Tollywood has witnessed a variety of heroes since times immemorial. We had commercial heroes who exhibit heroism, stunts and powerful punch dialogues. But there is another set of heroes who are so believable as boy next door with their natural acting and histrionics. While we saw heroes like Nani and Sharwanand excel in this department earlier, it is time for another talented actor Raj Tarun to show his brilliance! This actor began his career with short films and rose to fame with debut film Uyyala Jampala opposite Balika Vadhu fame Avika Gor. The effervescent actor never looked and scored a hat trick with Cinema Chupistha Maava along with Sukumar’s first production Kumari 21F. Now Raj Tarun will be seen in a feel good romantic entertainer Seethamma Andhalu Ramayya Sitralu which is ready for release this Jan 29. Here is our chitchat with the hero:
Hello Raj Tarun..
Hello Raj Tarun..
Hi..
You scored hat trick early in your career. Aren’t you nervous about this latest film?
I don’t believe in the trends such as hat tricks or series of hits. I take a film at once and give my best to it. Whenever a film is done, I forget about it and focus on the current film in hand!
Then how do you analyze positives and negatives in your performances?
I have a dedicated group of friends who give me an honest feedback. Moreover, I get to know where the film went wrong or where it fetched well by watching the premiere.
You began your career as a village youngster in Uyyala Jampala. Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu also features you in a similar backdrop. What is the difference between both?
I agree that both are village backdrop films but Uyyala Jampala focuses on the relationship between bava and maradalu. This film is totally different. I am not heroic in this and I prefer to spend time lazily. I always think in my point of view, quite a stubborn character!
Is there any special reason to choose boy next door films predominantly?
I personally feel more people connect to such roles. I don’t want to do films just with a commercial angle as my body language and image suits boy-next-door roles.
After scoring back to back hits are you flooded with too many stories and producer calls?
I am a person who doesn’t like to be idle at all. I listen to minimum three new stories everyday. If I find a connect to the story I keep it aside. After Uyyala Jampala it took long time for me to hear an interesting story like Cinema Chupistha Maava. After that film, I am hearing some very good stories.
How do you finalize on a subject? Is it your call or you have anyone helping you pick films?
I strongly believe in my personal judgment and it never let me down. I can easily realize if I find a connect in the story.
There is a buzz that you are arriving late on sets and not co-operating with film promotions? Is it true?
Well, I did maximum promotion for Kumari 21F. Even if you ask a light boy in the sets he would tell about my dedication and passion towards cinema. In one situation I worked nonstop for a shooting schedule which stretched for nearly 10 days. I absolutely love the sets and never get tired to work. In fact, gossips like these are good because it keeps people talking about me (Laughs).
Why do you prefer working with budding directors instead of already established seniors?
Young directors are full of fire and passion. They are determined to give good output because it is like a do or die situation for them. Naturally I also get more inspired working with them.
How was it working with Srinivas who directed your latest film Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu?
He is a good friend of mine and knows me since ages. He knows me so well that he has perfect idea about my body language and what works with me. Srinivas has seen my three previous films and wrote a new story which is totally different from them. He is a brilliant writer and gave some wonderful lines.
What made you agree to work with Manchu Vishnu in a multi starrer?
Well, I saw the Punjabi original and couldn’t stop laughing throughout. I never laughed that much of late and saw a great potential as a Telugu remake. Moreover, my character is not just a come and go one but has good significance. I wouldn’t mind doing even as a supporting role or one amongst some ten heroes in the film provided the story is good.
Will you prefer working with big directors in near future?
I was never against big directors because if I was, I wouldn’t be working with Sukumar for Kumari 21F. The only catch is I should like the story.
How do you deal with bottleneck competition with young heroes?
All the young heroes are already in a big league and to achieve it I need to learn a lot and score some more hits. It is a long path to go!
How is the anticipated Ladies Tailor sequel project with Vamshi going on?
The script work is currently in progress and I readily accepted after listening to the line he said.
What about the film with RGV?
He has become very busy now with Sarkar-3 in Bollywood but we are definitely going to work together.
Upcoming movies?
I will be doing two new projects with Dil Raju and Allu Arvind respectively which will have new directors.
Okay.. thanks and wish you the best for future projects!
Thanks a lot!
