SHINE ON "NATURAL"LY

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE BONAFIDE "NATURAL" POSTER BOY OF TOLLYWOOD WHO HAS CHARMED HIS TELUGU FANS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD WITH HIS CHARISMATIC ENIGMA AND STYLE

- Rajeshwari Kalyanam

With back-to-back hits, and a few milestone films adding to his filmography, Nani is enjoying the space he is in right now. "It took a long time to reach here, when I can decide on the kind of films I want to show to the audience," he says.

It was eons ago, when there was this young boy sitting quietly, completely comfortable with himself, and confident. He was there to support his hairstylist, who had opened his salon. Just a few movies old Nani knew he was at the right place and was willing to wait his turn to make it big in the world of cinema.

He was already in the industry and every opportunity that came his way, he gave his all and more, and whether the film garnered less success or was a blockbuster hit, he always came out better and stronger, making an impression in the audiences' minds and a very special place in their hearts.

Nani entered the industry to direct films inspired by director Maniratnam. But eventually, he became an actor. Interestingly, Nani's career graph is dotted with diverse roles, innovative subjects, some bordering on experimentation and most of these cinematic expressions enjoying critical acclaim. So much so that Nani is credited to having a sense of good cinema that also appeals to masses.

In one of the interviews - he says - Every film is teaching me something new; what we do not know; what is yet to be done...through films I want to create experiences for the audience.

Today, as we sit down for an interview I see the same enthusiasm, zest for good cinema, confidence and faith in himself perhaps with a hint of being worldly-wise after over 25 years of being a part of an industry, where there is no sure shot way to success.