Vijay Deverakonda sets up an office

The success of the film Arjun Reddy has turned Vijay Deverakonda into a star overnight. The young actor now has his own house, an office, a team to handle his social media profiles and about half a dozen new films in hand.

“Four years ago, I was scared every time I went to a filmmaker’s office, and they always sent me away. Now, I have my own office and a team working for me. For the first time I am able to interact with the media from my office; that makes me happy,” says Vijay.

The actor has played a small part in the Savitri biopic Mahanati. “Director Nag Ashwin has had a great influence on me. When he asked me to play a small role in his film, I couldn’t say no. I am proud of having reached a position where I can help a project by being a part of it. Though it is a small role, I am happy to be a part of the film,” he says.

Nag had initially offered Vijay the role of Gemini Ganeshan. “He approached Dulquer for the role, but there were some date-related issues. So Nag called me and asked me to play the part. Though my schedule was fully packed, I couldn’t decline the rare opportunity to play a character based on a real person. But I needed at least one month to prepare for it. I immediately started watching old films starring Savitri and Gemini Ganeshan, to observe their body language.

Within three days, Nag called me again and said that Dulquer had adjusted his dates, and he would be able to do the role. I was relieved!” Vijay says. Vijay is currently preparing for the release of Taxiwala, which has been directed by Parasuram.

“My role in the film is completely different from anything that I have done so far. My character is very calm and quiet. Even though he is nothing like me, I am sure audiences will love him.

The actor is also working on Bharat Kamma’s Dear Comrade. “I play a guy from Kakinada, so my dialogues have a lot of slang from those parts. I need to go there to learn to speak like the locals,” he says.