Still the 'King'! - Interview done in Jan, 2009

He’s been the romantic hero in Tollywood for nearly 23 years now and he is still the “Manmadhudu”! As one of the most popular and stylish actors, a Nandi-Award winner, producer, ace businessman and a doting father, the Yuva Samrat Nagarjuna, fondly called Nag, has many shades to his personality. Dr Sailaja of Windows & Aisles catches up with the star this month in an exclusive interview…

How did movies happen?

I was destined to become an actor! I wish I had studied films a little more while studying Mechanical Engineering in the US for Four Years. Nevertheless, I always believe that education never goes in vain. I should have got into films, movies and cinemas much earlier.  

This is but natural being the son of the legendary actor, Dr Akkineni Nageswara Rao!

Which role do you enjoy the most – Nagarjuna as an actor, father, son, husband and businessman?

Being an actor as I come closer to many people around at the same time! I can relate to the emotions and the sentiments of people.

Did you think acting in mythological/ historical movies like “Annamayya” and “Sri Ramadasu” was a risk when you were the romantic action hero at that point in time?

It was definitely a challenge, but an actor, according to me, needs to don varied roles in different genres of movies. Otherwise, an actor will be branded. My films like “Geetanjali” didn’t run well at the Box Office for a week or so and later, it was a runaway hit! The audience will take a while to absorb a theme that is different from the routine, but once they appreciate, they make a film a grand success.

This is quite evident as “Annamayya” won me quite a few awards. “Sri Ramadasu” was also appreciated later and in fact, it won me the Nandi Award for the best actor for 2006!

Films are linked to Challenges. My blockbuster movie, “Shiva” (later dubbed into Hindi as well) was Ram Gopal Varma’s first movie, but you saw the success of that film.

Which was your first movie and when was it released?

Vikram, in 1986.

What was your greatest learning in these 23 years of filmdom?

Patience! Having acted in so many films with so many different kinds of people, I understood how important it is to understand and value the opinions of others in life.

The awards that you have won…

I have won Three Filmfare Awards, State Award – Best Actor, National Award – Special Jury – Actor, Best Film (Producer) Awards, Best Actor Awards and of course, the Nandi Award for my various films – Shiva, Annamayya, Ninne Pelladutha, Santosham, Manmadhudu, Sri Ramadasu and a few other films.

Wow! That’s quite an achievement as an actor and a producer.

Your Sun sign and how do you relate to it?

Virgo (Born on August 29) and yes, like the typical Virgos, I am practical, fun-loving and like my things to be where they should be!

Being a Virgo myself, I can relate to that, too!

Your first son, Nag Chaitanya, is making his film debut. Was it his decision? When is the movie likely to release?

Absolutely his decision! His first movie is scheduled for a release in June this year.

Would you like to see Chaitanya as the typical romantic action hero?

Not really! I would like to see him enact different kinds of roles like I did rather than stick to a specific genre of movies.

How do you juggle movies and business?

Well, I act in one movie a year; hence, it is easier for me to manage my business as well.

Is “King” your last movie as most people are predicting?

Absolutely not! There is in fact, a movie on the cards, and it might be released at the end of this year.

Even at the age of 49, how do you manage to look smart and incredibly good looking?

I work out as much as I eat!

In fact, more than what he eats!

How was it matching your steps with 8 heroines in a song in your latest movie, “King”? In fact, it was a record of sorts!

It may be a record, but, oh it was fun! It was like a party. I did not work with most of these heroines earlier. Hence, it was all the more fun. All of us had a gala time.

Was that song a copy of a similar one from Shah Rukh Khan’s “Om Shanti Om”?

The song was definitely an inspiration of the Om Shanti Om song. People may mistake this to copying because even earlier, the titles of my films match to that of Shah Rukh Khan’s movies – Don, Nenunnanu (translated as Main Hoon Na), but this is a pure coincidence!

What kind of movies do you personally prefer?

Enjoyable movies laced with humor. Not the serious kind of stuff! At the end of a tiring day, a person should relax by watching a movie and go back home satisfied, not thinking about the movie. Most of my movies (including the latest one) belong to this category.

How do you enjoy holidays?

Spending time with my friends and family.

What would Nag be doing during his leisure time (when not shooting or not during business hours)?

Watching movies and enjoying good time with my friends.

Tell us about the Akkineni Foundation…

The Akkineni Foundation was started three years ago by my father to honor creativity and arts. We have given the award this year to Dr Vyjayanthimala, the yesteryear famous actress and danseuse.

Any Charity Activities that you take part in…

Any activity that my wife, Amala, is a part of, I am also a part of that!

Your relationship with Amala…

Amala is a friend when as a friend, a wife when as a wife!

That’s a perfect one, isn’t it?

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(Published in Windows & Aisles, the inflight magazine - 2009)