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

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 15, 2015)

Actor-producer Mahesh Babu's 2006 Telugu film, Pokiri, was remade three years later in Hindi by Prabhu Dheva as Wanted, featuring Salman Khan and Ayesha Takia. It was as big a hit as Pokiri. Now, another Telugu film, helmed by Koratala Siva, Srimanthudu, with Mahesh Babu and Shruti Haasan in the lead, will be remade in Hindi by the director. "Mahesh Babu isn't interested in Hindi films. He did not act in Wanted and is not keen on this one either. But Shruti immediately came on board," a source told Mirror.

On Wednesday, Shruti dropped in on the sets of her father, Kamal Haasan's upcoming Tamil film, Thoongaa Vanam and spent the day with him. "They celebrated the success of this Telugu hit. She discussed this offer with her father and he thought a Hindi remake was a great idea too," adds the source. The film revolves around Harsha, the heir to a business empire. He defies his father and takes up rural development. He meets Charusheela, played by Shruti, who wants to use new technology to benefit her village. "Like Wanted, it's a film with a social message, coated with commercially viable ingredients. This is why it's Hindi remake rights were much wanted," says the source. The film rolls year end and casting for a Bollywood actor opposite Shruti is currently underway.