After making his presence left in Ulavacharu Biryani, actor Tejus is back to arc lights for a road movie laced with youthful elements – Ketugadu. Unlike Ulavacharu Biryani, he is now playing solo lead. He teamed up with newcomer director Kittu and the movie is slated for this Friday release. Ahead of release, Tejus was bundle of nerves. Excerpts from his interview to Gulte.com
Background
My dad is an industrialist and mom is homemaker. My brother is an investment banker. I’m born and brought up in Hyderabad. I did my schooling from Hyderabad Public School. I was a good student but I discontinued my B.Tech (Mechanical) from CBIT during 3rd year of course in pursuit of my dreams to become actor.
Since childhood, I’ve been passionate about films, acting. After discontinuing my studies, I underwent acting lessons in Mumbai where I groomed my skills.
First Break
I went to audition of Neeku Naaku. But unfortunately by then, Prince was roped in. Teja garu liked me and told me that he’d do his next film with me. I asked him to given a chance to assist him to understand filmmaking. He told me to not to waste my time. At last, he was convinced. Working with Teja garu was great learning experience as I’ve seen worst then – no proper food, no good accommodation, at times there were no good toilets either. But exposing for worst made me strong. It’s good to see worst in early of career so that everything that comes after it looks better.
After Neeku Naaku, I got call from uncle KS Rama Rao garu who asked me to go and meet actor-director Prakash Raj. I was very apprehensive as I’m not sure he’d take me. I went with my portfolio pics, Prakash Raj garu took them into his hands and kept them aside without even giving a look at them. I felt bad. He spoke to me for few minutes, observed me and finally said that I’m hero. I thought he was joking and I didn’t believe. After going home, he again called me to confirm that I’m the hero in all three languages (Telugu, Tamil & Kannada). The movie was super hit in Kannada and it opened me doors in Kannada, Tamil.
Though Ulavacharu Biryani opened doors, it didn’t allow me to showcase my dancing skills, action stunts. It’s story doesn’t have that scope. Ketugadu will compensate it.
Ketugadu
Ketugadu came to me even before my first film Ulavacharu Biryani was released. When I was in shooting, director Kittu approached me and narrated me the story. I was apprehensive to do a film with new director, producer. I asked uncle KS Rama Rao garu who told me that all star heroes, directors were once newcomers. The confidence of director, producer made me choose the film. I play a car thief in the film. I con the car owners & get keys from themselves. It’s an interesting film with good line of comedy and has youthful romance. The film shaped up well.
Roping in Chandini was purely decision of director. Since she is Telugu, we didn’t need to focus on her diction, modulation and she’s popular with her short films too. We think all these would work in favour of the film. She is good actress but she was a bit conservative during romantic scenes. It took some time for her to come into comfort zone. Whereas am shameless guy. I believe actors should be shameless.
Going Places
During shooting of Ulavacharu Biryani, Prakash Raj garu told me that he worked hard to reach this position. He said he acted in many languages and that got him good recognition. He told me to follow the same and asked me not to focus in only one language as we don’t know where we get good break. He asked me to keep exploring various options. After Ulavacharu Biryani, I got offers from Kannada, Tamil as well. I’ve done a good Kannada film. Though I wanna go places, Telugu films are top on my list.
Upcoming films
My upcoming Kannada film is Priyanka, a thriller. Based on a real-life incident in 2014, noted director Dinesh Baboo is directing the film which has Priyanka Upendra (wife of superstar Upendra) in a lead role. I play a significant role in the film. The movie is expected to release in first week of October. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Apart from this, I’ve agreed to do a film under reputed production house. But I want them to make a formal announcement. Also listening to couple of scripts now.
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