Showing posts with label Anil Ravipudi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anil Ravipudi. Show all posts
It was a challenge to emote in Telugu-Arjun Rampal
8:36 AM
)
Neeshita Nyayapati (BOMBAY TIMES; August 20, 2023)
From foraying into Telugu cinema to embracing fatherhood for the fourth time, it has been a year filled with significant professional and personal milestones for Arjun Rampal. The model-turned-actor was in Hyderabad recently to shoot for the upcoming Balakrishna-starrer directed by Anil Ravipudi, Bhagavanth Kesari.
In a candid chat with Hyderabad Times, Arjun, who plays the antagonist in the movie, opened up about the challenges of working in the south Indian film industry, his recent fatherhood experience and his daughter Myra's independent stride on the runway and more. Excerpts:
I’ve watched a couple of south films, especially those directed by Mani Ratnam and S S Rajamouli. Their movies are visually captivating and hold a unique charm. Each film has its own distinct appeal. So, I'm excited to be finally stepping into south film industry. I must say, as beautiful as they are to watch, working here is a whole new ball game. It took a lot out of me.
I hate being repetitive, so I gravitate towards roles that allow me to tap unexplored spaces. I don’t want to be your run-of-the-mill baddie; I want to play characters that stay with the audience, be it for better or worse. Anil offered me just that and I took up the challenge. I would love to say yes to more Telugu projects should this click.
It's never easy to pick up a new language and Telugu is not an easy language to learn. But the way it's spoken aligns rather nicely with my baritone (laughs). It was extremely challenging to ensure I was emoting right. But I became so comfortable with it, Anil got carried away and began writing long shots for me.
I visited a local theatre here during the screening of the film's teaser. The energy was infectious, and I noticed people tossing what I initially thought was money, creating a screen-covering spectacle. It was only afterward that I realized it was homemade confetti. I've never witnessed such unwavering loyalty and profound love for cinema before.
Watching Myra, I'm strongly reminded her mom (Arjun's ex-wife Mehr Jesia) when she walks the ramp. And she refuses to be called a nepo baby because she’s doing it all on her own. Her determination to carve her own path fills me with pride.
I’m not a fan of remakes-Mahesh Babu
8:01 AM
Hiren Kotwani (DNA; June 18, 2019)
A few of his Telugu hits have been remade in Hindi — like Pokiri (2006) was turned into the Salman Khan-starrer Wanted (2009) while Ookadu (2003) was presented as Arjun Kapoor’s Tevar (2015). However, Mahesh Babu is content with being the numero uno actor in Telugu cinema and has no plans of venturing into Bollywood as of now. The 44-year-old, who is basking in the super success of Maharshi, is now focussing on his next film, Sarileru Neekevvaru, which he’s also producing.
In an email interview, the superstar assesses his 25-year-long innings in cinema and shares why his wife (former Bollywood actress Namrata Shirodkar) is his biggest critic.
Having started as a child actor at the age of four, how do you look back at your journey?
It’s difficult to describe it in a few words. However, all I can say is that it has been extremely satisfactory, humbling and even overwhelming at times. My father’s fans and my fans have stood by me through thick and thin. They have contributed in making my journey memorable. All I want to do is good cinema, I just want to entertain my audience.
Given that your first lead role in a feature was in 1999 with Raja Kumarudu, 25 films in 20 years seem less from a Bollywood perspective.
I am not in any kind of rush. For me, the quality of cinema matters, not quantity. I will do what’s best for me and my audience. I don’t have a threshold to meet.
One hears a lot about method acting and prepping for the part in Hindi cinema. How do you go about preparing for your onscreen characters?
I am a director’s actor. I work according to my director’s vision. My characters have mostly been very relatable and life-like and it has been pretty easy for me to portray them, especially because they have been written so well.
The actor’s different avatars in Maharshi
What’s next after Maharshi?
I am working with Anil Ravipudi in Sarileru Neekevvaru. It’s an out-and-out entertainer.
What do your children, Gautam and Sitara, think of your movies?
They enjoy watching my films. Sitara loves Srimanthudu (2015) while Gautam really likes Athadu (2005).
Having been an actress, how does your wife, Namrata, review your work?
She’s my harshest critic. With Namrata around, I really don’t have anything to worry about. She gives me honest suggestions.
Between the two of you, who is the stricter parent?
Namrata is the stricter one and I think it’s a good thing. While I am doing all the pampering, she keeps a tab on not letting it go overboard and that helps the kids to stay grounded.
Many actors from the South have ventured into Hindi cinema. Do you have any plans of doing so?
None at this point. I want to focus on Telugu cinema right now.
How do you deal with release-day jitters?
My family is my biggest stress buster. It’s not just release-day jitters, but whenever I feel anxious, my wife and children help me to stay calm.
Some of your films have been remade in Hindi. What if you’re offered a remake of one of your hits?
I’m not a fan of remakes (smiles).
Namrata is also involved in the production aspect of your films. Does she call the shots or do you have the last word in your ventures?
Namrata works with her team and she’s well-equipped. I don’t need to get into that aspect.
Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)