Ram Charan Interview

Ram Charan Open Heart With RK - Full Episode (31 -10 - 2014)

Actor Ram Charan face to face interview with ABN MD Mr. Radha Krishna in Open Heart with RK.

Actor Harshavardhan Rane In Two Telugu Projects

Lucky to be paired with top heroines in cameos: Harshvardhan

Actor Harshavardhan Rane

Actor Harshavardhan Rane, who is playing cameos in two Telugu projects - comedy-thriller "Geethanjali" and a yet-untitled film - says he doesn't mind doing these special appearances because he gets to work with some top heroines of the industry. Harshavardhan is paired with southern actress Anjali in "Geethanjali", while he plays Karthika Nair's pair in the other film.

"I don't think I can complain if I'm paired opposites top heroines of the industry. It's not daily that I get to work with them. I feel lucky to be getting such opportunities," Harshvardhan told Recently, in the southern version of "Kahaani" titled "Anamika", Harshavardhan was paired with Nayantara.

The five-film old actor is currently awaiting the release Telugu thriller "Maaya", which features him in a lead role opposite three heroines. Meanwhile, Harshavardhan has recently completed shooting for his Hindi debut "Satra Ko Shaadi Hain", which is produced by actor John Abraham.

Manchu Vishnu Open heart with RK

Manchu Vishnu Open heart with RK part 1 of 2

Manchu Vishnu Open heart with RK part 2 of 2

Telugu Actor Naga Chaitanya Interview

Naga Chaitanya exclusive interview

It's been a while since Naga Chaitanya had a release; his last was Tadakha,which hit screens last summer. However, the 27-year-old has a slew of big ticket films to look forward to this year. Besides the much postponed action drama, Autonagar Surya, there is the romantic entertainer Oka Laila Kosam,but the Akkineni-multi-starrer Manam is easily the "most special" for reasons both personal and historic.

Only a handful of actors world over have achieved the rare cinematic distinction of acting in a movie with his/her father and grandfather. The movie is set to go down in the Telugu cinema history as ANR's last film. However, for Chaitanya, it's much more than a movie — for him, being part of it has been an emotional journey. "Manamwill always be close to my heart and I will cherish the memories of shooting with my grandfather all my life. My entire family is very emotionally invested in the movie and it's very special for all of us," shares Chaitanya.

It was while shooting for the movie that the news of his legendary grandfather's illness became public. But the family knew about it much earlier. "Watching thatha (grandfather) deal with the whole thing was just inspiring. We were all very concerned and actually derived strength from watching him go through his paces," shares the actor,who admits to have had his share of nerves while acting with him. The episode in which Chaitanya was required to call ANR musaloda (old man) was the toughest.

It took numerous persuasions from dad Nagarjuna to convince him. The actor admits it "took a big effort," to get the line right. But he isn't too forthcoming about sharing details about his role in the movie. "You will have to wait for the trailer. Director Vikram Kumar's screenplay is surely going to leave the audiences in splits. It will be a laugh riot and will take everyone by surprise," says the actor,who is set to begin shooting for his next film, Durga, soon.

Touted to be a mass entertainer, the film has Hansika playing the female lead. "Akula Siva has come up with a very entertaining script loaded with humour," says the actor,who seems to have taken a liking for comedy. "The audience comes to watch a movie to get entertained and as an actor, it is important to be able to make the audience laugh. I am working on my comic timing," he adds.

While he may be working on his "funny side", not many people know that the soft spoken actor has a little known musical side to him too. It was something he had from school. "I wasn't very good at studies, but was into a lot of extra-curricular activities. I used to play the keyboard and bass guitar in my school band and went on to study keyboard from Trinity College, London," says the actor, admitting he hasn't been spending much time honing his skills on the keyboard of late.

But he does make it a point to work-out for an hour, five times a week. "The love for fitness is something I picked up from my dad and I make it a point not to miss working out," shares Chaitanya,who is just as passionate about fast wheels. It comes as no surprise to learn that his most coveted possession is his superbike, which he bought with his first pay-cheque. "I love taking my bike for a spin during my free time. I have a bunch of friends who share my passion and we take off on long drives quite often," shares the actor,who admits to being quite involved with the racing team owned by his dad.

