Srikanth completes his century in Tollywood

He has been Tollywood’s favourite “family hero” for more than a decade. Non-controversial, reserved, suave and professional, Srikanth, who is known as a “producer’s actor” has created a record by acting in 100 films in a short span of time. While his upcoming film Mahatma will make him 100-films-old, Srikanth says that the numbers were never intentional.

“I began my career as a villain and played negative roles in my first 13 movies. After Thammareddy Bharadwaja gave me an opportunity to play the lead in One By Two, there was no looking back. After that a lot of scripts came my way and here I am doing my 100th film,” says Srikanth, who is feeling the heat before the release for the first time.

“I didn’t even realise that this would mark a big milestone of my career. It was only when my friends started telling me about it did I became conscious of the number. I wanted my 100th movie to be special. Since director Krishna Vamsi is a good friend of mine for the past 17 years, I asked him to direct Mahatma,” says the actor, who plays a goon who enters politics, only to learn about Gandhism eventually. The star who is excited about the “different” role he plays, admits that he has been typecast in all the family entertainers he has acted in.


“In the early days of my career, I did act in offbeat flicks like Nidhi and Gamyam, but they didn’t do well. On the other hand, the family-oriented films were blockbusters. After that, I have been getting only a certain kind of films. If this film does well, filmmakers will hopefully see a different side of me,” adds Srikant.


The actor also observes that he needs to keep up with rapidly changing trends in filmmaking and understand the pulse of the current audience. “If we were to make the yesteryear blockbuster Pellisandhadi today, it will be a flop. The industry has transformed from being hero-centric to director-centric. Unless a story is presented differently, it is tough to draw the crowd to theatres. Youngsters too are keen on watching only quality cinema and this is a good trend,” he adds.
With his acting career going great guns, there has been much speculation about whether Srikanth will enter politics like many of his Tollywood contemporaries, especially since he is a close friend of Chiranjeevi.To this, the actor says, “I don’t know anything about politics. My relationship with Chiranjeevi is on a personal ground, I have no political ambitions. I am very shy and I can only act in front of the camera. Chiranjeevi knows I am not interested in politics and has never forced me to join his Praja Rajyam.”


This reticent attitude of the actor also reflects in the fact that he makes few public appearances. “I am not a party animal, I’m a complete family man. Whenever I have free time, I spend it with my family. My wife Uha who was also an actress, is my biggest support system. I’m happy being this way,” says Srikanth.

"I am grateful to people of Andhra"

Latest youth icon”, “Bollywood’s bubbly star” and “the next Preity Zinta” — actress Genelia D’Souza wears all these titles and more with much elan. She may be a big name in Bollywood now, but the actress who attributes all her success to South movies says she will always be “attached” to Tollywood.

“I’m grateful to the Telugu industry. It gave me some of the greatest movies of my career. People from AP have supported me and showered me with love at a time when I couldn’t boast of any hit. Many South stars who made it big in Bollywood might not want to return here, but I’m too attached to Tollywood and will never turn my back on this industry. Since I’m not seen around too much, people have assumed that I’m too busy for Tollywood, that’s not true,” says Genelia, who was last seen in Sasirekha Parinayam with Tarun earlier this year.


Talking about her current Tollywood ventures, Genelia says, “I have already started shooting for Katha, which will be wrapped up this month. I will also be acting with Ram Charan Teja in his next movie.” The actress, who is shuttling between Hyderabad and Mumbai, has three Bollywood projects in her kitty. Juggling between two industries may get tiring for anyone, but not for Genelia, who claims to be an expert in “time management”.

“I believe that if you work in an organised manner, you will never be pressed for time. I never waste time and I’m always punctual. I don’t crib about shooting for even 350 days in a year. I don’t party if I have to work the next day. You can, in fact, call me a workaholic,” adds Genelia, who says that she values the little free time she gets.


“I ensure that I never work when I’m on vacation.”The actress may have wowed audiences all over the country with her spunky act, but detractors claim that all her roles have the same “bubbly” undertones. The actress however claims that her next movie will shut all her critics up. “No two bubbly girls can be the same. My character Hasini in Bomarillu and Sasirekha in Sasirekha Parinayam, may be both fun loving, vivacious girls, but they have their own distinct characteristics. Moreover, I’m in no hurry to grow up and I have a long way to go in showbiz. In fact, in my next movie Katha, I play an emotionally strong character. As an actor, it’s a role I have never done before,” says Genelia.



After her Bollywood success story, word is doing the rounds that Genelia charges Rs 2 crore for every Tollywood project. Rubbishing this as “rumours”, Genelia says,
“I wish there was some truth to this report, but it’s not true. I can confidently say that I’m one of the most affordable Tollywood actress with respect to my remuneration.”

Kangana regrets missing 'Pokiri'

If 'Gangster' registered her among movie buffs as a glam doll, Fashion proved her a talented actress. Known for not just beauty but critically acclaimed performance, 22 year old Kangana Ranaut is in the city toattend the audio launch of her Telugu movie 'Ek Niranjan' where she is playing the role of a guitar teacher where she is pairing with Prabhas.

Kangana was offered the heroine's role in 'Pokiri' a few years ago. But she chose Gangster over it. Now she says she regrets not taking up 'Pokiri' then.

