Chums , here goes the Complete interview with prince of Tollywood with Times Of India..
With “Businessman” declared a super
hit, superstar Mahesh Babu now has two back-to-back box office blockbusters to
boast of in a record span of just four months.
The actor has reaffirmed his
undisputed numero uno position in the Telugu film industry and has become the
toast of T-town. Excerpts from a chat with Mahesh Babu…
You moved into a new home…
Yes, my new house is great. I would
say the vaastu is perfect – when I moved into this house, “Dookudu” released.
And now I have “Businessman”. Both are blockbusters and I am very happy with
the positive response.
You’ve worked in back-to-back super
hits… how has the whirlwind journey been?
After completing “Dookudu”, I
immediately started working on “Businessman” without taking a single day off.
Both these characters are completely different. And I was feeling nervous
during the first couple of days shooting. But I followed Jagan garu and he
helped me do a perfect job.
Before “Businessman”, director Puri
Jagannadh was badly in need of a Tollywood hit. What made you sign on the film?
I personally think that Jagan never
gets down or disappointed by his flops. He is a happy man and he always smiles,
no matter how his film does. But yes, what I know is that a few industry people
have been irking him and troubling him for the last couple of years. He has
channelled all that frustration into “Businessman”… He shot the film with
anger. there is fire in the dialogues.
When he narrated the story to you,
did you ask for any changes in the script? Do you do that with all your movies?
I accepted this film with complete
confidence in Puri Jagannadh. In fact, he told me the complete plot only after
15 days of shooting was completed! I always believe that one can’t interfere in
another’s work. Once I start work on any film, I surrender myself completely
and blindly follow the director.
You completed the film in a short
span of just three months?
Yes, this is going to be a new trend
for sure. I hope many will follow this in the industry. We didn’t just complete
the film in a record time, but we also made it a blockbuster. This is a lesson
in budget control… we saved so much money by shooting like this.
Word is doing the rounds that you
are doing the Hindi version of “Businessman”? Is it true?
No. I am not doing that film.
Actually I won’t do any Hindi films in the near future. As long as I am acting,
I will do only Telugu films. I want to take Telugu films to the world. Everyone
should talk about our films. The response I get from the fans and people here
is amazing, I would never want to leave that.
People are now saying you are the number
one star and the brand ambassador for Telugu cinema?
If people say those things, I feel
happy. But at the same time, I’m aware that more responsibility lies on me now.
Let me tell you, when I work on a movie, I never aim for records, collections
or the number one position. I always concentrate on my work and look for ways
to improve my acting abilities. I also advise my co-stars not to concentrate on
these pretty issues and just focus on acting.
So hits and flops don’t affect you
then?
When people say they take hits and
flops in their stride, I personally feel that they are just lying. Of course,
I’m upset when my movies flop. I take it very personally. I don’t talk to
anybody and don’t even step out of my house for a week or 10 days. A lot of
people are involved in a film and a lot of money is invested in it. I want
everybody to be happy when they do a project with me. For instance, after my
record hit, “Pokiri”, I was a bit confused about what kind of films to do next.
And after that, a couple of flops happened. At the same time, my grandmother,
who was very close to me, passed away. I was very upset and wanted to take a
break for eight months. This break extended to a good three years, but in that
period, I learnt a lot. I distanced myself from the industry and I enjoyed
spending quality time with my family, especially my son. It is only after I
regained my confidence, I started work on “Khaleja”. I enjoyed myself thoroughly
while doing that film. I’m happy that the break I have taken really worked out
for me.
You are not just the ‘Prince’ of
films, but you are also the choice of multiple brands for endorsements…
The brands I endorse don’t associate
themselves with anyone so easily. They approached me only after conducting
surveys and polls on who is popular here. They showed me those figures and I’m
happy that I have such a huge fan following all over. It’s a great feeling.
Your fresh, new look in movies is
being much talked about…
I don’t go out of the way to take
special care of myself. I am just very happy right now. And when you look
happy, you look good to others.
You hardly make any public
appearances and you’re rarely spotted socializing. Do you have friends in the
industry?
I’m not a party person. I was always
like this. Once I finish shooting, I head straight home and spend time with my
family. It’s only when I have to promote my films, that I make public
appearances. Home is my favorite place to be. Coming to friends in Tollywood,
all the directors I’ve worked with are my best friends. Jagan garu, Trivikram
and Srinu Vaitla are all my friends and I’m constantly in touch with them.
Your future projects?
I am doing a multi-starrer with
Venkatesh, which is surely going to be a trend setter in Telugu cinema. Venky
is one actor who I have always respected and I’m very happy to be working with
him. People who thought that I only do action flicks will enjoy this family
entertainer.
After that, I will start work on
director Sukumar’s film. I’m lucky that I am getting such
different and interesting scripts
now.
Hmm great interview isn't it guys..hope his charisma continues to rule entire Telugu film industry.
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