politician, she made her debut alongside Simbu in the film "Podaa Podi." Her next film, "Madha Gaja Raja," features her in the leading role alongside Vishal and Anjali.

Aishwarya Arjun

Aishwarya Arjun
Aishwarya Arjun [Credit: Twitter]

Aishwarya, daughter of action king Arjun, is making her debut with actor Vishal in the movie "Pattathu Yanai." The film is directed by Boopathi Pandian.