"I've known Puri Jagannath for quite some time now. He offered me tobe the heroine in 'Pokiri' with Mahesh Babu. But that time, I got achance to do 'Gangster'. I thought I could manage both the movies then. But Since I was in contract with 'Gangster' project, I could not act in Pokiri. I will always regret missing 'Pokiri'.Me and Puri Jagannath were in touch since then. He offered me to do a item number in 'Bumper Offer' and now a role in 'Ek Nirianjan' with Prabhas" she reveals.

The actress claims that it is the 'script' and her gut feeling on the basis of which she chooses her films, reveals that she rejected 25 scripts before 'Fashion' .Kangana who considers Telugu film industry 'fascinating' says, the industry is 'one of its kind' which is 'technically' very strong thatproduces one of the best cinematographers in the country.

" Andhra is a big market where actors are worshipped. It is amazing to see turnovers of Rs 50 crore just from one state. The industry makes oneof the finest movies. The fact the many Telugu movies now are being remade into Hindi like the 'Wanted' speaks for itself. The filmmakers here use brilliant cameras and are exceptionally talented cinematographers. In a way Telugu film industry is nicely influencing Indian cinema." opines Ranaut.

Ask her if she is choosing Telugu movies to expand her market?

"I come from a place that has got nothing to do with movies. I come from Mountains. I don't distinguish movies on the basis of languages. Iam here to do movies and I will act in any language provided the script excites me.I am not doing movies in Telugu to expand my market. I am not that intelligent or logical and I don't think so much.I just do things I feel like".

Currently working for about two Hindi films and an International movie 'Kites', she is one of the busiest stars in the industry. She wasonce chided for her poor English speaking skills and typical north Indian accent. Anyone who talks to her now can will rubbish this off as a rumour,thanks to her accent neutralising classes."I had classes to neutralise my accent. I paid a lot of attention to my language because I come from a rural place and I had thick north Indian accent. I took classes to speak Hindi words with perfection because I have to play different charecters. Sometimes I have to give interviews which could be telecast Internationally and they might not understand me if I didn't perfect my accent"

About ten movies old Ranaut who feels she is in the industry not by choice but by 'chance', was also in the news for her alleged break upwith her boy friend Adhyayan Suman. While cautioning that it is her 'personal life' she admits that she moved on.

"Every girl has one lover in her life whom she never forgets and it is natural. So is it in my case. Just that the lives of ordinary girls don't get published and ours does which is why it appears as if I am undergoing a rough patch in life. I am sure every girl undergoes this. I was certainly sad for a couple of days and I moved on.But thats not end of life. Breakup was never a big deal for me." There were also reports that she was abused by Aditya Pancholi.

While Kangana plays the charecters of a strong independant woman in movies, in her personal life, is she at the receiveing end?

"I was never abused in my life. I will never take any kind of abuse.Imay not be the person whom you see on the screen. I want to remain somebody whom nobody knows." she says in a rather confused tone.

'Heroes are eager to kick me'

The hottest new villain in the Tollywood circuit now, model-turned-actor Dev Gill has struck gold with his bad boy act as ‘Ranadev Billa’ in Magadheera. Pitted against Ram Charan Tej in the blockbuster film, the import from Mumbai is not just earning rave reviews for his power-packed performance but is also flooded with movie offers.

Having already signed four films, Dev Gill is in a happy place right now. “Magadheera has changed my life completely. All the big heroes want to bash me up on screen now,” says Dev who tried his luck with Bollywood earlier. “I am getting offers from all over the country and even Suriya and Vijay from the Tamil film industry have approached me with film offers, Heroes are eager to kick me” he laughs.

The actor had earlier appeared alongside Dev Anand in Mr Prime Minister and was also seen in Bhagat Singh. He made his Tollywood debut with the dud Krishnarjuna, after which he decided to take over his dad’s restaurant business in Pune. That’s when he got a call asking him to audition for Magadheera.

“Although I’m getting Bollywood offers, I’m not too keen on them. I love the way Tollywood works. The industry is producing wonderful films, that even Bollywood wants to remake. I owe my success to Tollywood and want to dedicate my life to it,” he adds. Working with Charan Tej was good fun, reveals Dev. “He is friendly, sensitive and grounded. We hit it off quite well,” says Dev who is now busy learning Telugu from his tutors, and his wife is a “Telugu ammayi”.

“My wife insists on talking to me in Telugu, so that I can learn faster,” he adds. The onscreen baddie has been getting several offers to play the lead, but is hesitant to take them up. “There is fierce competition among actors these days and I don’t want to take up the role of a hero. I’d rather play negative roles convincingly,” he quips. And if everything goes well, Dev might make Hyderabad his home. “If I continue to get good work here, I may move to Hyderabad soon.”

'Momagers on a roll'

Being a celebrity mom can be hard enough, but throw in script-reading sessions, movie deals, endorsement offers and all that showbiz jazz and you have “momagers”. No more frowned upon for being “interfering” and “pushy”, these mommies-turned-managers are commanding a new-found respect in Tollywood.


Leaving behind their own established careers, these momagers have taken up a full-time profession — to ensure their star kids get the best deals in tinsel town.
Actor Shriya’s mother Neerja Saran who left her job as a chemistry lecturer to manage her daughter’s career, says, “I quit my job so that I can accompany my daughter. In the first five years of her career, I managed everything for her. Now I’m confident she has learnt the tricks of the trade and has knows how to take care of herself, but I still accompany her on her trips abroad.”


