Chiranjeevi Interview

It was 21st of August 2004. Chiranjeevi and Sonali Bendre were dancing for Adnan Sami's 'Ye Zilla Ye Zilla' song in a set erected at Nanakramguda Studios. Watching Chiranjeevi at work (especially when he dances) is a great treat to watch. As the group dancers performed over 15 minutes to get their step, rhythm and grace right, Chiranjeevi appears at the time of final take and performs his dance like a magician and gives a look towards choreographer Raju Sundaram for the response. After gettng satisfactory nod from choreographer, Chiranjeevi shows a Thumps Up sign and retire back to his green room as the group dancers prepare for their next step.

'If you want to take interview, take it now, otherwise you won't get him till the release of the film' said Akkineni Ravi Shankar Prasad (producer of Shankar Dada MBBS). It is already 8 pm in the evening. Chiranjeevi had to attend his birthday function that mid night. I asked him if it would be of any inconvenience to him for granting an interview. Chiranjeevi quickly agreed to give an interview with a warm gesture - 'We guys never meet very often. So let us make best of it since we met now'.

The interview started at 8 pm and continued in the gaps of song shoot till 10 pm. Chiranjeevi was very elaborate in his answers and he knew exactly of what we wanted from him. Here is the first part of his interview on the eve of grand gala release of Mega Star's latest film 'Shankar Dada MBBS' on 15th October 2004 ....

Tell us about being present at Athens for Olympics 2004 as an ambassador of Coke?
Sanjiv Gupta, President, Coca-Cola India, on behalf of Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta, wanted me and my family to visit Athens, for Olympics 2004, as their guest of honor, since I have been promoting Coke in India. Then the sudden demise of Allu Ramalingaiah gaaru changed my mind and I thought of canceling the visit. But Allu Arvind wanted me to go ahead with this plan and he also insisted upon me taking my kids and Surekha with me so that a change of place might help them come out of the trauma of Ramalingaiah gaaru's loss easily. The tickets were already booked and they were about to be canceled. But with Arvind's proposal we changed our minds and we went ahead with our trip to Athens.

After being there, I felt that it was a lifetime memorable event. The opening ceremony was spectacular and magnificent. I have seen couple of shows in Las Vegas like the O-show in Bellagio, which has ocean sports arranged in water. After watching shows like O-Show I felt there wouldn't be anything greater than that. But after watching the opening ceremony at Athens I was spell bound and the specialty of the opening ceremony is it attracts the whole world to it. And watching such a big event with the naked eye is a thrilling experience. We found ourselves to be extremely fortunate to be among the high-energy crowd that was welcoming the Olympics back to Greece after hundred years. Our kids felt ecstatic and shared their happiness by expressing on how privileged they were to be my offsprings.

While watching games like floor gymnastics we were really amazed by the performances of Russians and Chinese who are trained from the age of ten exclusively in these games. Among the other games, we saw swimming, beach volleyball and women volleyball. The most important thing that we need to learn from these games is sportsmanship among players. It felt was if winning or losing did not matter. What mattered was participating in the games with a good spirit.

We enjoyed the excellent reception given to us by Coke. Of the 7 days, we went around Athens for 2 days and we spent one day on a cruise. Again, we should commend the impeccable planning and organization of the people that went into planning the opening ceremony and making it a spectacular event with their excellent work.

Starting from Legend NTR to you, most of you are icons of Telugu film industry and almost all of them have setup studios except for you. You are the only one to have started a charitable trust (CCT). Is there any specific reason for that and do you have any plans to start a studio in the future?
There are two ways of paying back to the society. One is professionally by building studios and other infrastructural facilities that would felicitate employment to the needy technicians and development of Telugu film industry. The second way of paying back is to do charity work to the society.

Thanks to the audience and the industry, I am professionally well off today. And personally I wanted to do something to the society, giving the audience something in return for their support and admiration that they have always showered on me. So more than doing anything in terms of infrastructure development for the movie industry, the thought to serve the people drove me to setup this trust. And people around me like Allu Aravind and Naga Babu, who are into movie production, supported my idea of doing some social service. Also, all my family members stood by me saying that we need to give something back to the society.