"It's a passion that's been with me since I was 10-yearsold. My dad bought me my first car at 18 and growing up in Chennai, I would spend all my weekends on the race track. I love attending the races whenever I can," says Chaitanya,who's been living on his own for quite about a year now. "It's something I've wanted to do for a while. Besides the privacy, living by yourself makes you a lot more responsible. It's a typical bachelor pad, not the cleanest you will find, but I've gotten better. I'd advise everyone to try living on their own," he says signing off.

Hero Jagapati Babu open heart with RK Inrerview Videos

Hero Jagapati Babu open heart with RK 1 of 2

Hero Jagapati Babu open heart with RK 2 of 2

Nagarjuna First Interview Post His Father ANR's Death

He was a legend in the Telugu film industry. But in real life, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, popularly known as ANR, was a humble man, says his son and Telugu superstar Nagarjuna. It would be near impossible to fill the gap created by the demise Jan 22 of his 91-year-old father who won the Padma Vibhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to cinema, Nagarjuna told IANS in a telephone interview. In an interview to IANS, Nagarjuna detailed his earliest memories of ANR. The actor said, "My childhood was special because dad brought me a bicycle when I was small and I loved it." When quizzed about how he differentiates between ANR the father and the star, he said, "They were completely different. My father was a humble human being and a very disciplined actor."

Nagarjuna, 54, is one of the top stars in Telugu cinema. So far, he has acted in over 80 movies, mainly in Telugu. He has also starred in Hindi films like Shiva, LoC Kargil and Criminal. "I remember going to shoots with dad, with my brother and sister," recalled Nag with a deep sigh. "It was his aura and presence that moved me every time he would walk into a room... He was my best guide," he added. Akkineni Nageswara Rao played a critical role once Nagarjuna decided to plunge into the movie industry, giving him invaluable tips. Even as a busy actor, Nag pined for his father's company. "I would wait for him so that we can have dinner together. After a tiring day, my most precious time (was spent) with him," Nag said.

Undisputed Emperor Of Tollywood ANR was an unobtrusive observer of the Telugu movie industry, the second biggest in India after Bollywood. In a career spanning seven decades, he was the undisputed emperor of the Telugu film industry. But despite the dizzying success, he never lost links with Ramapuram in Andra Pradesh where he was born.

ANR - Story Of Rags-To-Riches Nagarjuna gets emotional while talking about ANR, whose story was a rags-to-riches one, akin to a blockbuster production. ANR's talent was discovered in 1941 at the Vijayawada railway station by chance. In no time, ANR - son of a farmer - was roped in as a child artiste for the movie Dharmapatni in which he played the role of a 15-year-old

ANR's Acting Skills Blessed with an expressive face and a pair of eyes that talked emotions and a body that moved with spirit and style, it took no time for the teenager to mature into a successful actor. As more and more roles came his way, his films ran to packed houses. ANR could easily switch from a female with a loud make-up to a tragic lover. He starred in several films - of various genres.

ANR - Tragedy King ANR was the first Devdas of Indian cinema, preceding Dilip Kumar. He was also called the tragedy king. Although an atheist, he enacted successfully mythological roles. The ease with which he portrayed various characters made him a superstar. Some of his outstanding performances included films such as Balaraju, Laila Majnu and Preminchi Choodu.

Honours For ANR ANR has also acted with his son Nagarjuna and grandson Naga Chaitanya in a yet to be released film Manam. He won several accolades including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1991) and Padma Vibhushan (2011). According to Nag, ANR was a successful writer too. His works include Nenu Na Jeevitham, A Aalu and Nenu Choosina America. Such was ANR's stature that a national award was set up in his name in 2005. Among those who have won it are Shyam Benegal, Dev Anand and Shabana are Shyam Benegal.

Akkineni Nageswararao (ANR) Openheart With RK ABN Andhrajyothy

ANR Openheart With RK 

Akkineni Nageswara Rao, the recipient of the 1990 Dada Saheb Phalke Award, India`s highest honor in cinema, also won Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards. Hailing from the Krishna district and born in 1924, ANR`s education was limited to class 5. Non-affordability was the reason for dropping out of school. Way back then his interest in theatre and singing forced his mother to make him a part of a local theatre group.

ANR said once that he is ever grateful to his mother for helping him choose this field. With that lover boy look all his initial roles were limited to female roles. ANR`s tryst with cinema started when Ghantasala Balaramayya asked him to work in films. This happened at a railway station. There was no looking back. Not only did he become a star, but also went on to become the most sought after romantic heroes of all time in Telugu cinema.

