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

MUMBAI MIRROR (February 28, 2019)

The last words of the brave heart Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who died in the line of duty during the November 26 attacks in Mumbai in 2008, were, “Don’t come upstairs, I will handle them.” Sony Pictures Entertainment and Mahesh Babu are bringing the story of real-life hero, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, to life on the big screen. The brave NSG commando had saved several hostages during the 26/11 attack at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai and ended up sacrificing his life for the nation. He was decorated with the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest military honor in peace time for his bravery. The film titled Major will dive deep into the life of legend Major Unnikrishnan whose courage and bravery has made the nation proud.

Major is a bilingual and will be released in Hindi and Telugu. It marks the foray of Sony Pictures International Productions into the Telugu film industry as well as Mahesh Babu Productions’ entry into Hindi cinema. The film is co-produced by Adivi Entertainment, Sharath Chandra and Anurag Reddy’s A+S Movies.

Major Unnikrishnan’s role will be played by Adivi Sesh, a young actor who has previously written and featured prominently in breakout Telugu hits, Kshanam and Goodachari. The film, that will explore the life of the martyr, will be directed by Shashkiran Tikka.

Vivek Krishnani, MD, Sony Pictures Entertainment in India, says “We are excited to partner with Mahesh and Namrata who are such creative forces and are equally thrilled to welcome them in the Hindi film industry. Sesh and Shashi make their debut in Hindi cinema wth this film and we absolutely love the passion with which they have envisioned Major.”

Namrata Shirodkar Ghattamaneni, MD, G Mahesh Babu Entertainment says, “Mahesh and I have envisioned GMB to bring stories that resonate globally. We are excited to be able to tell such a unique and original story about a National hero’s life. The honesty of Sesh and Sashi’s vision for Major’s story echoed with us and in Sony Pictures we found the right partners to bring the incredible story on the big screen not only for a Pan-Indian audience, but an international one.”

Major will go on the floors in the next few months and is expected to release by 2020.