Telugu Actor Manchu Vishnu Interview

Manchu Vishnu Open heart with RK part 1 of 2

Manchu Vishnu Open heart with RK part 2 of 2

Tv9 - Suzy's Close Encounter With NAGARJUNA - INTERVIEW

Akkineni Nagarjuna interview on Close Encounter, Nagarjuna speaks about YSR, Nagarjuna speaks about Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna speaks about his film career and personal life.

AKKINENI NAGARJUNA PROFILE

Exclusive Interview: Jagapathi Babu

Jagapathi Babu looks fitter than ever now. Praise comes for his looks not just from girls but also from established filmmakers. Probably that is the reason why he accepted to play the role of a student as well as a lecturer in Madan`s Pravarkyudu. He speaks at length about Pravarkyudu and Gaayam 2 and much more in this exclusive interview...

Tell us about Pravarkyudu

Basically it is a love story about a couple who falls in love when they are students and are separated from each other. Ten years later they meet again. The heroine turns out to be a college principal while the hero joins the same college as lecturer. The conflict here is that of a girl searching for emotional security in a relationship and of a boy seeking physical pleasure.

Looks like Pravarkyudu has a bold concept!

Yes, indeed, it is a bold concept. Director Madan has also dealt with issues of sexual games in the film. Girls always mature faster than boys. They know that emotional bonding is important than mere sexual attraction but boys look for the latter first. It takes time for them to realise the value of an emotional bonding. This is the underlying theme of the film but, overall, Pravarkyudu is a good romantic drama with lots of fun, entertainment and good songs.

Any link with 'Pravarkyudu', the character created by Allasani Peddana?

No, but 'Pravarkyudu' in this film attracts women. At the same time, he is also honest in his love towards Priyamani in the true spirit of the original Pravarkyudu. It is also true that I had my own apprehensions about the title initially as I was skeptical about its acceptance with mass audiences. On my birthday, Madan requested me to accept the title as his birthday gift. So I could not refuse. Now, the title has been accepted by everyone.

You seem to share a sizzling chemistry with Priyamani.

We are good friends. We have a love and hate relationship between us. I like to be very natural on screen and she is also a natural actress. So it reflects when we act together and the onscreen romance seems very natural. Regarding Priyamani appearing in sexy outfits in a couple of songs, I would say that I insisted on director Madan shooting it that way. We ourselves took the liberty and did a sensual number in the film as it attracts the audiences and also helps the movie.

This is said to be the movie with the biggest budget.

It is true that Pravarkyudu was shot on a lavish scale and made with a much bigger budget than my normal films. All of us, including director Madan, Producer Ganesh Indukuri, music director Keeravani and the cameraman, wanted to make this as a visual feast.

Everything in the film looks grand and beautiful. That is why, today it has sold out completely. If we put in the best, the product really comes out well and if we believe in our film, it attracts the buyers. Pravarkyudu is a huge film in my career both in terms of budget and also the business that it did. I hope it also brings in huge profits.

Are you happy with the producers?

Tolly2Holly is going to be a big banner. They are sensible and know everything about the industry. They didn't step into filmmaking as just novices. Tolly2Holly is a reputed distribution company in the US and they distributed my movie Pellaina Kotthalo. So they approached Madan and me, to repeat the magic. They are also going to be happy with this film.

What differences did you notice in Madan - from Pellaina Kottalo to Pravarkyudu?

He has always been a mature person. His strength is in writing and he is clear about his ideas. He has made this film with good aesthetic values.
You are playing a college student in one scene of the movie. How did you achieve this younthful look?

Right from the beginning, Madan told me that I had to look younger and so I worked on it. I can confidently say now that I don`t look awkward in the student`s role in the film. The best compliment that I got for my looks is from the master director RGV. He said me that I am look very good in Pravarkyudu. He is not a filmmaker who compliments just any one and he does not give his opinion only to please others.

What is the secret of your fitness?

I am happy and content with life. It reflects on your face.
Can you name 5 films that turned your career?

Peddarikam, Gayam, Shuba Lagnam, Anthapuram, and hopefully Pravarkyudu
You have just announced a sequel to Gayam. Can you tell us about it?

Yes, the sequel to Gayam is finally taking place. Praveen, a former associate of Ram Gopal Varma, is directing it. It is the first sequel in Telugu in the truest sense. I mean, the movie really starts off with the 15 years of where Gayam ended. 15 years later, the protagonist Durga is coming back. Revathy has agreed to play the same role. We brought Kota Srinivas Rao`s role alive in the sequel. I am yet to speak to Urmila, though.
Why is RGV not directing Gayam 2?