The cinematic journey began with the film Dharmapatni at the young age of 17; from there he acted in films like Balaraju, Laila Majnu and Keelu Gurram. The most challenging role that ANR did during those times was in Devadasu. When he was cast for this film, there were people wondering if he could pull off such a role. He did and with impeccable finesse. Thespian Dilip Kumar once famously remarked, “There is only one Devadas (1953), and that is Akkineni Nageswara Rao.” Known as one of the best films Tollywood ever made, this film gave birth to the hit pair of ANR-Savithri.

Kamal Haasan pays homage to legendary actor A. Nageswar Rao

Kamal Haasan, Akkineni Nageswara Rao

Actor & director Kamal Haasan pays homage to legendary actor A. Nageswar Rao, who died at the age of 91

Kamal Hassan Tweets: "Nageswara Rao was my spiritual guru: Kamal Haasan "

Kamal Kamaraju Marriage Plans

Kamal Kamaraju Reveals His Marriage Plans

Kamal Kamaraju 

Kamal Kamaraju, who has a degree in architecture from JNTU, is a multifaceted star, who is adept in acting, writing, art direction, photography and architecture. With his work in these fields, he has earned huge fan base, especially female fans. But the actor is all set to break million hearts as he has decided to say goodbye to his bachelorhood. Yes! He will soon tie the knot with a girl named Supriya in December. In a chat with a leading English daily, Kamal Kamaraju admitted that he will marry Supriya.

 Talking about this Bengali girl, who is a native of Bhopal, the actor says that she is currently working as a strategy and operation consultant in a corporate company in Hyderabad. He added, "It's an arranged-cum-love marriage." Kamal Kamaraju further said that it was his father who saw Supriya first. Later, the actor met her and their first meeting turned into love at first sight for each other. After understanding each other quite well, his family informed about their relationship to Supriya's family, who happily accepted their offer. On Twitter, he wrote, "Yes its true.:)) From supriya and myself thank you all for the lovely wishes..." Now, both families have decided to hold a grand engagement function in the first week of October. The marriage will take place in Hyderabad sometime in December. Meanwhile, Kamal Kamaraju is teaching Telugu to Supriya. He is also making efforts to learn Bengali.

Kamal Kamaraju's Family Background 
Kamal Kamaraju was born on 3rd September 1981, in Sevagram Wardha district of Maharashtra. His father Jawaharlal Kamaraju is retired as an AGM in Navratna Company NMDC and mother Nirmala Gutta took voluntary retirement from state organisation MARKFED. Both hail from Hyderabad, where they brought up Kamal. Kamal has an elder brother Kranthi Kiran Kamaraju. Show Thumbnail

Kamal's Connection With Gandhism 
Kamal Kamaraju's grandparents from mothers side were freedom fighters and were particular that the mother delivers in the renowned Gandhian surroundings. So born in Sevagram, he was named after his father's mother Kamala Devi, who hailed from Razole in East Godavari district.

Kamal Kamaraju's Education
 Kamal studied at Little Flower High School at Chirag Ali lane Hyderabad, where he picked up interest in art, theatre and dance. Later this translated into his interest in joining architecture from the JNTU in Hyderabad, where he acquired bachelors degree in Architecture.

Kamal's Love For Acting
His love for acting and his desire to stay back in India led him to choose film career where he subsequently became a known face in Telugu film industry. He currently stays in Hyderabad and works for Telugu films.

Kamal's Debut As An Assistant Art Director
Kamal Kamaraju started his career as an assistant art director to director Chandra Shekhar Yelleti under the tutelage of renowned art director Ravinder for the film Anukokunda Oka Roju in 2005.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao Interview

Akkineni Nageswara Rao Biography
Career: Actor
Top celebrities: 7543
BirthDate: 1923, 20 of September , Venkataraghavapuram, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Spouse: Annapurna Akkineni (18 February 1949 - present) 5 children
Zodiac sign: Virgo

Akkineni Nageswara Rao Family

Chit Chat With Akkineni Nageswara Rao On His 90th Birthday

Interview: Akkineni Nageswara Rao His Career To Chennai

The Indian film industry is yet to find a place amid world cinema even as it celebrates its centenary year, rues one of the country's acting legends, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), who turns 90 Friday. In an interview to IANS, Nageswara Rao said "It is unfortunate that we haven't found a place yet in world cinema. It's a great loss to the industry that produces maximum number of films in the world. In the global film festival circuit, we are not well noted due to the quality of our products, which do not Cover global markets." The veteran actor added, "Our penetration in the global film market is also quite low vis-a-vis Hollywood. Going forward, we need to become experimental and create content that can attract global audiences."