Giving up on a promising career might be a tough choice for a career woman, but their child’s “accomplishment” and “safety” are more important for these momagers than their own careers. Dr Mona, who left her practice to guide daughter Hansika Motwani, says, “When Hansika is shooting out of Mumbai, I handle all her appointments, dates and finances. She is very important to me and so is her career. I ensure she stays fit and I am also a part of all her story sitting sessions.”


Vinay Agarwal, actor Kajal Agarwal’s mother, left her confectionaries and cookies store in Mumbai to cook ghar ka khana for her daughter, pick her scripts, select her costumes and be her critic. “Our family back in Mumbai looks after the business now, while I manage Kajal’s career in Hyderabad. I am with her all the time just to ensure she gets wholesome food. I also manage her daily appointments and give suggestions when it comes to her costumes, but I don’t interfere in other affairs. However, since most directors now are younger and open minded, they take my suggestions in the right spirit,” says Vinay, who plays a perfect hostess to her T’wood friends.
And it’s not just actresses who have moms watching their backs. On-screen heroes like Sushanth too have “momagers” to mentor them. Naga Susheela who is busy listening to scripts, says, “I have no time for interior designing as I’m visiting Sushanth’s sets and selecting his scripts and costumes. He loves having me around, but when he does love scenes, he asks me to leave the sets,” she quips. Her son Sushanth is only too happy. “My mom is from the industry, so her feedback is valuable. She even doles out advice about the set designs and costumes to many filmmakers as she loves interior designing. She is a great moral support,” says Sushanth.

An impressive performer

For an actor who has no godfather to boast of, Nani has sure come a long way in Tollywood which is currently dominated by star kids. With two hits to his credit, actor Nani has already become a household name. Three movies in his kitty currently, this assistant director-turned-actor, says that acting happened accidentally.


“I was always interested in movies and was spotted more in theatres than in my college. I started out as an assistant director to Radha Gopalam. After being involved in the direction of a few movies, I got an offer to act in Astachamma, which turned out to be a big hit. Now that my second movie Ride also did well at the box office, I am happy at the way my acting career is shaping up. But it is still a surprise because I always wanted to be a director,” says Nani who feels that his stint as an assistant director opened ample opportunities for him.


“The stint taught me things that acting schools can never teach. Being part of the production process gave an opportunity to observe actors from close. When I used to narrate the scenes, I knew what expressions the actor should display. When I did start acting, I was already used to the camera,” says Nani who has also dabbled in RJing. Hailing from a non-filmy background is usually considered a disadvantage in Tollywood.


Nani, however, believes that actors like him have it easier. “Children of actors are always under constant pressure as fans have higher expectations from them. But for someone like me, it’s not the same. Opportunities that we get are not the same either. So at the end of the day, it is an even playing field. It’s equally tough for everyone,” he says. But off the battleground, everyone is great friends, insists Nani.


"We all meet often and there is a good relationship between us. Fortunately, Tollywood has enough space for all. Everyone is hardworking and want to leave a lasting impression on the industry,” he says.In fact, the actor feels it is the best time to be a part of the industry. “The Tollywood audience is certainly changing. There is growing acceptance for experimental films and even directors are dabbling with novel ideas,” says this actor who hopes to pursue his dream of becoming a director one day.“I want to prove myself as an actor. I am also learning a lot about filmmaking and hope to direct a movie in the future,” adds Nani.

By the way, I will reveal a secret about Nani to the followers of my blog. The real name of Nani is Naveen.

"I am an actor and not a hero"

While most of the Tollywood’s younger brigade are busy building six pack abs, 30-movie-old Allari Naresh is on a signing spree. The actor, last year created a record by doing eight movies in a row and has already signed about half-a-dozen this year.


Naresh, who has been mostly doing comedy flicks, claims that such roles are more challenging. “Making people laugh is tough. The purpose of films is entertainment and people should leave feeling good. So, I don’t spend time romancing the heroine but rather ensure that the audience laughs every minute,” he says. Tagged 'Allari' after the title of his first film Allari, the actor, has also impressed critics with his portrayal of serious roles in Gamyam, Pranam, Nenu. Though comedy is his forte, he says he does not want to confine himself to any one genre.

“There are many who think I am only a comedian. But I have played a villain, a second lead too. I am ready to play any character as long as it interests me.”
But being unconventional has its highs says Naresh. “People refer to me as an ‘actor,’ rather than tagging me as a hero.” Though the actor is used to fame and “cannot imagine going unrecognised by people,” he thinks that it is untrue that young actors from film backgrounds have it easy in life. “It is a wrong notion that star kids get roles easily. They are under pressure to perform as the audience compares them to their dad/mom,” he says.


The actor is currently working with senior filmmakers. “The producers that I used to work with earlier, hail from the software and real estate sector. They have been hit by recession, so I am working with senior filmmakers in the industry,” he quips adding that he is game for multi-starrers.
“From next year, I will do multi-starrers as that helps producers invest more and we can come up with quality films.” But it’s not just acting that Naresh is eyeing. “I am planning to direct a movie by 2013. I will have to save money for that as I don’t want to risk others’ money for my directorial debut.”

It may not have been a long stint in the industry but the actor has courted controversy, nevertheless. Celeb blogs are abuzz with his alleged affair with co-star Farzana.
But the actor brushes it off as mere rumours. “She is a good friend. I know her boyfriend too and they got married last year. Such rumours hurt. I am currently not seeing anyone.” he signs off.

