After over four collaborative projects with SS Rajamouli, south superstar Jr NTR has noticed the evolution in the director’s craft, even as his equation with him has remained unchanged. “The  constant effort that he put in [has shown results].  He wanted to combine the [Indian] film industries together. This is finally happening, and the process demands a lot of dedication,” says the actor, who is set to feature in the Baahubali creator’s next, RRR.

Excited at the thought of bridging the gap between the film industries, Rao says he would “pounce” at the offer of being part of an interesting Hindi film. “I won’t [reveal] anything,” he says of any projects that are in contention. “Let’s see.”

Rao says he wouldn’t be taken aback by the transition. Hindi, after all, was “my first language in school”. “I am from Hyderabad, but [the way] Hindi [is spoken] in Hyderabad is different. My mom was keen that I learn Hindi as my first language, and then Telugu. Whether you are right or wrong, you have to communicate with confidence. Even if you talk crap, it will suffice if you understand the emotion. We are all learners.”

Essaying a larger-than-life role in the film, also featuring Alia Bhatt, has a lot to do with how assured one is in his craft, he feels. “Showcase the original you. Do you really think I can scream at a tiger like I do in the film? But you need to cut the noise and become the character. Become your director’s character and follow his vision.”