Jagapathi Babu is on cloud nine. He will be seen playing a villain in Jr NTR’s Nannaku Prematho. In an interaction with us, Jagapathi shares his experiences during the shoot, camaraderie with Jr NTR, Bollywood dreams and wish to act with Salman Khan.
Nannaku Prematho will see you pitted against Jr NTR. Tell us about the role.
When I was offered the role, I grabbed it as it was a Sukumar movie, who’s stories are always based on reality. I play the villain who is the heroine’s dad. It’s not a volatile character and neither is there any bloodshed or killing. It’s all about mind games and the story itself is very appealing.
Earlier, you were seen in a lot of positive roles. Nowadays, it’s dark characters.
I have played positive and lead characters in over 100 films till date. As an actor, I am open to any kind of characters. However, since I started doing villain roles, the kind of response I have been getting has me convinced that I should continue in the same breath.
So who steals the show in the movie?
Of course its the lead actor of the movie. I think Jr NTR is a fantastic actor and he has performed his role exceptionally well.
Did you two bond well?
Actually, we were quite serious on the sets. Sukumar’s story-telling is such that we can’t afford to keep joking around on the sets if we have to bring out our best performance. However, we did share some light moments. One precious moment would be the selfie NTR took of me, actor Rajeev and him when we were travelling in an auto rickshaw.
Do you have the photograph with you?
No, I don’t have it. It was taken using Jr NTR’s phone and I did not even ask him to share it with me. It is a memorable moment, and I will always cherish it. I would like to keep those wonderful moments to myself.
It has been two and a half decades now since you debuted. Don’t
you want to act in Bollywood?
Of course, why not! I have a few friends in Bollywood, but I do not know how to go about getting a role there. I have worked with Ram Gopal Varma and he has promised me a role in his next Telugu film.
I somehow feel I am connected to Ajay Devgn in terms of his characters. Also, he had done a remake of one of my films which released in Bollywood as Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha.
With whom would you like to share screen space in B’wood?
Salman Khan! He is my favourite actor and I want to work with him. Most Hydera-badi’s adore him; his films always make an impact on the box office.
Tell us about your future projects?
I’ll be part of Puri Jagannadh’s next movie. Although we are good friends, he offers me roles only if the character suits me.
Nannaku Prematho is being compared with Rajmouli’s Baahubaali. How do you feel?
It’s good to hear that. Rajamouli and I are great friends. Sukumar is an excellent director and the movie has a good buzz all over. We hope that the film garners lots of appreciation and laurels alongwith doing well at the box office.