Vulgur posters to draw crowd to theatres

Tollywood makes the largest number of movies in the country but touches a low when it comes to the quality of pictures being produced. This applies not just to the content of the movies, but also the publicity material and advertisements of films displayed across cities. Vulgar posters publicising movies have become a common sight in the city.


The posters of Raju-Maharaju has hero Sharwanand holding his heroine tight while water splashes on her body. Displays of Aaa-Okkadu starring Ajay also have similar water-drenched stills. Many were shocked at seeing the poster of Current where the hero applies mehendi on the belly of the heroine. Akash-starrer Sweat Heart has posters of the heroine biting the hero ferociously on his chest, of course, under a waterfall.


Actor Sushanth, who played the lead in Current, however, justifies the mehendi scene and says that the storyline demands it. “The one minute scene is connected with the movie’s climax. There is no vulgarity in the whole movie. It is a clean family oriented film and I think the poster is really cute,” he says.


However, makers of Raju-Maharaju who put up a hot beach song poster across the city, finally decided to delete the song Maka Maka Maka Makarena with critics and audience saying that it does not fit in with the story. “Our movie has a family-oriented story,” says Durga Shanker Nath, director of the movie.
“We have to keep in mind a few commercial elements while making the film. The song and publicity was planned accordingly. But critics told us that the song doesn’t go with the story.”
Even Sweet Heart actor Akash defends his film’s posters as being youthful. “It is a love story meant for youth. What else can you expect from the posters? In the story, the hero falls in love with the heroine but there are several other girls who are in love with him. The scene showing other girls biting the hero’s heart symbolises the confusion that the hero goes through,” he adds.



P Sarath Kumar, member of the Censor Board, says that filmmakers often put up obscene and distasteful posters though those scenes and songs are not in the movie. “It is just an attempt to grab public attention in a cheap way,” he says.“There is exposure in Bollywood too. But there they spend quality time and money and treat the scenes properly. Here they make movies in a short span of time. Most of these posters are meant to draw crowds to the theatres. Cops should be tough on them.”

Doctor turns actor!!

He is a cardiologist. He won hearts not just of his patients but also of movie buffs. A doctor by profession, Dr Bharath Reddy has won critical acclaim for his 'passion', acting!!!.


Bharath who is currently a junior cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, has already acted in about 18 films. In the latest release ' Eenadu', this medico plays the role of a cop sharing screen space with Kamal Hassan and Venkatesh. Hailing from Chandragiri in Chithoor district, the city based doctor attributes his interest in acting to his on-stage performances in his school days at Chennai.


"I studied till my XII standard at Chennai. I participated in plays during my school days. Those plays germinated an interest on acting in me. After finishing my intermediate in Chennai, I left for Europe to pursue my medicine. After my studies when I started working in Apollo Hospitals inthe city, my interest in movies enhanced. I visited every production house and urged them to give me a chance. I got an opportunity to be visible in 'Oka Vichitram'. Since then I have been assistant of a villain, a doctor, a police officer, a drug addict, a boy friend who steals his girl's money et al, If I look back and see how it all happened, I think this is fate" he smiles.


Bharath who played the cop role in Tamil version of Eenadu titled 'Unnaipol Oruvan ' too, has won critical acclaim from South India's big brother industry too. His managed to impress the critics with his acting in 'Kavya's diary' and 'Siddham'.In an industry where star kids encroach roles, Bharath is managing to carve a space for himself as an actor. Convincing his family on his pursual of his passion for cinema was not easy he claims.


"In many movies, I played negative roles. In a few I even did a role of a womaniser. I don't mention these movies to my parents. My wife too wasn't happy with my roles initially. Most often people asked me not to take up such roles as I am a cardiologist. But now that I did a cop role in 'Eenadu', my family is all happy. My thrilled cousins called me from US and made me talk to all their friends who appreciated me of my role in the film." says Bharath.

Does that mean he wouldn't do roles with negative shades anymore? "I am willing to even play a rapist as long as the story of the movie isinteresting. I will certainly take up any character that has scope for acting and performance. Bad reaches people faster than good. I am sure, people will remember me for my negative characters" he claims like a seasoned actor.Life has certainly changed post movies for this medico.


He says he balances his medical profession and movies smartly."We are a team of three cardiologists in the hospital .We do angioplasty.Even if I am not there , they manage. Usually, I get to know the schedules two weeks in advance. So, I balance my offs or even go on loss of pay to meet shooting commitments. For me being a cardiologist made films possible and now films are also helping me in my practice. I will never giveup my medical practice. In the West, people have two lives, one their profession and the other their passion. So for me both are equally important" says Dr Reddy who treats his film fraternity for free of cost.
Bharath whose patients ask for autographs along with prescription, also receives feedback from them."My patients keep calling me and ask me to do more positive charecters.Perhaps my height and well built body earn me negative characters too.They keep giving their opinion""I just want to prove that I can be equally good doctor and an impressive actor. I am working towards proving that people can manage their professions and pursue their passions too" he signs off.

'Happy Days' for Mickey J Meyer

In an industry that has no place for outsiders, 26-year-old music composer Mickey J. Meyer has carved a niche for himself. It’s been less than four years since his first film Pothe Poni, and Mickey is already being touted as the Rahman of Tollywood.