Looking back at his 70-year-old career comprising a filmography of over 250, he said two persons deserve to be credited for his success and fame. "My mother has been my biggest inspiration in life. She encouraged me to pursue theatre at a very young age. My biggest influence has been filmmaker Ghantasala Balaramaiah, who picked me from the Bezawada (Now Vijayawada) railway platform and signed me as a lead for his film 'Sitarama Jananam' in 1944," he said. Even though he shifted base to Hyderabad many decades ago, Nageswara Rao owes his career to Madras (Chennai).

Akkineni Nageswara Rao in 'Sri Sita Rama Jananam'

Madras Have A Special Place In ANR'S Heart
 "Madras will always have a special place in my heart. Since films in southern India were made in Madras back then, it was a natural choice for anyone to move there. I spent my initial years there and also acted in a few Tamil films. I still remember walking through the city for a cup of coffee many years ago," he said.

Was There A Moment When You Wanted To Quit Films For Good?

 "My journey too had ups and downs. But, since I started my career at the age of 19, I didn't have to face any competition and therefore I always enjoyed working in films. When you enjoy what you do, there is no question of quitting, isn't it?" he reasoned

ANR Still Connected To Industry
 While his son Nagarjuna is a successful actor, his other son and two daughters are into film production. Nageswara Rao retired as a lead actor years ago, but he still feels connected to the industry.

ANR Involvement In Tollywood

 He added, "I'm involved in many ways in the industry. I always wanted to give back to the industry and hence set up Annapurna Studios and even a film school recently. I'm facing arc lights for my new film Manam with my son and grandson (Naga Chaitanya); so I was never away from the industry."

ANR Feel Proud About His Children

Having witnessed the good, bad and ugly side of filmdom, he never had qualms about letting his children be a part of the industry. ANR said, "I felt the industry gives you the opportunity to learn as well as be responsible for your actions. I thought my children could learn the same here and therefore I never stopped them from entering the industry. I feel proud today that my children have imbibed these values."

Film Has No Boundaries

The actor, whose Telugu films include titles like Batasari, Devadasu and Prem Nagar, added "Film has no boundaries, yet you cater to a certain market and audiences; so it is important you connect with them in a way they expect you as a native of the region. There is also a sense of comfort to work in the region you are brought up in."

Why Didn't You Do More Tamil Films?

 "I moved to Andhra Pradesh because as an actor I wanted longevity and I also wanted my children to learn and speak their mother tongue (Telugu). My son (Nagarjuna) is an actor because he can read, write and speak in Telugu. I also thought if I can act in Madras, I can do it in Hyderabad too," he said.

ANR's Tamil Films

 Nageswara Rao, who has starred in Tamil films such as Anbumagan, Kanal Neer and Pen Manam, said, "The love and appreciation I got from that place helped me grow and sustain in the industry."

source:oneindia.in

Interview With Sesh Adivi (Telugu Movie KARMA Director)

Adivi Sesh is just 25 and he has wrapped up directing and acting in a Telugu film Karma completely shot in the United Status. Tall, fair and good-looking Sesh tried his hand at acting in a Telugu film to be directed by Krishna Vamsi titled Mallepuvvu but that didn't work out. Disappointed he left for the US and joined a film school. Straight out of it he pooled his family money and personal savings to make Karma that has an entire cast and crew as Americans.

His cousin Sai Kiran Adivi who made Vinayakudu and Village Lo Vinayakudu is giving him moral support but other than that the actor is on his own, calling the media and promoting his first ever bilingual film. Sesh says that he strongly believes in destiny and adds that if he had done Mallepuvvu, Karma wouldn't have happened. Many people spend their lives with their passion unfulfilled but he thinks he is extremely lucky to follow and realize his dream. Sesh's grand dad is Adivi Bapiraju, a great literary figure who had written Himabindu and Gona Ganna Reddy, his songs and poetry has been used for movies and now both the boys Sesh and Sai Kiran are into writing for movies and directing them.

Sesh considers Karma as an addition to his resume and roped in Hollywood actress Jade Tailor to play Padma, his love interest. She was apparently chosen from 300 artists who came for the audition and miraculously mastered the Telugu dialogues within three months. But how did Karma germinate? Sesh met with a massive car accident in Sunnyvale and escaped from the jaws of death. After he regained consciousness and walked out of the hospital to the junk yard he was stunned to see his car completely crushed. The people who lived there for thirty years claimed never to have seen anyone come out alive from such a mishap.

