Wednesday May 21 2008, Hyderabad

I Want to Play Angry Young Man, says Jr NTR

After huge success of 'Simhadri', he has given again superb music for 'Yamadonga' too.For the first time, your mother appeared at a film function of yours! As I said, 'Yamadonga' is a special film.There is so much goodness and good people(Rajamouli-Keeravani-Gunnam-Cherry family members) surrounding the film, so I wanted my mother to be part of his special occasion.I also found a family(Rajamouli's) outside my family.

Tell us about the working experience with Krishna Vamsi... That time, I heard the word congratulations after nearly three years.The film 'RAKHI' has brought me accolades as an actor, 'AAdi' and 'SIMHADRI' belonged to the star-centric genre but 'Rakhi' showcased both the star and the actor in me.

My mother praised Krishnavamsi for making a 'great movie' and the girls too have really responded overwhelmingly. I heard the story from Krishna Vamsi and writer Radhakrishna.Vamsi approached me for 'Sri Anjaneyam', but it didn't materialise.However, once we decided to work together again, we opted for this them, which looked very contemporary.Vamsi's confidence in the subject also rubbed off on me.We incorporated realistic incidents in it and the audiences lapped it up. I would love to work with him again.

How are you enjoying the success of 'KANTRI' and good response for your role in that film?

I am really happy about the success of the film 'Kantri'.It is directed by Meher Ramesh.He is director puri Jagannadh's associate and directed two hit movies in Kannada - remake of 'Andhrawala' and remake of 'Okkadu'.He is very talented.I know him for a long time.C.Ashwini Dutt garu produced the movie under his prestigious banner Vyjayanthi Movies.

Why do you work with new directors often?

Why shouldn't I? We should encourage new talent.If we wouldn't do that and work only with the 'established' directors, how can we get Rajamouli's or V V Vinayak's.Weren't Rajamouli and Vinayak newcomers at the time of 'Student No.1 and 'Aadi' respectively? Though 'Naa Alludu' and some of the films bombed, it doesn't mean that the fault lies in the new directors.Tarak..

.How did you cope with your extended lean patch?

In south India, viewers tend to equate stars with demi-Gods but they should understand that their favorite stars are just human beings who can make mistakes.These mistakes happened while trying to reach the ever growing expectations of the fan fallowing.I have no regrets.On the contrary, I think I was fortunate to get this setback early in my career, enabling me to plan it much better.