“I have a long way to go before I consider myself even half as talented as him. But yes, A.R. Rahman is my inspiration. I was in school when I watched the film Gentleman for which he composed music. I decided that day that I will become like him,” says the soft-spoken composer who dropped out of college to complete his training in western classical music from Trinity College.
Mickey admits there was a lot of pressure from his family when he decided to take up an off beat career, but they are proud of him now, especially after the Nandi Award he won for his youthful score in Happy Days. “my brother was the one who spotted my name on TV. The feeling is yet to sink in,” says Mickey.


Busy composing music for the Tamil version of Happy days apart from a couple of Telugu movies, he says, “After every movie, i usually take a break and travel to refresh myself. And during that period I don’t listen to music as one needs tranquility to come up with something new.” That’s not all, Mickey is secretive about his compositions. “I don’t even allow family members to hear what I am working on next. They get to hear my music only after its official release.”


While he may be given the credit for changing Tollywood music for the better, there are critics who claim Mickey’s work is suited only for youthful stories based on campus romance. “it’s true that my music changes according to the story I have in hand. The projects given to me so far have been youthful love stories, which called for soft music. My work in upcoming films is different,” says the confident composer whose ultimate aim in life is to compose for a Hollywood film. “I want to compose music for an international audience and I am getting ready for that. I am eyeing Bollywood too, but I’m selective of the script.”

My mom is the best teacher: Karthika

In an industry filled with star sons, Karthika is one star daughter who stands out with her quiet confidence. Daughter of yesteryear actress Radha, Karthika made an impressive debut in Josh opposite Nagarjuna’s son Naga chaitanya.


This spunky teenager says she couldn’t have asked for a better launch pad, adding, “I am content with all the rave reviews that came my way.” Already being touted as the next Genelia of the industry, Karthika says,

“I’m excited with the response I’ve got, but most of all I am thrilled about being compared to Genelia, who is a big star. That said, I want I carve my own identity. I don’t want to do the same bubbly roles always.” Offers have been pouring in, but Karthika is biding her time. Acting wasn’t her natural choice of career and she prefers to wait and watch, she says.


“My mom who was a part of the industry for 20 years always talked about the hardships of being an actor. She kept me away from movies, though I was offered many roles as a child artiste. She insisted that I should concentrate on my studies as the onscreen life-span of actresses is very short now, thanks to the fierce competition. My mom wanted me to have a plan B in place too,” adds Karthika, whose debut in Tollywood was like a “whirlwind ride”.


“Nothing was pre-planned, it all happened suddenly. After I completed my Class X, the makers of Josh approached me with the script. Only after my mom approved of it did I give my nod,” says this mama’s girl whose mom takes the “final call on every decision” she makes.

Currently pursuing a course in business and hotel management, the teenager says, “I can’t depend on films alone. my parents allowed me to act only because I topped in all my subjects. If my film career doesn’t work, I’m getting ready to take over my dad’s business.”When it comes to acting however, Karthika never had any formal training.
“My mom is my best teacher. She didn’t teach me how to act, she taught me how to keep it natural. I was never nervous since everyone took good care of me on the sets. And the fact that I’m the daughter of an actress surely helped,” she quips.

Documentary of life of Rajasekhara Reddy!!

Telugu filmmaker P C Aditya is producing `YS Maha Prasthanam', a one-hour documentary on the life of late chief minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. Director Puri Jagannath last week announced he would direct a movie titled 'Rajasekhara Reddy' on the life of YSR.

The Rs 5-lakh documentary have characters of YSR's personal assistant Sureedu, close pal KVP Ramachandra Rao, PCC chief D Srinvas and Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy.

Majnu Jonny Basha, a junior artiste, who resembles YSR is playing the role of Dr YS Rajsekhar Reddy. The documentary is being shot at Chevella from where YSR began his famous 'Padayatra'. Aditya plans to present the DVDs of this documentary to the All India Congress Committee, all the state Congress Units and the district level congress committees.

"We are at present picturising at Chevella from where YSR began his 1400 km Padayatra. I wanted to make a film titled 'Oka Vijetha Kadha' on the life of YSR when he was alive. But it couldn't materialise. We have included one song in this documentary and a few photos and TV clippings. We will change the climax a little. That apart, the documentary will reflect the real life story of YSR,'' said Aditya.

Hundreds of people turned up to get a glimpse of junior artiste Jonny Basha, donning the role of YSR, during the shooting of the documentary at Chevella on YSR.
"We will also start a website and make this short film available to the people," Aditya added.

I am only against a section of media: Puri Jagannath

After producing masala potboilers like Pokiri, Shivamani and Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi, director Puri Jagannath is all set to direct a movie on the life and work of the late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Known for his out and out commercial films, the director admits that this film is the biggest challenge of his career.

“The movie requires a lot of research and I will be travelling to his hometown Pulivendula to learn more about his life. We have to be extra careful while making Rajasekhar Reddy because he was a man who has always been in the public eye and we need to get every detail right. I want to meet everyone who was close to the late CM so that I can do justice to his great journey,” he says.

Puri Jagannath, however, has not given up doing what he does best — family entertainers. He is currently busy with Bumper Offer, his production venture in which his brother Sairam Shanker plays the lead role. The movie is already making waves for its much-talked-about item number starring Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is touted to be his current muse.