It was then he started believing in the supernatural power and the theory of Karma, that he's here today for all the good deeds he must have done in his past birth. So armed with a degree in a film school, having been exposed to fundamentals of filmmaking and world cinema, he immediately embarked on this ambitious project. He says, "I want to deliver popular entertainment to the masses, not cheap comedy. Whether the subject is good or bad..people should be telling it but I feel I've been successful in showing what our culture teaches us in the form of a super natural thriller with a comment on Kaliyuga and mankind."

What about the story? It is about a medical student Padma who as a child saw her father being murdered by a priest and for reasons which can be tracked to this incident has turned atheist, lives alone and is forlorn, distraught. Her friend Raj attempts to bring her out of the situation but of no avail. She gets to meet Dev who is high on spirituality and her conversations with him, the interactions land her in a dilemma. There is a conflict of ideas between God and science and as Padma starts questioning and understanding Dev, she finds herself being drawn in love with him. But is Padma convinced with Dev's philosophy or will she ever believe in him is the final part of the story.

Tv9 - Suzy's Close Encounter With NAGARJUNA - INTERVIEW

Akkineni Nagarjuna interview on Close Encounter, Nagarjuna speaks about YSR, Nagarjuna speaks about Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna speaks about his film career and personal life.

AKKINENI NAGARJUNA PROFILE

Exclusive Interview: Jagapathi Babu

Jagapathi Babu looks fitter than ever now. Praise comes for his looks not just from girls but also from established filmmakers. Probably that is the reason why he accepted to play the role of a student as well as a lecturer in Madan`s Pravarkyudu. He speaks at length about Pravarkyudu and Gaayam 2 and much more in this exclusive interview...

Tell us about Pravarkyudu

Basically it is a love story about a couple who falls in love when they are students and are separated from each other. Ten years later they meet again. The heroine turns out to be a college principal while the hero joins the same college as lecturer. The conflict here is that of a girl searching for emotional security in a relationship and of a boy seeking physical pleasure.

Looks like Pravarkyudu has a bold concept!

Yes, indeed, it is a bold concept. Director Madan has also dealt with issues of sexual games in the film. Girls always mature faster than boys. They know that emotional bonding is important than mere sexual attraction but boys look for the latter first. It takes time for them to realise the value of an emotional bonding. This is the underlying theme of the film but, overall, Pravarkyudu is a good romantic drama with lots of fun, entertainment and good songs.

Any link with 'Pravarkyudu', the character created by Allasani Peddana?

No, but 'Pravarkyudu' in this film attracts women. At the same time, he is also honest in his love towards Priyamani in the true spirit of the original Pravarkyudu. It is also true that I had my own apprehensions about the title initially as I was skeptical about its acceptance with mass audiences. On my birthday, Madan requested me to accept the title as his birthday gift. So I could not refuse. Now, the title has been accepted by everyone.

You seem to share a sizzling chemistry with Priyamani.

We are good friends. We have a love and hate relationship between us. I like to be very natural on screen and she is also a natural actress. So it reflects when we act together and the onscreen romance seems very natural. Regarding Priyamani appearing in sexy outfits in a couple of songs, I would say that I insisted on director Madan shooting it that way. We ourselves took the liberty and did a sensual number in the film as it attracts the audiences and also helps the movie.

This is said to be the movie with the biggest budget.

It is true that Pravarkyudu was shot on a lavish scale and made with a much bigger budget than my normal films. All of us, including director Madan, Producer Ganesh Indukuri, music director Keeravani and the cameraman, wanted to make this as a visual feast.

Everything in the film looks grand and beautiful. That is why, today it has sold out completely. If we put in the best, the product really comes out well and if we believe in our film, it attracts the buyers. Pravarkyudu is a huge film in my career both in terms of budget and also the business that it did. I hope it also brings in huge profits.

Are you happy with the producers?

Tolly2Holly is going to be a big banner. They are sensible and know everything about the industry. They didn't step into filmmaking as just novices. Tolly2Holly is a reputed distribution company in the US and they distributed my movie Pellaina Kotthalo. So they approached Madan and me, to repeat the magic. They are also going to be happy with this film.

