You don't get paid much until you establish yourself in cinema.
Satyadev Kancharana
When I was a child, I wanted to grow taller than a certain standard set by our teacher. When I expressed that desire, my teacher asked me if I thought of myself as a Chiranjeevi. Since then, I have heard a number of people liken the very name 'Chiranjeevi' to impossible achievement.
Due to internal problems, 'Bluff Master' had a very limited theatrical release. However, the film was a big hit on digital platforms like YouTube and Amazon.
I quit my job when I was earning Rs 1.5 lakh per month, when my position was at a peak, I had a H1-B and could have gone offshore and lived comfortably. But I knew I would achieve something if I followed my heart, and gave that all up.
In Sarileru... my role duration was 15 minutes. Since I knew the scope I didn't mind it.
I am open to playing character roles.
Being born and brought up in Visakhapatnam, the story of the sinking of Ghazi and the 1971 Indo-Pak war was something we had grown up listening to.
I prefer being the protagonist.
When one performs well, the others are automatically motivated to give their best.
I am a greedy artiste. Wherever I will find good stories, I will do it.
I watched 'Maheshinte'... in 2016 just once.
I am okay doing negative role provided it is out of the box.
Though I was aware that the success rate in film industry was one percent and how difficult it was to survive, I wanted to try my luck as an actor.
At the end of the day I want to known for my acting skills.
From Mahesh Babu and Prabhas to Varun Tej, I played their friend, yet I never wanted to quit.
I also write stories and want to show these stories to the world; someday someone might want to direct them.
While doing 'Ghazi,' Sankalp said he wanted me for his next film. He is a genius. There is always a mini-war going on in his brain, though he is a reticent person.
I've known Venkatesh Maha since 2015 and we often discuss several things related to cinema and filmmaking.
The story, not the money, excites me.
If I listen to 120 stories, I'd love 10 of them, seven would go on floors, four would get completed, three films will have the first copy ready, and one will release in theaters. This is how it has been for me.
I keep writing stories that I might want to bring to life one day.
I think the term 'hero' comes with a lot of baggage.
When I began my journey in films, I never thought I'd be playing the lead in my films and was keen to move ahead with roles that give me scope to act.
I love filmmaking as a process and acting is one element that is dear to me.
When I left my home after telling my family members that I would be meeting with Chiranjeevi, they asked me, 'Do you think you are a Chiranjeevi?' I am yet to completely live the joy of having met him.
I probably won't direct the stories I am writing but will star in them.
I liked 'Maheshinte Prathikaaram' very much.
Nothing came to me overnight unlike many others in the industry.
Afghanis love Indians. The hospitality that they extended to us will remain with me for the rest of my life.