“I am a big fan of Kangana Ranaut,” admits Jagannath. “I’ve known her for long and I wanted her to do the item song in Pokiri a few years ago. But she was busy with Gangster then. She is a fantastic performer and her item number will surely be a hit. I’m now planning to cast her as a lead heroine in one of my movies,” adds the director who is also gearing up to direct a Hindi film soon.

While his films are well received by the audience, critics always have a bone to pick with him. The director lashes out at the media in all his films. Puri Jagannath says, “I am only against a section of electronic media which always reflect their own views and force it on the viewers. They misuse the power that they have. In fact, I have a script ready which explores the fierce competition among TV channels and their love for sensationalism. I’ve even narrated the script to a couple of actors in Tollywood, but not one of them has given their nod. They are all too scared to act in a film that criticises the media.”

One director who understands the pulse of the younger generation, Puri Jagannath gets all his feedback from Facebook. “Being part of the youngsters’ world helps me understand their tastes better. Also, I get direct response from them through the website. Every day, I spare some time to reply to everyone’s queries, comments and suggestions,” he says. His filmy life may be a hectic one, but even after Puri Jagannath heads home, he talks cinema. The director’s son Akash is a child artiste, wife Lavanya designs costumes for movies. “My family loves cinema and we enjoy being part of showbiz. We love spending time on the sets. My aim is to be remembered for my work in films,” he says.

Reporter's diary:Rambha just 28?????ha ha

As far as I know, I watched Rambha's movie 'Sarigamalu' when I was in my class I. By then I was sure she was at least 17 years old. So technically her age should be anywhere between 38 and 42 now. Recently, I read the interview of Rambha in Times of India. The interviewer wrote saying, " This 28 year old girl.....". I was shocked and my heart skipped its beat for a while. If Rambha is just 28 even after beginning her acting career 20 years ago, then truth will never prevail.

Even if she is going about telling people that she is just 28 years old, the interviewer shouldnot have mentioned that blatant lie in the report.

I fail to understand why heroines try to hide the fact that they are aging and their age is not what it used to be 15 years ago. Rambha, I appreciate the fact that you continue to sign films despite your mounting age. But please be truthful to the people who have been watching you since ages. You are not less than 40 years old madam!!!

"I failed in business"

Minus the multi-coloured clothes, the cowboy hat and the heavy-Southern accent, Quick Gun Murugan becomes Rajendra Prasad, a simple, unassuming actor who was once known as Andhra Pradesh’s Charlie Chaplin. After making people laugh for 32 years, the 217-movies-old Prasad who was relegated to two-bit comedy scenes in Tollywood movies lately, has made a killer comeback.

And on an international arena at that. The actor talks about his Quick Gun journey, the Reddy controversy the movie is embroiled in and the “mistake” of delaying the film’s release in AP.“The film should’ve released in AP on the same day it had a country-wide release. But Fox star, the distributors of the film insisted that since I’m from here, the Telugu and English versions should be released together. I tried to convince them, but they wouldn’t budge. Corporates have their own style of working. We have finished dubbing it in Telugu too, so we will soon release it in the state,” says Prasad, who denies that the Rice Plate Reddy controversy has delayed the release.

“The fact that the villain is called Rice Plate Reddy is not intentional and is definitely not a dig at the Reddy community. I played characters like Appula Apparao and Pekata Papa Rao in my films. That doesn’t mean everyone with those names are always in debt! The name only makes fun of the character and shouldn’t be taken as a generalised statement. It’s all for entertainment,” he defends.

AP fans may be missing out on the action, but with the rave reviews the movie is getting worldwide, this Quick Gun is on a high and has already signed four Tollywood films. This success is in fact, all the more special for the actor who is yet to overcome a severe financial crisis after a production venture went wrong.“My only passion in the last 32 years has been cinema, I never focused on investments. No wonder then that I failed in business. Now I realise the importance of investment. At one point in time, I did 12 movies a year. If I’d bought even one prime property every time I did a film, I would have been the richest man in the industry,” says this actor who lives in a modest apartment in Khairatabad.

With his fortunes now looking up, the actor is now all set to launch his son, Balaji, in Tollywood. “When he told me that he wanted to be an actor, I asked him to first forget that he was a star son. It is important for him to develop his own style. Right now he is training in Mumbai and should make his debut next year,” says Prasad.

The actor is an alumnus of the Madras Film Institute where he trained along with Rajnikanth and Chiranjeevi. “Earlier it was difficult to become an actor, but it was easy to retain the success once you became a star. But these days it is easy to become an actor and difficult to keep your position,” says the star, who has also dabbled in politics. Prasad, who had earlier campaigned for the Telugu Desam party, says, “Politicians are great actors. I supported TDP since it was established by N.T. Rama Rao, but I soon realised that I was not cut out for politics. I didn’t like the whole system,” he says.

"Sequels are boring" says Rahul Bose

The unconventional star of Bollywood who is considered “the thinking person’s actor”, Rahul Bose slips into the many roles he plays with much ease. In the city as part of the of giving India Week, says juggling all his passions is no “big deal”.

“I don’t waste time chatting, gossiping, watching movies, holding hands and going on long walks. If I have a strong feeling to do something I love, I can easily make time for it,” says Bose who is receiving rave reviews for his performance in Santosh Shivan’s Before the Rains. However, not all is going well with the film’s promotional campaigns. “Before the Rains was portrayed as a love story abroad and also by the Indian distributor. There was no trace of me in the promos even though I play a lead character. I think our actors should have ‘image rights clause’ in India like international actors have,” says Bose.