What differences did you notice in Madan - from Pellaina Kottalo to Pravarkyudu?

He has always been a mature person. His strength is in writing and he is clear about his ideas. He has made this film with good aesthetic values.
You are playing a college student in one scene of the movie. How did you achieve this younthful look?

Right from the beginning, Madan told me that I had to look younger and so I worked on it. I can confidently say now that I don`t look awkward in the student`s role in the film. The best compliment that I got for my looks is from the master director RGV. He said me that I am look very good in Pravarkyudu. He is not a filmmaker who compliments just any one and he does not give his opinion only to please others.

What is the secret of your fitness?

I am happy and content with life. It reflects on your face.
Can you name 5 films that turned your career?

Peddarikam, Gayam, Shuba Lagnam, Anthapuram, and hopefully Pravarkyudu
You have just announced a sequel to Gayam. Can you tell us about it?

Yes, the sequel to Gayam is finally taking place. Praveen, a former associate of Ram Gopal Varma, is directing it. It is the first sequel in Telugu in the truest sense. I mean, the movie really starts off with the 15 years of where Gayam ended. 15 years later, the protagonist Durga is coming back. Revathy has agreed to play the same role. We brought Kota Srinivas Rao`s role alive in the sequel. I am yet to speak to Urmila, though.
Why is RGV not directing Gayam 2?

Praveen developed this idea and script. When RGV heard it, he said it sounds good and asked me to go ahead with his protege. 'I don't want to snatch his baby,' he said. But RGV has offered to help me and the director whenever required.
SOURCE: SIFY.COM

Sonu Sood's, Another Hit Arundhati

Sonu Sood Interview

Sonu Sood, a familiar face in Hindi movies, has become a huge hit in the Telugu film industry.

The tall and lean actor has had a good 2008 having done Hindi films like Jodhaa Akbar, Singh is Kinng and Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi.

He is also basking in the unprecedented success of the recently released Telugu film Arundhati, one of the runaway hits in the beginning of 2009.

Sonu was brilliant as Pashupati and especially as aghora (he plays a tantric) he sent shivers down our spine.

The unpretentious, friendly and warm actor talks about Arundhati, his role as Pashupati and acting in Telugu films.

Why Arundhati?

I was on the lookout for a new role. When I met the producer (Shyam Prasad Reddy) and director (Kodi Ramakrishna), the role was that of a bouncer. They wanted me to play an aghora and I did not know who an aghora was. The producer and director then showed me some sketches. The only thing I knew was that I would be working with a team which had done its homework. I signed the role purely on instinct.

Besides the script, weren't you influenced by big names like Shyam Prasad Reddy and Kodi Ramakrishna?

The script was the main reason to sign the film. The names were also important.

My make-up alone took 4-5 hours'
You've put in a high-voltage performance as Pashupati. Did you do any homework for it?

I saw photographs of aghoras given to me by the production unit. I didn't get much reading material on them, though. I was a bit confused on whether to underplay or overplay but the director knew what he wanted. In the end it was spontaneity on the sets.

A role on reincarnation, a tormented spirit wreaking vengeance -- did you think that such a role would work in today's age of science and rationality?

Yes, I did have some hesitation. I did have this question in my mind on how to convince people with the supernatural element. All the people who worked on the script were fully charged and they had the conviction that they could do it. So I believed in that conviction and the supernatural theme connected with the audience.

How challenging was it to play the character?

It was not easy. My make-up alone took 4-5 hours and it was tedious maintaining it too. In fact it was a challenge. At times we used to shoot continuously for many hours without a wink. Physically it was tiring. And I used to have rashes on the body because of the make-up. I suffered from backache as well. All this made me think of never doing something like this again. However after seeing the success of Arundhati, I have to rethink my decision.

I did Jodhaa Akbar and Arundhati simultaneously. And both the characters were totally different. When I returned to Jaipur (for Jodhaa Akbar) after shooting for Arundhati, I would tell Ashutosh Gowarikar (director Jodhaa Akbar) and his team about playing the aghora. I think it's some supernatural force which helped me do it.

'I even scared myself when I watched the film in the theatre!'
You were able to induce fear and terror. Your body language and expressions were so apt especially in the scenes as aghora. How did you manage that?

I even scared myself when I watched the film in the theatre! I think the word 'action' did the trick. I think it's destiny which made me play Pashupati in the film. My sister who would come to the sets to watch the shoot told me, 'I couldn't see you bhaiyya; I could see only the character.' In fact the character was so overpowering and strong that I couldn't see anything else.