My biggest strengths are all my fans, who listen to me and put my words into action with great energy serving the society with verve and enthusiasm. That is how I started the Eye bank and the Blood bank. Setting up a studio is a good idea too because it aids in the development of film industry infrastructure and also provides jobs to the unemployed youth. Though I was focused on the charitable trust until now I have also started giving a serious thought to build a studio now. We are planning to take some land and build a studio and if it materializes then we all - Pawan Kalyan, Naga Babu, Aravind and myself - would be involved in it.

About the camaraderie he shares with Allu Arvind
Rather than being just a brother-in-law and a producer, Arvind is more of a friend to me. And I think the best relation between any two persons is friendship. There might be secrets and rife between wife and husband, but there will not be any secrets or problems between friends. I discuss everything with Arvind and likewise Arvind too. Arvind thinks in a different way than me and he gives me advice based on what is best for me. When I make a decision, he thinks from my perspective and supports that decision. Though we are film personalities, we rarely discuss things about films in our meetings unless there is a film that involves both of us.

About his relationship with Pawan Kalyan
Regarding Pawan Kalyan, though we endorse two rival cola products (Thumpsup & Pepsi) we never discuss about these things at home. The free time that we have is very less and we try utilizing it in enjoying with family members.

About keeping professional and personal life separate

I do not let my personal life entangle with my professional life or vice versa. The moment I walk in to my house, I leave the actor in me outside. Cinema is like God to me. But personal life is equally vital. Though cinema and my personal life are equally important to me, I think I have succeeded in drawing a line differentiating these two. For that matter, I did not have a single photograph of mine in my office till recently. I am practical about life and I am sure that the image (stardom) that I have right now will not be there forever. If I start feeling that I am the incarnation of God by looking at the image (stardom) I will end up being a megalomaniac. That's the reason why I have kept my reel life and real life poles apart and I think I've succeeded in that.
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In the 175 days functions of Indra, you mentioned that you slept on hard floor (katika nela) on the biggest days of your life just to make sure that success would not get into your head?
I came from a middle class family. My father started his career as constable in police department then rose to the level of Assistant Excise Superintendent (State Excise Department). Though we have two superstars [Chiranjeevi & Pawan Kalyan] and a big producer [Nagababu], our style of living and cultural habits have never changed. If you visit my home, you feel like being at the home of people with down-to-earth habits. We lead a simple and common life even today. Everybody enjoys appreciation from others. But we should enjoy it for a few seconds and use it as a fuel for positive things and move on. One should not carry it to one's head.

I am lucky to have a wife like Surekha who also came from a like-minded family of Ramalingaiah gaaru with similar kind of ideology and lifestyle. My kids also inherited the same kind of thinking. In fact, my son [Ram Charan Teja] does not have a car of his own today. The only reason I did not buy him a car is that I do not want him to treat it as a luxury. He should realize its necessity. I now understand that he really needs a car and I am willing to present him with one very soon.

Ram Charan Teja came to watch Munnai Bhai MBBS when I went to Prasads. At that time I observed that he was traveling in a friend's Maruti 800.
Is it? (laughs) Ram Charan finishes gym by 9:30 pm. And even when there is nobody to pick him up, he somehow manages and gets home. All of his student friends have big cars to themselves. But Teja never complained about it to us. I am lucky to have such an understanding and simple living kids.

Do you think Ram Charan Teja has it in him to become an actor?
Yes. I think he has the right personality (behavior and way of thinking). I am happy that he is on the right track so far. All I need to do is ignite passion in him for acting and the rest will follow. I think personality development is the most important thing than any other training like horse riding, fights etc. And I must say that so far everything is going on very well.

source:.idlebrain.com

Telugu Actor RAM Interview

Telugu Actor RAM Interview

The maxim – Practice makes a man perfect – has become the biblical standard for Hero Ram. Undoubtedly, the young actor won rich accolades for his more than convincing performance in Devadas, followed by raking histrionics in Jagadam. Success or failure, it least bothers him. This is the enviable parameter which an actor can hardly have at just 20. His latest film Ready is all set to hit the screens on June 19th. Ram dwells into his early days, a greenhorn’s touch in Devdas, failure of Jagadam, friends, love; and more about career. How many of the audience really know that Ram’s first priority was Tamil films as an actor? His info about Eyebrow dance is a thrill. Excerpts from an exclusive interview to Idlebrain.

