Nag is NTR’s friend

It’s been more than six months since Nagarjuna has landed on the film sets but the actor has exciting projects lined-up. While he has green-lit a project to be made on Annapoorna, it’s his multi-starrer with NTR that is making all the noise. True to it, Nag takes us by surprise by saying that he is playing NTR’s friend in the film

As he turns 55, Nagarjuna seems to be reversing his age as his suave and dashing looks can easily give competition to the present crop of actors. He seems to be in a content space having donned the role of a good husband, father, businessman and actor. He also recently made a mark for himself as a successful TV host with ‘Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu’ (MEK).

But all that apart, this year has seen the star face a lot of emotional ups and downs. It began with the death of his father – the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao in January. And then, the urge to make his last film, ‘Manam’, a befitting ode. After that listening to the stories of around 90 contestants on ‘MEK’, Nag has definitely had a soul-stirring year.

“2014 has been an emotional year for me – especially ‘MEK’ where I conversed a lot with aam aadmi. With tears of their family members and so many touching moments, the programme was a revelation for me. I never had the habit of discussing work at home but unlike films, ‘MEK’ had real emotions and it was a part of everyday discussion at home,” Nagarjuna shares.

Though he has spent the majority of the year in hectic schedules, Nagarjuna has big plans for the rest of the year and is gearing up for the ANR National Awards and another season of ‘MEK’.

Also, he will begin shooting for an upcoming film to be produced by Annapoorna and Ram Mohan (Uyyala Jampala fame). Known to encourage new talent, Nag has given newcomer Kalyan an opportunity to direct him. “It will be a complete entertainer on the lines of ‘Hello Brother’. Interestingly, I play dual roles in the film. The story is exciting and is different. Just like with ‘Manam’, I plan to surprise everyone,” he says, smiling. The film, set in a rural backdrop, has Ramya Krishnan as one of his female leads. “The other lead is yet to be finalised,” he says.

But the most interesting project that he has in his kitty is definitely Vamsi Paidipally’s multi-starrer in which he will be seen sharing screen space with NTR. “I can’t say much about it but I can only tell you that it is a story about two friends and their relation,” he reveals.

Further, Nagarjuna appreciates the trend of multi-starrers and says that he’s glad to be part of one. “My mindset had seen a tremendous upheaval after ‘Bhai’ which was a slap on my face. I’m glad that others have also had a change in mindset and have offered me a role that has meat. When the script was first narrated to me, I was taken aback. I asked Vamsi, ‘Whether it was written keeping me in mind?” he states.

Before closing, we ask him about sons Naga Chaitanya and Akhil and just like any other doting dad his face beams into a smile. “I have seen Chaitanya’s ‘Oka Laila Kosam’ and am very happy with the end product. I can see the improvement in him. And Pooja Hegde is great. I feel she has a great future.”

And Akhil? “Well, people have been asking about his debut film. But I think he still has time. He’s still 20! What’s the hurry?” he asks as he signs off.