The young and energetic hero Ram has been known for his high voltage presence and breathtaking dances in all of his films. This stylish actor has made his own mark with unique choice of subjects and entertained the audience earlier this year with Pandaga Chesko. Now he is ready with another fun filled movie Shivam with Raashi Khanna as the female lead. This film is ready to release this Friday and here is an iQlik exclusive chitchat with the actor:
Hello Ram… how are you doing?
Hi... I am doing great!
Is there any specific reason for naming your film Shivam?
My character’s name is Shiva in this film. I cannot reveal the exact reason why the film is named Shivam because it is plot based. One has to watch the film on silver screen to know it!
How does your characterization go in Shivam?
Shiva does whatever he feels like doing and doesn’t worry about how it would impact others. He is that kind of guy who waits for his ideal life partner for 20 years and fights to any level to get to her. He keeps wondering why great love stories like Devadas, Laila Majnu and Romeo Juliet had anti-climax. Shiva also thinks that if he were in such position he would succeed in love. It is such a typical character which suits my image!
Your movies usually have good energy levels, with ample dose of action and entertainment. Why do you choose the similar format every time?
It is because the directors wish me to see so. This doesn’t mean that I didn’t do other genre films. I did different films like Jagadam, Endhukante Premanta and Ongole Gitta in the middle but they unfortunately did not fare so well. Hence, I am sticking to my strengths!
What is your take on the performance of your earlier film Pandaga Chesko?
The film did work out well commercially but I had some dissatisfaction.
In which aspects you found it to be dissatisfactory?
Many people felt that the second half became quite routine and lacked novelty. There were no stunning twists. We wanted to stick to entertainment values but a new narration would have bought it a different fate.
Do you plan to confine to the regular format where the hero enters the villain’s house and makes a fool out of him?
I am sure that I wouldn’t be touching such format at least for a while from now on.
You have your home banner Sravanthi movies in hand. How advantageous is that?
I always considered my uncle as my biggest strength. For any hero having a home banner is a great advantage. My shortcomings are immediately noticed by him and he uses all his experience to help me out. It is indeed rare for a production company to run for 30 years and it is always helpful.
There is a buzz that you did Masala unwillingly?
I was little apprehensive about the second character I played in it because I wasn’t sure how it would be received. But I again felt that unless I do it, I wouldn’t know how it would look. Apart from that, I didn’t have any qualms.
Your first multi starrer attempt Masala disappointed. Will you prefer to do multi-starrers in future then?
I will definitely do but again a good story is needed for a film of such potential to excel.
How was it working with Raashi Khanna in Shivam?
I was somewhat concerned when I came to know I’d be working with her because I thought she would look older than me! But the chemistry clicked so well. Coincidentally, I gained weight for this film from my slim look in Pandaga Chesko so it was great.
Your working experience with Devi Sri Prasad once again?
We couldn’t work together after the success of Ready and I always tried to rope him for my projects. But he became quite busy and finally I am happy to work with him for Shivam.
You have been working simultaneously for three projects namely Shivam, Pandaga Chesko and Harikatha. How did you manage?
I am passionate about acting and I wouldn’t mind shooting even for 24 hrs a day. It was difficult no doubt but thoroughly enjoyable. I had a gap before Pandaga Chesko and I didn’t want it to happen again. That’s why I selected three good stories and stormed up to work!
Unlike other contemporaries, you are not much seen in functions and celeb events?
I am little wary about enjoying my private life in the usual way. After work I head to home and have my own set of friends to hang out with. If time permits I go to USA where some of my childhood friends are there. I never regretted this or felt I was missing something!
Do you have any best friends in the industry?
I'm friendly with everyone but I don’t have any particular best friend in the industry. I consider only my childhood friends as best friends.
Did you ever consider increasing your market range for films?
Increasing market for each film is a pressing concern for any hero. Even after reaching Rajnikanth’s range, I’d be yearning to increase my market a little further. It is a common goal for any actor!
What was your happiest and saddest moment in your acting career till date?
Working for Devadasu was my most memorable experience and happiest moment. I enjoyed every movie equally right from then. But the failure of Jagadam disappointed me so much that I went into depression. I really enjoyed making it and still consider it to be my best film. I still wonder why it flopped at the Box Office.
How do you cope up with a failure?
The first feeling that hits me after a flop is guilt. I feel very sad that I let down my producers and fans. After 2-3 days I again resume to normalcy focusing on better things in hand.
How should a director convince you to make a film?
The main thing I look for is a good story. I would like a director if he explains how differently he wants to portray me. I am a director’s actor!
Do you have any specific ideas with which you want to make a film?
If at all I had such good ideas I’d have become a director (Laughs). It is up to the expertise of the writers to churn out good stories and great concepts. That’s why if I like a storyline I wait until it is fully developed and hit the sets only when it is ready. There will be less room for mistakes if a script is good.
How is Harikatha shaping up?
The film is almost nearing completion. We are planning to release it this December.
Have you signed any new films?
I am planning to take a break after Harikatha and will think of a new project only after that.
What about Wedding plans?
My family is concerned about it big time. But I walk away from the scene whenever such tense moments occur!
Okay..wishing you the best for Shivam and future projects!
Thanks a lot!