Praveen developed this idea and script. When RGV heard it, he said it sounds good and asked me to go ahead with his protege. 'I don't want to snatch his baby,' he said. But RGV has offered to help me and the director whenever required.
SOURCE: SIFY.COM

Bollywood Actor Sonu Sood's, Another Hit Arundhati

Sonu Sood Interview

Sonu Sood, a familiar face in Hindi movies, has become a huge hit in the Telugu film industry.

The tall and lean actor has had a good 2008 having done Hindi films like Jodhaa Akbar, Singh is Kinng and Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi.

He is also basking in the unprecedented success of the recently released Telugu film Arundhati, one of the runaway hits in the beginning of 2009.

Sonu was brilliant as Pashupati and especially as aghora (he plays a tantric) he sent shivers down our spine.

The unpretentious, friendly and warm actor talks about Arundhati, his role as Pashupati and acting in Telugu films.

Why Arundhati?

I was on the lookout for a new role. When I met the producer (Shyam Prasad Reddy) and director (Kodi Ramakrishna), the role was that of a bouncer. They wanted me to play an aghora and I did not know who an aghora was. The producer and director then showed me some sketches. The only thing I knew was that I would be working with a team which had done its homework. I signed the role purely on instinct.

Besides the script, weren't you influenced by big names like Shyam Prasad Reddy and Kodi Ramakrishna?

The script was the main reason to sign the film. The names were also important.

My make-up alone took 4-5 hours'
You've put in a high-voltage performance as Pashupati. Did you do any homework for it?

I saw photographs of aghoras given to me by the production unit. I didn't get much reading material on them, though. I was a bit confused on whether to underplay or overplay but the director knew what he wanted. In the end it was spontaneity on the sets.

A role on reincarnation, a tormented spirit wreaking vengeance -- did you think that such a role would work in today's age of science and rationality?

Yes, I did have some hesitation. I did have this question in my mind on how to convince people with the supernatural element. All the people who worked on the script were fully charged and they had the conviction that they could do it. So I believed in that conviction and the supernatural theme connected with the audience.

How challenging was it to play the character?

It was not easy. My make-up alone took 4-5 hours and it was tedious maintaining it too. In fact it was a challenge. At times we used to shoot continuously for many hours without a wink. Physically it was tiring. And I used to have rashes on the body because of the make-up. I suffered from backache as well. All this made me think of never doing something like this again. However after seeing the success of Arundhati, I have to rethink my decision.

I did Jodhaa Akbar and Arundhati simultaneously. And both the characters were totally different. When I returned to Jaipur (for Jodhaa Akbar) after shooting for Arundhati, I would tell Ashutosh Gowarikar (director Jodhaa Akbar) and his team about playing the aghora. I think it's some supernatural force which helped me do it.

'I even scared myself when I watched the film in the theatre!'
You were able to induce fear and terror. Your body language and expressions were so apt especially in the scenes as aghora. How did you manage that?

I even scared myself when I watched the film in the theatre! I think the word 'action' did the trick. I think it's destiny which made me play Pashupati in the film. My sister who would come to the sets to watch the shoot told me, 'I couldn't see you bhaiyya; I could see only the character.' In fact the character was so overpowering and strong that I couldn't see anything else.

Did the character haunt you later? Were you able to shed it easily from your mind and body?

It wasn't easy. The character stayed with me for quite some time.

Arundhati is faring very well. Did you anticipate its success?

I believed in the film and knew it would be appreciated. But what I didn't realise was that it would break records. It's been a great learning experience. It has also proved that if you believe in yourself, you can do wonders and create history.

'The technicalities I learnt in the Tamil and Telugu film industries helped me in the Hindi film industry later on'
You have been playing the baddie (Ashok) as well as essaying some good roles (Super, Athadu, Mr Medhavi). What challenges you as an artiste? Does playing roles with shades of grey give you more scope as an artiste?

I never wanted to be typecasted. That's why I do different roles. Every role is challenging. It is important for an actor to explore all phases and to learn.

How did you adapt yourself to Tamil and Telugu films? What about the language barrier?

When I started doing these films, there was no choice. I was an engineer who got into acting and the scripts were good. The technicians in the South were brilliant. I learnt the words, then the lines -- the whole process. It was like a new classroom with new teachers. The technicalities I learnt in the Tamil and Telugu film industries helped me in the Hindi film industry later on.

'People say I'm choosy but the role has to excite me'
Are you working on any Telugu projects?

I have done a movie (Bangaru Babu) with Jagapathi Babu where I play a positive role. I am listening to scripts though I haven't signed any films yet.

