'Complete escapism': Balakrishna says Big B turned down his film, feared 'problems'
Actor Balakrishna, who will soon be seen in Paisa Vasool, directed by Puri Jagannadh, confesses that he never feels any pressure before his films release. “After completing a 100 films, I feel that I have to re launch myself, so my 101st film will be my first film again. I have done all kinds of films like folklore, mythological, social, socio-fantasy and others, now I want to do something new,” says the actor.
About Amitabh not accepting his film
Talking about his film Rythu, to be directed by Krishna Vamsi, the actor says he felt very bad that Amitabh Bachchan didn’t accept a role in the film. “We went to Mumbai to meet him for this film. It was an important and good role. Although he didn’t directly turn us down, he said that problems could arise, which was complete escapism,” says a disappointed Balakrishna.
He adds that the film will happen only if Amitabh accepts it. “We’ve done so many films, but this subject highlights the plight of the farmers, the backbone of our nation,” says Balayya. When told that Amitabh in fact accepted Chiranjeevi’s film, Balayya just laughs and says, “choodam”.
No politics at home!
Interestingly, Balakrishna and his brother-in-law Chandrababu Naidu belong to the TDP while his sister Purandareswari is in the BJP. But the actor says they never discuss politics at home. “We all enjoy our family bond. I always respect my sisters and mingle with them, but we never discuss politics,” he says.
Gola thatha!
Describing his bavagaru Chandrababu Naidu, Balayya says, “He is a committed person, whose focus is always on politics and development of the state.”
Balayya also fondly talks about grandson Devaansh, who accompanies him to the sets sometimes. “He dances in front of the camera. If anyone asks his name, he says ‘Sathakarni’, not Devaansh, and he is my biggest fan! He calls me ‘Gola Thatha’,” shares Balayya, who adds with a laugh, “He watches all my films secretly.”
Father’s biopic on hold
As for the biopic to be made on his father, the late N.T. Rama Rao, he says that research on his father is still on. “We haven’t decided on the director and will announce the name in a few days,” says the actor, adding, “The film may start next year.”
Is there any truth to Ram Gopal Varma directing the biopic, as was recently announced? Balakrishna clarifies, “I don’t know. Maybe he wants to direct the film, but we have not decided on anyone.”
The slapping incident
While campaigning in Nandyal, Balakrishna slapped a fan. When asked to explain his temper, he says, “See the election result and then talk! After the first day of campaigning, I told my party workers (not in public) that we will win by a margin of 25,000 to 30,000. They were all surprised with my comment, but I am confident. People know about my mood, because I am a people’s person and mingle with them directly. I don’t want to react for every small and silly incident!”
Working with Puri Jagannadh
Talking about how he joined hands with the director, with whom he is working for the first time, he shares, “One fine day, I decided that I want to work with him and called my producers and told them.”
He continues, “Many people are surprised about my decision to work with Puri, especially since our mindsets are different. But I know him and his earlier films. There are hits and flops in everyone’s career and you can’t judge someone by just one film. He too needs a big success at this time, so I decided to work with him. He narrated the story to me in ten minutes and I was impressed.”
The actor adds, “After the first three days, we became friends and got to know each other. Our thought-process is also the same. He gives full freedom to artistes and is very jovial on the sets. He knows what he is talking about and has a great deal of clarity on things. We both gel very well.”
About Puri being questioned in the recent drugs case, Balakrishna said, “I look at him as a director first. After working with him however, I found that he is also a very good human being. I know he was questioned in the drugs case and he has answered. For me, he is a good person.”