What pulled you towards film industry?
It was right from the time when I got to my senses. My entry into film industry has nothing to do my background as the one who belonged to filmmaker’s family. Even I hardly watched Telugu films. Most part of my childhood and education happened in Chennai. But, a sense of becoming an actor seeped my nerves involuntarily. Even as a child, I used to dance, so say my family members. They had even videoed the footage. They told the neighborhood and the inner circles that I was a good dancer. Perhaps this kind of constant exposure to live and nonstop encouragement from all sides might have made me passionate about acting.

As I grew up, what ever I did, I kept mind that it should be useful to me when I take to acting in future. The outlook still guides me. I showed a lot of interest in crash courses of all kinds – acting, dancing, horse-riding, stage performance, book reading and what not. I spent hours going through Oxford University Press publications. At the age of 12, I acted in a short film, which won high praise and got me an award at a film session in Switzerland. To become an actor is not a child’s play. I trained myself in dance, aerobics, horse-riding and whatever that was necessary to become an actor, before I set my foot here.

When I was in school, Oscar Ravichandran found a good actor in me and I was about to do the film Kadhal in Tamil (Premiste in Telugu). I had to do Devadas by rejecting Premiste. MS Raju asked me for his film when I was 13 years. It was YVS Chowdary who introduced me with Devadas. I didn’t know any rules and regulations. But I was confident. I used to do a lot of homework before I entered the sets. I believe in this adage – Practice makes a man perfect. I am thankful to YVS, who wanted to introduce me not as a mere actor, but as though I was the son of a big hero. Devadas turned out to be a complete mass flick.

What went wrong with Jagadam?
When I signed the movie Jagadam, I was filled with an urge to become an actor, and not a hero. If you want to make Jagadam, it should be like that only. Any change is required, better not to make the movie at all. This was the perception. The film suffered a steep fall in the second half and unconvincing climax. Basically, it was done with youth in mind. The film is about – what happens when youth gets carried away by violence and goondaism? My role saw heroism in goondaism. The audiences are such that they praise the movie when it becomes a hit, and won’t miss to point out when it flops. Definitely, I have taken too much of load on me in Devadas and Jagadam as well.



You got a mass image where success or failure of a film doesn’t really matter. Don’t you think, over a period of time, it might lead to stagnation in your career with channels of exploration to become a good actor blocked?
Yes. I agree with you. I take the flop of Jagadam as an advantage. I never really concentrated much on the image of a mass hero. Take Devadas, a little bit of loud acting on the part of the hero was necessary. In Jagadam, a kind of underplay was done. I wish to be called the way – He can do anything. YVS Chowdary calls me – Chocolate boy with rough looks. I can be too cute and I can be manly too. With these two options at my disposal, I am always interested in bringing variation in film.

Into what kind of genre does Ready fit into?
Even I too can’t categorize it into any particular genre. It is a mix of everything. Those who don’t understand which genre is Ready up to will surely understand it most well. Ready is not entirely about the hero. It has all elements of entertainment. You have comedy, action, sentiment, music and all. It is a lighter vein subject, touching the corridors of a film like Nuvvu Naku Nachchav. It has both family and youthful orientation.

Genelia is an established and energetic actress. How did the chemistry between you two come out on the screen?
Genelia’s energy is endless. Actually, YVS Chowdary wanted to bring Genelia as my heroine in Devadas. Even for Jagadam, we tried. On both occasions, we didn’t get her. Coming to ready, we didn’t think of any other alternative. We were completely focused on Genelia, only Genelia. She is the most professional actress I have ever seen, both as an actor and part of the production. Her interest in flawless modulation is amazing. Unlike other heroines who just do it away with lip sink, she takes extra care for perfection.