Did the character haunt you later? Were you able to shed it easily from your mind and body?

It wasn't easy. The character stayed with me for quite some time.

Arundhati is faring very well. Did you anticipate its success?

I believed in the film and knew it would be appreciated. But what I didn't realise was that it would break records. It's been a great learning experience. It has also proved that if you believe in yourself, you can do wonders and create history.

'The technicalities I learnt in the Tamil and Telugu film industries helped me in the Hindi film industry later on'
You have been playing the baddie (Ashok) as well as essaying some good roles (Super, Athadu, Mr Medhavi). What challenges you as an artiste? Does playing roles with shades of grey give you more scope as an artiste?

I never wanted to be typecasted. That's why I do different roles. Every role is challenging. It is important for an actor to explore all phases and to learn.

How did you adapt yourself to Tamil and Telugu films? What about the language barrier?

When I started doing these films, there was no choice. I was an engineer who got into acting and the scripts were good. The technicians in the South were brilliant. I learnt the words, then the lines -- the whole process. It was like a new classroom with new teachers. The technicalities I learnt in the Tamil and Telugu film industries helped me in the Hindi film industry later on.

'People say I'm choosy but the role has to excite me'
Are you working on any Telugu projects?

I have done a movie (Bangaru Babu) with Jagapathi Babu where I play a positive role. I am listening to scripts though I haven't signed any films yet.

Will you juggle Hindi and Telugu/Tamil films?

I will juggle between Hindi and Telugu films. I enjoy working in the Telugu film industry. I plan to work in two Telugu releases in a year.

How selective are you in choosing scripts?

People say I'm choosy but the role has to excite me. It has to be a character which makes me get up without an alarm.

Can we know something about Sonu, the man in real life...?

Well I am from a small town Moga (Punjab). I never thought I would get into acting. Thanks to my family's support, I am where I am today in the film world. I am a shy person, I don't party. I play the guitar, watch movies, play with my six-year old son, spend time with my family and also play cricket.

source:rediff.com

NAGARJUNA..."I am happy to be an actor,"

Nag rules out active politics...Nag Views

Nag, it seems, is finally fed up of the characteristic but clichéd running around trees with pretty young things and bashing up goons.

So, is he pushing the glass ceiling by stepping into serious cinema or is it his surgery (he confirmed that he underwent knee surgery recently) that's cramping his style?

"It was tiresome dancing with eight pretty actress," exclaims Nag, although he does confess he's impressed with co-star Mamta Mohandass. "I am her fan", he says, breaking into a mischievous smile that melts his years away.

Though Nag does not say it in so many words, it comes across that he's determined this year to chart a new course in his career. He was a bit surprised with director Sekar Kammula opting out of a film that was scheduled to start early this year. He says, "We were about to start the film in February but after he watched me in a larger-than-life role in King, he backed out and assured me, he would come back with a suitable script."

Reiterating his decision to go in for sensible roles and denying rumours about taking a break from acting, he says, "I am not taking a break since I have enough offers. It's just that I'm waiting for a good script to come my way. I am even thinking of doing a thematic film like A Wednesday and given a choice I would love to do Naseeruddin's role," he asserts.
Wondering if he, like his contemporaries in Bollywood, is into blogging as well? "I don't have the patience for blogging and chatting," says the actor, who finds it hard even to send an SMS on his mobile! Commenting on the unusual title King for a comic caper, he explains, "I too, was a bit apprehensive and was insisting on another title, but finally it was justified as the whole film revolves around that role."

Nag who has done a comedy after a long gap, says that he was surprised that filmmakers are not approaching him with comedy scripts despite him showcasing his flair for comedy in laugh-riots like Hello Brother and Manmadhudu. "I think it's due to my serious look," he smiles.
On competition brewing from stars like Mahesh and NTR he says, "They are really big stars but I have no problems as long as we play roles that suit our image and age respectively. If we intend to crisscross then it could rebound," he says with some caution, though.

Revealing his studio expansion plans which include a film academy, he says, "Filmmaking is a skilled job and the basics have to be mastered."

On news about corporate companies trying to sign him for package deals, he confirms the buzz. "A big corporate company has had discussions with me. I am ready to sign up, but only on my terms," he affirms in his inimitable style. He rules out active politics as well. "I am happy to be an actor," he signs off.

source:hyderabadtimes