Throughout its history, the film industry can boast of women who carved out their domain in an essentially male bastion. However, when it comes to wielding the megaphone, it’s the men who have led from the front.

However, there have been actresses who eased into the director's much-coveted chair like never before. With Revathi turning a year older today, here's looking at her work and her compatriots -- accomplished actresses from present and past -- who went on to direct films.