Will you juggle Hindi and Telugu/Tamil films?

I will juggle between Hindi and Telugu films. I enjoy working in the Telugu film industry. I plan to work in two Telugu releases in a year.

How selective are you in choosing scripts?

People say I'm choosy but the role has to excite me. It has to be a character which makes me get up without an alarm.

Can we know something about Sonu, the man in real life...?

Well I am from a small town Moga (Punjab). I never thought I would get into acting. Thanks to my family's support, I am where I am today in the film world. I am a shy person, I don't party. I play the guitar, watch movies, play with my six-year old son, spend time with my family and also play cricket.

source:rediff.com

NAGARJUNA..."I am happy to be an actor,"

Nag rules out active politics...Nag Views

Nag, it seems, is finally fed up of the characteristic but clichéd running around trees with pretty young things and bashing up goons.

So, is he pushing the glass ceiling by stepping into serious cinema or is it his surgery (he confirmed that he underwent knee surgery recently) that's cramping his style?

"It was tiresome dancing with eight pretty actress," exclaims Nag, although he does confess he's impressed with co-star Mamta Mohandass. "I am her fan", he says, breaking into a mischievous smile that melts his years away.

Though Nag does not say it in so many words, it comes across that he's determined this year to chart a new course in his career. He was a bit surprised with director Sekar Kammula opting out of a film that was scheduled to start early this year. He says, "We were about to start the film in February but after he watched me in a larger-than-life role in King, he backed out and assured me, he would come back with a suitable script."

Reiterating his decision to go in for sensible roles and denying rumours about taking a break from acting, he says, "I am not taking a break since I have enough offers. It's just that I'm waiting for a good script to come my way. I am even thinking of doing a thematic film like A Wednesday and given a choice I would love to do Naseeruddin's role," he asserts.
Wondering if he, like his contemporaries in Bollywood, is into blogging as well? "I don't have the patience for blogging and chatting," says the actor, who finds it hard even to send an SMS on his mobile! Commenting on the unusual title King for a comic caper, he explains, "I too, was a bit apprehensive and was insisting on another title, but finally it was justified as the whole film revolves around that role."

Nag who has done a comedy after a long gap, says that he was surprised that filmmakers are not approaching him with comedy scripts despite him showcasing his flair for comedy in laugh-riots like Hello Brother and Manmadhudu. "I think it's due to my serious look," he smiles.
On competition brewing from stars like Mahesh and NTR he says, "They are really big stars but I have no problems as long as we play roles that suit our image and age respectively. If we intend to crisscross then it could rebound," he says with some caution, though.

Revealing his studio expansion plans which include a film academy, he says, "Filmmaking is a skilled job and the basics have to be mastered."

On news about corporate companies trying to sign him for package deals, he confirms the buzz. "A big corporate company has had discussions with me. I am ready to sign up, but only on my terms," he affirms in his inimitable style. He rules out active politics as well. "I am happy to be an actor," he signs off.

source:hyderabadtimes

Telugu Actor VISHNU In ICL - Interview

Telugu Senior Actor MOHAN BABU's Son VISHNU In ICL

He's a businessman to the core and he's got his finger in many pies, besides acting.

He's got a production house, an animation studio, an institute for training TV crew –– and now he has bought the local ICL team. Actor Vishnu, who is busy shooting for his film Saleem, took time off for an exclusive chat with us.

Excerpts from the interview

Did SRK and Preity inspire you to join the big league of owning a cricket team?

I do agree that SRK and Preity made it easier for me to convince my board of directors or else they would have rubbished it as a weird idea. Being a cricket lover, this was a great opportunity for me to get involved with the sport. Unlike some Bollywood stars, I am happy to own the home team and it gives me a sense of pride. Likewise, our league is in no way inferior to other leagues.

Local talents Ambati Rayudu and Khalil are the best in the business. Initially, I did have some doubts about the league but jam-packed stadiums and the overwhelming response changed my view. Right now, our team is well-placed with four wins out of five to reserve our quarter-final berth. The finals would be a great event to watch out for, irrespective of the teams participating in it.

Do you like to influence team composition? Also how do you justify the new amalgamation of cricket and cinema?

I would leave the choice of team composition to the captain and coach. I believe it's their prerogative. I will be involving myself in designing marketing strategies and as an ambassador to fetch maximum mileage for our team. I don't think there is anything wrong in cricket and cinema coming together, since glamour does add to the brand value. But beyond that, it's real talent that triumphs.

How does it feel to give up on bachelorhood now that you are engaged?

