NTR is 'Na bhootho na bhavishyathi'

NTR is an embodiment of Teluguness. Both as an actor and hero, he left an indelible mark on the Telugu screen. His sons follow him in his footprints. His political heir till yesterday, Nandamuri Harikrishna is into acting now. Films are not new to him. As a child artist he acted in many films. After a gap of 22 years he is into acting again. As Satyam in Paritala Ravi's Sriramulayya, he regaled the Telugu audience. With the film becoming a hit, he is now flooded with offers. Presently, he has an important role in producer-hero Nagarjuna's latest venture. Spit-image of NTR, Harikrishna has the same style of acting and dialogue delivery. That Harikrishna adored and idolized his father is clear from his thoughts that he shared with Andhratoday and here are some excerpts.

VR: What satisfaction did the role of `Satyam' in Sriramulayya give you?
HK: I have given my best for the role. As luck would have it, the film became a hit. It earned me a good name and I am fully satisfied with the role. While doing the role, my father was my inspiration - the inimitable acting prowess he displayed in the super hit Bobbilipuli in particular. I am extremely happy that I reminded people of my father with my acting. Everyone congratulated me saying, "puli..puli".

VR: How did you feel entering films after an interlude of 22 years?
HK: Nothing in particular. It was a long gap no doubt. Ravi is my friend and he was quite insistent that I alone could do justice to the role. The role was completely shot in jail. They were all friendly and affectionate. Every shot was applauded. People would call me `puli' and compare me to `Annagaru'. The inmates were nice to me. Including hero Mohan Babu and director Sankar, the whole unit was quite appreciative of my work. I take this platform to thank them all.

VR: What is the reason for the long interlude? Lack of interest or lack of opportunity?
HK: I had offers. But I rejected them as acting would disrupt my studies and later I was helping my father in running Ramakrishna Studios. Frankly speaking, acting is a full time job and had I opted for acting I would not have been able to help my father. NTR's case was different. We used to be up early to meet him and would keep things ready for his outdoor shootings. When he entered politics, I was with him driving his "Chaithanya Radham".

VR: You entered films and politics as heir to NTR. Will you dabble in direction and production too?
HK: It is tough. Don't compare me with such a great person. He was multi-faceted and peerless - an actor, director, producer and he was into script writing too. It is incredible to excel in so many fields. Not every one can achieve it. "Na bhootho na bhavishyathi" (never to be born and never was) - that is NTR. I am happy and content to remain his son.

VR: Do you have any plans to take up some project reflecting his aspirations?
HK: I entered politics to achieve what he stood for and there is no turning back on it. As for films, I will do a few selective characters. I will work only in message oriented films. My father played many a role of revolutionary in social movies, which earned him applause and adoration of masses. Within my limitations, I'd strive hard to follow him.

VR: Sriramulayya is a sort of pro-naxal (read terrorism) movie. Your role as an anti- social element.?
HK: It depends on how you look at it. I did not feel it that way.

VR: When will your son, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, make his debut into movies as hero and heir to NTR?
HK: It is not correct to make comparisons. That too with a great person like NTR? His name is too heavy for any one to carry. One should come up on one's own merit. I won't deny my son if offers come his way. People name their children after great people. Does it mean that they will become as great?

VR: Most heavy weights in the film field have been promoting their children in a big way. Do you have any such plans?
HK: Being born in a family does not mean anything. One must have the necessary talent also. Take my son's case. He has been offered a role in M.S.Reddy's Ramayanam and he proved his skills in it. That is talent.

VR: Known to be somewhat impetuous, was it a hindrance in your rising as an artist?
HK: I can't comprehend how being impulsive can come in the way of becoming an artist or for that matter anything. Everyone is to an extent. Just now you said that I am somewhat impetuous and people have the habit of exaggerating. Without being impulsive it may not be possible to settle issues.

VR: What are your future plans?
HK: There are quite a few offers. But I stand by my word and will take only good roles and films with a message.

VR: Which do you prefer - politics? or movies?
HK: I like both, but my preference is politics.

VR: When are you going to come out of your father's shadow? I mean when will you establish your own identity and your style of acting.
HK: I will always be known as NTR's son. I also resemble him a lot. I am not too eager to shed his name. His name will always precede me and I feel proud of it.

VR: What is your opinion about the present day movies and how they should be?
HK: (Smiling) You seem to have completely identified me with movies. It would be better if more socially meaningful films are produced.

VR: When can we expect a movie on your banner, produced by Ramakrishna, with Bala Krishna and yourself in the lead roles?
HK: (Again smiling) Right now there is no such thing in the offing. We seven brothers are partners in Ramakrishna institution. If at all we produce a movie it will be a joint effort. You will know it when it happens.

Courtesy: VALLURI RAGHAVA

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