Q Khel Khel Mein and Daaku Maharaaj…, you seem to be the most familiar face in movies. How does it feel? I feel very grateful, excited and truly blessed to be in the best phase of my professional life right now. I am still soaking in all the love that we are receiving for the film.Q How did you bag this role?I was visiting Tirupati when Bobby sir called me. We couldn’t speak properly, but when I returned, he narrated the film to me. It was a crazy coincidence — I walked into his office wearing a dhaga from Tirumala, and he had the same unique string from a small Hanuman temple in Tirupati. We instantly connected. From the call to narration, look test, and shoot, everything happened within 10-15 days. We started shooting in July and finished within six months. The film is already a blockbuster, touchwood! It’s been one of the most fulfilling filming experiences of my life. Q This is your second time working with Balakrishna in Daaku Maharaaj after Akhanda. How was it working with him?Working with Balakrishna sir was an incredible experience. He’s a legend, inspiring in many ways, and there’s so much to learn from him. He brings utmost positivity, playfulness, and energy to the set, making the environment light and easy-going. He’s very friendly, chill, and easy to work with. When he’s in front of the camera, he transforms into the character. Lots to learn, lots of inspiration, and pure joy working with him. He’s unapologetically himself, no mask, just real. I feel blessed to work with him again. Q Who are the Telugu actors on your wishlist?I want to do good films with really good roles, that’s my topmost priority. I would love to work with Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Jr. NTR, Mahesh Babu, and Dulquer Salmaan. I have a long list, but primarily, I want to be part of good films, good stories, and play interesting roles.Q What’s the latest Telugu movie you watched and loved?I thoroughly enjoyed Kalki, a huge fan of Nag Ashwin sir’s work. It’s futuristic, humorous, and great cinema. I also loved Lucky Bhaskar. Dulquer’s acting and the story were fantastic. I try to watch as many Telugu films as I can, it’s part of my job and my passion.Q Khel Khel Mein had an interesting star cast. How was it working with Akshay, Tapsee, Vaani and Fardeen?It was a multi-starrer film that needed an ensemble cast. I couldn’t have asked for a better team. Akshay sir, Vaani, Tapsee, and Fardeen were amazing to work with. They treated me like an equal, and we supported each other. We improvised on the spot, and I am grateful for their performances that enhanced mine. Akshay sir said on the first day, ‘Let’s have fun, no pressure.’ We ate together every day. We sang songs, played games, and listened to jokes. It was a blast. The chemistry reflects on screen because we are friends in real life. Q What’s next after Daaku Maharaaj?I am currently working on a Telugu film, Tyson Naidu, with Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas. We have been shooting for some time and should finish in the next few months, aiming for a 2025 release. There are also a couple of other conversations happening, and you will know once they are confirmed.
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