It is yet to sink in but I am happy that our long courtship has been formally solemnised by our parents. Viranica (not Veronica) hails from USA and is a business graduate and also a jewellery designer. Despite belonging to contrasting professions, we are making an effort to understand each other.

Marriage will happen sometime next year, once I finish my next film Saleem. According to my sister (Laxmi Prasanna), the marriage is going to be a big celebration. That seems to be true as she is busy shopping, while my friends are busy chalking out plans for various post marriage parties!

How do you strike work-life balance? And, how does Viranica react to your on-screen romances?

I don’t think it’s too difficult to maintain a work-life balance. Twenty four hours are enough.

I am a bit apprehensive how Viranica will now react when she sees me cosying up with pretty actresses on-screen. With my next co-star being Ileana, it will be tough (chuckles)! I am quite involved in my businesses, and I am equally excited about a plum film project.

Vishnu and Viranica got engaged last month


source:timesofindia

Mohanlal (Interview) I’m learning Japanese, Chinese for a new film

M alayalam movie superstar Mohanlal is learning Japanese and Chinese for his upcoming Japanese movie about an Indian freedom fighter.”I have to dub the film and speak in Japanese and Chinese. I have to learn the languages,” Mohanlal told IANS in an interview here. “It is a Japanese film.”

Mohanlal was here along with fellow actor Mukesh to announce the staging of the hit Malayalam play “Chayamukhy” in the Gulf later this year.

Speaking about the Japanese project “Nair San”, he said that the movie revolved around the true story of an Indian freedom fighter popularly known as Nair San in Japan.

“Maybe he (Nair San) was the first person in the world to conduct a student agitation against the British. This is a thrilling biography of him,” Mohanlal said.

“It is a docudrama. He fought against the British from Japan. Later, the Japanese government presented him with the title ‘San’,” he added.

Ayyapan Pillai Madhavan Nair - or Nair San - had to leave Kerala at the age of 18 as he campaigned among the students and led protests and marches against the social injustices of the British, according to the film’s website.

He rebelled against the education tax imposed by the British. He later settled in Japan, where he struggled hard to root out imperialism from Asian countries.

“His efficiency in Japanese, Chinese and Spanish languages lifted him above all other Indian freedom fighters in Japan such as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rashbehari Bose, Pratap Singh and Barkathullah,” the website posting states.

Mohanlal said he personally knew Nair San, who had later opened a restaurant chain by the same name in Japan.

“I know that person. I have met him and I have been to his restaurants in Japan also, long back - I am talking about 23 years back,” the two-time National Award winner said.

He also confirmed that martial arts hero Jackie Chan will be doing a cameo in the film, which will be directed by noted Malayali director Albert.

“He is doing a small role. There is an action sequence he is doing,” he said.

Shooting for the new project, the first Japanese film by an Indian director, starts Sep 3 and locations will be spread across Japan, China and Mongolia.

“It is 160 days of shooting for me. The film will cover the life of Nair San from his age of 35 till his death,” Mohanlal said.

As for his other upcoming projects, he sounded very excited about the Oct 2 release of “Kurukshetra”, based on the Kargil war.

“It is about the Kargil war, how it happened and how it ended… We shot in real locations like Kargil and Drass,” the Padmashri recipient said.

He, however, clarified that the film was not a sequel to the earlier fast paced action thriller “Kirti Chakra” that he had done.

“Only one character, Major Mahadevan in ‘Kirti Chakra’, appears as Colonel Mahadevan here (in Kurukshetra),” he said.

The veteran actor is also looking forward to his multiplex business, which he said would cater basically to small towns in Kerala.

“It will not be in major cities like Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram. We will stay about 40 to 50 km away from such cities. Whatever amenities multiplexes provide will be available but at a lower scale,” he said.

Apart from Mohanalal, others involved in the project are Antony Perumbavoor, industrialist K.C. Babu and Asianet chief K. Madhavan. They have set up a company, Maxlab Entertainments, for this.

According to reports, the first of the multiplexes will be coming up near Chalakudy in Thrissur.

Mohanlal said now people don’t have to come to major cities to watch the latest movies.

“Previously there was a ban (on releasing films all across Kerala). But now we can release films throughout Kerala. People in smaller towns did not have enough theatres. We are aiming at these pockets,” he said.

So, now with Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi announcing his foray into politics, when can one expect Mohanlal to do the same?

“No, no, Kerala state is not like that,” he said shaking his head even before the question could be completed.

“In Kerala, film actors are not needed in politics,” he smiled.

Asserting that he was in no way connected to politics, he said: “I don’t want to get into politics. I know about the state, I know what is happening in the country. But I am not very keen on party and all. I have friends in all parties.”