What about director Seenu Vytla?
He is one person who keeps my spirits bouncing for something new always. He had a word of praise for me during the 175 days function of Devdas. From that day onwards, he continuously expressed his wish to do a film with me. For the success of a film, first we need directors who get excited about their projects. They should get excited about their heroes. No doubt, his comedy sense is wonderful. He made Ready as a feel good film on a fair angle with polished comedy.

The producer is always bothered about commercially. Won’t this parameter affect the real potential of an artiste?
Definitely. This development at present is unavoidable.

Tell about the producer of Ready?
Generally, the producer tends to spend less in hero's home production so that he could get more table profit. But for Ready, my uncle Ravi Kishore spent a lot of money just to make sure that the film is rich in visuals and content.. A lot of planning is involved in setting the combination of artistes and adjustment of their dates. In the future even if other producers are not willing to produce films of artistic/experimental nature, I always have my home banner Sravanthi Movies to fall back on.

How do you look at a movie, when it comes to business? If a producer gets losses, what’s your part up to?
So far, I never took the business angle seriously. Hereafter, I feel like interested in that also. I generally think of doing a good film and my producer should get his money and even profits. Coming to my role in bailing out the producer from losses, such situation has not come to me till now.

What about your friends here?
I don’t have many friends over here in Hyderabad. My friends’ batch is in Chennai. I don’t go out except during the shoots. To be frank, I don’t have friends in film industry here. Getting into new association for its own sake will not interest me. It will look artificial. I went to Touch a couple of times, so far. I don’t drink and I don’t smoke. Of course, I did it for the screen in Jagadam.

Tell us about your female fans? Their number swells each time they see Devadas.
I don’t feel free moving with girls. I am shy, but I put on a brave front. Recently, I got a call from a girl. I attended it casually. This call multiplied and multiplied with many girls on the line even after the midnight. Later, I strictly controlled it. But, I give a lot of importance to the feedback from the audiences and my well-wishers.

Can you make a comparison of your perception before and after coming into the films?
To be clear and say again, I never wanted to become a hero. I am obsessed to become an actor. As such, I don’t hold any particular view of it.

What kind of girl you want in real life?
Still a long way to go. I never thought of it. I am a family person. And I don’t have any dream girl. But one thing is sure. If I were to love, I will make it very seriously. When I get attached, that’s final. Okka Sari Fix Aithe, Anthe.

What’s special about your dances in Ready?
I am ever ready to experiment with new things. I did a simple gesture with eyebrows in Jagadam in a sequence. Now, I have done a full-length eyebrow dance in Ready. I practiced a lot for that. It will sure impress one and all. It is first of its lengthy experiment in Tollywood. It has been developed to a finer level by choreographer Prem Rakshit, who also worked with me for Jagadam.

Most artistes cherish a dream to direct, whether it materializes or not. Did you ever think of becoming a director? After all, it’s a culminating point!
I want to get into each and every field of filmmaking. In fact, direction is the most strenuous job. I will definitely do direction, but it takes a long time.

Your favorite quotation?
(Thinks for a few seconds) Of course, Here is a couple of them – “Don’t walk as if you rule the world. Walk as if you don’t care who rules the world”. Next: “Do what you believe in. Believe in what you do.”

What’s your favorite holiday spot?
Switzerland. Of course, I like Araku and Vizag too.

What irritates you most?
I hardly get irritated.

What makes you excited?
When I try something different and when it’s appreciated.

Your favorite films in Hollywood?
I like the films of Jim Carry. He is one actor who would make us watch his films irrespective of the content.

Do you do faces like him?
Yes. I tried eyebrows experiment for a song in Ready.

What are your hobbies?
I don’t have time for hobbies. If I get free time, I stand in front of the mirror to improve/invent expressions,

Don’t you think the combination of your film with MS Raju-B.Gopal is little wierd?
Yes. It sounds very crazy and odd. That itself might work as a big publicity. People already told me the film would be flocked by one and all. Just because, they will more interested in knowing what the trio has done. B. Gopal and MS Raju thoroughly readied the subject in tune with my body language.