Often lauded as the “superstar of Indian art house cinema”, Rahul reveals that though he enjoyed doing commercial flicks like Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam, it’s out-of-the-box films that he prefers. “The mainstream films that I have done were disasters. Only art movies make me happy,” says Rahul who has refused to act in the sequels to Jhankar Beats and Pyaar Ke Side Effect as he finds sequels “boring”.

“It is like trying to revive a party after everyone has gone home,” he quips.This actor whose second directorial venture Moth Smoke is now on hold, says,

“Due to recession, I had to postpone my project. I hope to release it next year.”Even as his filmy plans keep him busy, Rahul always has multiple things on his plate. “I dedicate 80 per cent of myself to acting, 15 per cent to social work and 5 per cent to sports,” says this member of the Indian International Rugby team who plans to take a break from rugby.

“I have broken my nose and want to retire from the Indian team. After recovering from my surgery, I’ll get back to playing international rugby.”

"I love spending time with my kids"

Venkatesh is perhaps the only Tollywood actor who has hardly seen many ups and downs in his career. A sure shot box office hit, Venkatesh is aptly titled 'Victory hero' by his admirers. A look at the collections of his movies illustrates that for this actor who is in his 25th year of stardom, success was not a destination but a continous journey.In the news for his upcoming movie 'Eenadu' a remake of Naseeruddin Shah's 'A wednesday', Venky shares the screenspace with Kamal Hasan.


Venkatesh says he was never entangled in the 'image' and feels this multi-starrer will be a trend for other actors and directors to emulate. "Directors and writers have been hesitant to come up with multi-starrer stories with the misconception that people might not like it.In Hollywood , established stars act together in films like Ocean 11. Kamal called me and asked me to do this role and since we have to begin multi starrer movies somewhere, I readily agreed. 95 per cent of the Telugu audience have not yet watched 'A wednesday' and I await to see the result of Eenadu. I have played Anupam Kher's charecter of a Police commissioner. Though I wanted to do the role in Tamil too, Kamal gave it to Mohanlal since he promised him earlier. If this flick clicks, then Tollywood will have more multi- starrers in the days to go. Though not every film can be multi -starrer,directors and writers can hereafter come up with scripts that demand multistars" he says.



"Though Marmayogi in which I was supposed to do face to face scenes with Kamal is not happening anymore, I look forward to a movie where we both get to act in scenes together" he adds. He is also learning Ventriloquism for his upcoming movie 'Om namoVenkatesha'. Is he hinting at a change in the image from his stereo typical family comedy entertainers?



"I have done charecter roles in Ganesh, Dharmachakram et al. I have been doing variety of roles. I am willing to even play a villain provided the charecter and script are exciting."


The actor who takes his remuneration only after the release of the film has his eyes set on Bollywood too. Venkatesh who is a familiar face in the north for his 'Anari' with Karishma Kapoor, now wants to play mature lead charecters in Hindi. "I have been listening to scripts from Hindi too. I was offered a cop's role last year. In a year of two, I will be playing a charecter in Hindi. I am looking at roles that Nanapatekar plays. It should be a good charecter and Iam ready to act in Hindi again" he says .



Venkatesh a dad of four children claims spending time with his children is one of his favourite pastimes. Brushing aside rumours that his first standard going son Arjun is slated to be a child artiste, this proud father can't stop praising his son's capabilities to judge movies.
"I am from a joint family and I loved to have a big family. Whenever I had a child, I also had an injury on the sets and that was a blessing in disguise. It gave me more time to spend with my children. When we are out in the society, we wear so many masks but with children, we can be natural and our selves. I like to have their company. They bring out the real godly qualities within us. When I go back home I have wonderful kids and it is pleasant to get to spend time with them. My son Arjun who is now in his first standard can very well judge which movie is good and who is performing well at fights et al. Its nice to see them all growing up" he says with a spark of pride in his eyes.


His two nephews Daggubati Rana and Naga Chaitanya are now into acting. Does he spend time with them giving them tips and grooming them? "I watched Josh and Naga Chaitanya did well considering this is his first film.I do give my honest advice to Rana and Chaitanya on how to go about in films since they are my family.I only tell them that they don't have to be serious and tensed. There is space for everyone in the industry. Thats how I was and I am happy. Beyond that I think experience will teach them their own lessons. If one is successful and others are not it could be because they might not have got the right script yet. So, I also ask them not to compare themselves with anyone." he says.



Enter Venkatesh's office and one will find books on spirituality, potrait of Guru Ramana Maharshi and beddings for meditation. Venkatesh is perhaps one of the rare heroes who so religiously reads spiritual books and meditates.
"We are all temperory guests in this world. We should enjoy what god has given us. But we should also remember that we should grow within as we grow outside. We should be able balance our spiritual and material life. We have to tap the energy within us. The only way we can do it is to meditate and mind our own business. We should light our lamp before attempting to light the lamp of others. I read the practices and principles of Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Pramahamsa, Vivekananda, Gita, Osho et al. Once we get the taste of that realisation, we tend to become strong from inside" he says like a master of spiritual world, perhaps hinting that it is his favourite topic.

