Rajamouli should’ve cast me in 'Baahubali': Akkineni Nagarjuna

The Telugu superstar Akkineni Nagarjuna turned 56 earlier this month. The actor opens up on his life as a son, husband, father and a professional producer and actor who had defined uber-cool in Telugu cinema for 20 years.

What gives you your greatest sense of achievement?

I think the film that I did with my father Manam. I rate that higher than everything else I’ve done. Earlier I was just working, doing films in a loop one after another. Manam made me feel worthwhile. My father (Akkineni Nageshwara Rao) wanted to die with his with his boots on. He collapsed on the sets while doing a song. We actually had to carry him out of the sets.

How do you look back on your 20-year journey in the film industry?

(Ponders) In some ways, with satisfaction. But I still hunger for great roles. I wish Rajamouli had asked me to do a role in Baahubali. I always wanted to do a lavish costume drama or a period film. I’ve never done one of these. I crave to do a film about lost kingdoms, kings in exiles and ethereal princesses. Even in Holywood I love costume dramas like Troy and 300. I see period films like these whenever I am bored. And I am very unhappy that when we made our own Hollywood-styled spectacle I was in it. Rajamouli should’ve cast me.

I think you’d look fantastic in those gladiator’s costumes?

You think so? You should tell Rajamouli.

How do you feel about both your sons being actors? Do you guide them?

When I became an actor my father guided me only initially. I’d go to him for advice once in while when I was in a dilemma. I’ve adopted the same approach for my two sons Naga Chaitanya and Akhil. I advise them whenever they seek my advice, or when I see them going wrong. That’s it. No more than that.

I don’t know your elder son, but the younger one Aakhil is grounded gentle and down-to-earth...

It’s all because of their mother. She’s brought them so well. Akhil is very level-headed and focused. He has long heart-to-heart conversations on life with his mother.

I am sure Amala has inculcated her wisdom in you as well?

Oh yes, absolutely. I am blessed to have her as my soul mate. I must have done something good in my life to get her. My elder son Nag Chaitanya is like his mother. He is even more focused and down to earth than his brother. I keep asking him why he never gets angry, he smiles through everything.

Akhil’s stunts in the trailer of his debut film are being talked about?

I am not surprised. He has always been a first-rate sportsperson. He plays cricket for the Celebrity League.

Do you see a reflection of yourself in the boys?

Yes, in some things. But in other aspects I don’t want them to be like me. I just want them to imbibe the good things from my life and ignore the rest.

What is it that your family eats to look so fit and youthful?

(laughs) It is normal ghar ka khana. Amala and I are just lucky to be healthy. But we as a family definitely look after ourselves to make sure we remain fit.

Does you wife supervise your diet?

She does. But I’ve always been very health conscious. In fact after Amala married me she acquired a lot of my traits including vegetarianism.

So we owe her beauty to you?

(laughs) Not like that. She is born beautiful. God bless the family. Thanks. Please pray for Akhil’s film.

Why did you distance yourself from Hindi cinema after successes like Shiva, Khuda Gawah and Zakham?

I didn’t distance myself from Hindi cinema. It’s just that I was so content in Telugu cinema. By God’s grace, my career graph always showed an upswing. I was very content with what I had in Andhra. Fans in Andhra love my father, me and my sons unconditionally. But I am very proud of my Hindi films.

Your milestones in Telugu cinema?

Shiva, Ninne Pelladata, Geetanjali , Annamaya…

Your forthcoming Telugu films?

I am doing a Tamil-Telugu version of the Hollywood hit Intouchables with Suriya’s brother Karthi. I play a guy on a wheelchair. It’s a beautiful story. Then I am doing another film where I play father and son. The father is a ghost (laughs). I am also doing the third season of the Telugu Kaun Banega Crorepati. I am really enjoying that. Meeting so many kinds of people has made a wiser man.

Your message to my fans?

Love my sons as much as you love me and my father.