What about yours next with YVS Chowdary?
It is titled as 'Rey'. It will come up after MS Raju-B.Gopal film. Like Devdas, YVS project “Rey” requires lot of shooting in US.

You are one actor, who doesn’t like to be called as Babu in the industry. Why?
I always tell people around me not to call me Babu, as I have not come as a heir to anyone and I am not the son of a big hero. They think I am arrogant.

You spent most years in Chennai. But, you are able speak chaste Telugu. How is it possible to do without Tamil tinge?
If I speak Telugu, it should be completely the same language. If I speak Tamil, nobody will find that I am a Telugu man. Basically, I am from Vijayawada; and we speak Telugu in our house, and most of my friends are Telugus.

What about your interests in Tamil film industry?
Actually, before coming to Telugu film industry, my first and foremost priority was Tamil. Now that I have come here, I have to do many more films, before taking up Tamil projects. Definitely, I am going to do Tamil films.

source:idlebrain.com

Telugu Actress SONAL CHAUHAN - Interview

Telugu Actress SONAL CHAUHAN - Interview

She has all the reason to smile. She has just made her debut but the name Sonal Chauhan has already become popular. Slender and tall, this beauty from Delhi made a dream debut in Bhatt's movie Jannat. Now she is hoping to get the same accolades in Telugu where she begins her journey with director V N Aditya's Rainbow which is readying up for release. Here she spoke to Telugucinema.com at length..

With Jannat turning out to be big hit, you must be on cloud nine now!

Indeed, I am on heavens literally. Jannat's success has really put me on Jannat (laughs). It is certainly a dream debut as you mentioned. People are recognizing me and appreciated my work. I hope Rainbow brings me the same success in Telugu as well.

Were you not apprehensive that acting in a Bhatt movie requires lot of skin show?

No. There is not much skin in the film. I knew it is clean movie.

Anyhow, what is your take on exposing?

I might sound clichéd but I never wear anything that I am uncomfortable in. The idea of skin show varies from person to person. I don't feel awkward in shorts but some others might find it 'exposing'. Personally, I am not in favour of excessive glamour.


Would you do on screen smooches?

I didn't do them on Jannat. Nor would I lip lock in future. That is, onscreen.

When you got the chance to debut in Bhatt's movies, what made you to come down to Telugu?

Soon after I finished Jannat, V N Aditya sir called me after seeing my portfolio through my agent. He was impressed and insisted on me signing this. After all, it is a superb script and my character is well-etched. I must say after finishing the film now, my faith in the script is reinforced and the movie has come out well. I hope that it turns out to be big hit as well. My fingers are crossed now.

Tell us about your character in Rainbow?

I am playing the role of an actress in the movie who aspires to become big in Tollywood. It is very central to the film.

Sounds like a your real life story..

ha..ha.. Not real but it is similar to any girl who aspires to become big in glam field.

How is it working with V N Aditya and your co-stars?

I must say this film unit is the most comfortable one and Aditya sir is the gentleman. He is the nicest person that I ever come across. He is truly genuine and affable director.




How did you start your career..

I am basically from Uttar Pradesh but completed my schooling in Delhi Public School. Then I shifted to Mumbai and had done modelling. I did romping and commercials for big brands including Lays (with Saif Ali Khan), Pepsi (with John Abrams).

I participated in a lot of pageantry all over the world. As you are aware, I got through the much-happening Miss World (Tourism) show. That brought me a great beginning wherever I went. Crowds, young or old, cheered me with love and affection. To say there will not be a full-stop in my career, the title of Miss India favored me.

Who are your favorite actress and actors?
They are Kajol and Sharukh Khan.

You look so anorexic? Are you in favor of size Zero glam?

Really, do I look like that? I am very healthy and eat good food. I don't believe in Size Zero nor do I suggest anyone.

Are you in love?

No comments.

Hobbies?

I love eating and sleeping.

What kind of dress you like most?

T shirts and Shorts.

source:telugucinema.com

Genelia’s READY wins the hearts

GENELIA iNTERVIEW