"Dad doesn't interfere in my work" says Shruti Hassan

All set to give her father Kamal Haasan a run for his money when it comes to versatility, actor, model and singer Shruti Hassan is all set to turn music director for his film Eenadu. The 23-year-old, who started singing at the age of six, says she enjoys juggling her many roles.

“We have one life and I’ve got to make the most of it. I love dancing, painting, writing and in fact, anything that is creative and out of the box. At home, we don’t make a conscious effort to be something. Everyone in the family makes a personal and silent journey towards learning. Performance is my priority, be it singing or acting,” says the focused diva.

Her Bollywood debut, Luck may have been a debacle, but Shruti is far from discouraged. “I have learnt to give my 100 per cent to whatever I am doing. I liked the movie, the story and the concept. It might not have done well, but I still stand by the film. All of us did our best. I don’t feel ashamed of my work. Movie making is almost like being experimental with food, it might go right or wrong. Art is not about being successful, it’s about being creative. Finally, we don’t have control over the box office collections or the reviews. None the less, Luck has taught me a lot,” says the highly individualistic and spunky actress who is in no rush to sign films.

“I do like running around trees and dancing, but now the audience has become intelligent. We can’t take them for granted and movies have to be sensible. I have my music to keep me busy always, so I’m not desperate to do films,” says Shruti.The actress who is visiting Hyderabad after two years says she finds the city “awesome”.

Ask her if she plans to do movies here and she says, “I did go through a few scripts but nothing has interested me so far. For now, my first venture in the South Indian film industry is only as a music director.”

Shruti claims that her dad never interferes in her work. “Dad has never been a star at home. We discuss films, but he is not too big on advice. We do think on the same wavelength. When he told me about the album, he was very clear about what he wants. It made things easy for me,” she says. Interestingly, Eenadu is more of a family affair for her — Shruti’s younger sister Akshara has choreographed for the film, Gautami did the dubbing and Subbalakshmi, Gautami’s daughter has recorded a track for it.

“Dad and I discussed the possibility of coming up with a video album for the film. And since dad is producing, he funded the album. I came up with the concept in three days and the album was recorded in one-and-a-half days. And everyone in the family participated in this film,” says Shruti.

"I believe in people cinema" says Kamal Hassan

He has completed 50 glorious years in the film industry, but 55-year-old Kamal Haasan is as exuberant as a debutante. In the city with his family for the audio launch of his film Eenadu, the actor talks about his love for cinema.


Always known to tread on off-beat paths, Kamal has managed to be a commercial success. “I try different things, but I am not the struggling actor from art cinema. I believe in ‘people’ cinema. Feedback should be as honest as a mirror and, for me, box office success is the true feedback,” says the actor.


Much lauded for his versatility, Kamal Hasaan says it was a great experience working with Venkatesh in Eenadu and with Mohanlal in Tamil, though he feels the southern industry hasn’t opened up to multi-starrers yet. “I don’t know how many actors will be ready to do multi-starrers. Everyone fails to remember that it is the story which made them stars. Content is king. Yet, we keep doing the same kind of cinema which becomes monotonous,” he adds.



The actor who has been doing multi-linguals right from his Sagara Sangamam days says he does movies in both Tamil and Telugu as he doesn’t want to “neglect the audience of both states.”



His film career may be going great guns, but controversies haven’t left his side either. Pyramid Saimira, a production company recently alleged that it had paid Rs 10.9 crore to the actor, which was used by him to produce Eenadu and Unnaipol Oruvan. The company has sought a court stay on the film’s release and issued a notice against him for breaching their contract for the film Marmayogi. Kamal, in turn is demanding that they pay him Rs 40 crore for asking him not to work for a year.



“They are trying to build a false case. The cheque they gave me for Rs 1.5 crore, bounced due to lack of funds. They told me they don’t have the money to make the film,” Kamal exclaims.

Kamal is now making headlines not just an actor but as a proud dad. Talking about Sruthi Hassan, he says that the relationship he shares with his daughter is that of equals. “She has always been daddy’s girl, but now she is a distinct ‘individual’. If she wants me to guide her, then I direct her to the right people. If she asks me for advice, I’m ready to give that too,” says the doting dad.

Puri Jagannath to direct 'Rajasekhar Reddy'

Puri Jagannath will direct the film that will be made on the life history of late chief minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. The film is titled 'Rajasekhar Reddy'.

Tollywood actor Rajasekhar who is also co-producing the film, will play the lead. Film makers said that they would start shooting for the movie after three months of extensive research on the life history of YSR and also after taking the consent his son Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

"We are taking extreme care in making this film. I am lucky to do this character and film on YSR. The story will cover the political, family and other aspects of the late Chief Minister. We will do research and get the director to meet all the friends and family members of Dr Rajasekhar Reddy to ensure the story is close to his real life" said actor Rajasekhar.

"As we wanted a star director to take up this project, we contacted Puri Jagannath and he readily agreed. This movie will be on par with 'Iruvar' , 'Gandhi' and 'Nayakudu'." said Jeevitha Rajasekhar, actor turned politician.

Puri Jaganath is said to have already met YSR's son Jagan Mohan Reddy and informed him of the movie plan. Puri Jaganath will begin his research on YSR from his constituency Pulivendula in Kadapa district soon.

The film makers informed that the script for the movie will be complete only after thorough research on the life history of YSR and that they will decide on including the characters of YSR's friend KVP Ramachandra Rao and the his personal assistant Sureedu in the film.