If I get good Hindi films, I would definitely act in them: Prabhas

Mumbai: Amidst the on-going success of S S Rajamouli’s ‘Baahubali’, we caught up with the lead star Prabhas who sees the film as a ‘once-in-lifetime happening’ and is glad to be a part of the second instalment.

You seem to have immortalized yourself with this one film?

Ha, thank you. It’s all my friend (director) Rajamouli’s hard work. We knew it would probably be a success in Telugu, but not so big. As for the other languages, we had no clue this was going to happen. The response to the film has been surprising. We are very happy.

You were part of the project from the time it was planned. What do you think of the way it grew?

It actually started six years ago. Before Rajamouli made Magadheera he told me he was planning another big film. He told me just 4-line story about a South Indian king. And I was deeply impressed. But after Magadheera he got busy with Eega(Makhee) and I got busy doing a film called Rebel. It took us 1 ½ years to complete our respective films.

And then?

Three years after he first told me about Baahubali, Rajamouli gave me a full narration. And I got goose bumps.

What was the one thing that really impressed you?

What I really liked about the script of Baahubali was that it wasn’t only about the hero and the villain. The other characters were also fascinating. This was Rajamouli’s first script where all the characters were given equal importance .I was really kicked by the idea of so many characters working so well in one script.

Apparently Rajamouli asked you for a year of your dates. You gave him two years?

That’s right. When I heard the script I knew there were things that had never been done. It wasn’t like something we could do in a hurry. I knew it was going to take a lot of our time. No one had ever attempted anything like Baahubali. Rajamouli is extremely passionate about his work. I know him as a friend and a guru. I knew he was going to take a lot of time to do Baahubali. I also knew every moment I give to it will be worth my while.

Tell me about the physical preparation for the role?

For six months I was only doing physical preparation. I learnt rock climbing for the romantic song, kick-boxing, horse-riding, sword-fighting…everything. I also had to change my physical appearance. Before Baahubali I was really thin. Every morning and evening I worked out to gain a lot of muscle.

Yes, I’ve seen your pictures before Baahubali. You look undernourished.

Ha ha. I had to bulk up. A thin warrior was not acceptable to my director or to the audience. I had to look larger than life, like someone who could kill. I specially worked on my arm muscles since Baahubali is supposed to be most powerful in his arms.

How long did you train?

I was training for almost 3 hours every day for six months before shooting started. Once the shooting started there was no time. I’d wake up at 5 pm to get ready for a 7am shoot and we’d go on shooting till 10 pm. I had to learn a whole new way of living to play the role. I had to play two different characters of the prince and the warrior. I tried to bring in two different body languages for the roles. They are born and brought up differently and I had to play them accordingly

Did you get to see family and friends while shooting?

Luckily we were shooting in Hyderabad most of the time. But still it was a good two hours away from home, so I didn’t get to go home much during shooting. But in-between schedules we’d get 4-5 days off. That’s when I went home.

It sounds like military school?

Ha ha. But not compulsory, a voluntary military school.

Are you from the film industry?

My uncle was a big star in Telugu cinema 30 years ago. And my father was a film producer.

Married?

No not yet.

I am sure lots of girls want to marry you after Baahubali?

I hope so. You tell me. Have they liked me, or just the film? I hear the girls in Andhra and Tamil Nadu have liked me in Baahubali. In North India also people have liked me. I hope it becomes bigger as time grows by.

I saw a ‘teenon Khan pareshan’ cartoon regarding your sudden success?

No! That’s not my aim. I’ve no plans for Hindi films. To me it’s important to see Baahubali become a big success. After that, if I get good Hindi films, why not? After all the Hindi film industry is the biggest film industry in India.

You have a done a Hindi film?

Yes, a small cameo in Prabhudheva’s Action Jackson. I know him for ten years and there was no question of refusing him. I featured in a song in a pub with Sonakshi Sinha.

Can you speak Hindi?

I can understand Hindi.

Before Baahubali you’ve done successful films in Telugu?

Yes quite a few. But they were not so great films.I started my career with Eeshwar. My third film was a hit. Before Baahubali I did a film called Mirchi which did very well.

Do you see Baahubali as a career-defining project?

Oh, most definitely. It’s like a once-in-lifetime happening. Luckily I have Part 2 of Baahubali coming up right after Baahubali. Otherwise I’d have been really scared for both of us, Rajamouli and me.

Would you like to do something other than a lavish costume drama with Rajamouli?

Of course we will in the future. Who wouldn’t want to work with him over and over again? Like I said, he’s my friend and guru. Anytime he asks me I’ll be ready to work with him.

How has your family friends and fans reacted to the film?

They were excited and anxious. So was I. Now family and friends are very happy for us. My fans were super-excited. They were seeing me on screen after 2 ½ years .I think Baahubali is a film that I will be remembered by.