Naresh Vijaya Krishna is one of the most impeccable actors in the Indian film industry. He graces each of his performances with a deep understanding of his characters and a nuanced portrayal of a range of emotions. In his illustrious career, Naresh has worn several hats as a producer, philanthropist, politician and many more besides being a much sought after actor. Naresh completed 50 glorious years in Telugu cinema. On this memorable occasion, we at 123telugu.com had a short chat with him. Here are the excerpts from the interview:
C) 5 decades and over 170 movies. How do you view your journey?
A) It is a dream for billions of people to be involved in cinema. I feel blessed to have been born in a film family that can connect me with cinema. With God’s blessings, I got my first break as a child actor when I was 9 years old in Pandanti Kapuram (1972). I had the opportunity to share the screen with legends like Superstar Krishna, Vijaya Nirmala, SVR, Jamuna and Jayasudha. The movie sparked my passion for cinema. But it’s very rare even for film offspring to continue successfully in show business for so long. I would describe my 50-year journey in the world of cinema as a dream come true.
Q) About your experience of becoming a hero
A) My first film Pandanti Kapuram was a golden jubilee and I was determined to pursue an acting career. But my mother Vijaya Nirmala garu was strongly against my decision as conditions were not as easy in those days as now. The only prevailing actors in those days were NTR, ANR, Krishna while Chiranjeevi was just entering. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to be shot as a hero with Nalugu Stambhalata by my guru Jandhyala. He nurtured me as an actor and cast me in his iconic films like Rendu Jella Seetha, Puthadi Bomma and Sreevariki Prema Lekha. My parents Vijaya Nirmala garu and superstar Krishna garu and my guru have been my inspiration and great support throughout my journey.
C) Taking risks as an actor
A) During the time I was traveling with Jandhyala garu, my mother was simultaneously making me an advertising hero with films like Mukkopi, Saahasame Naa Oopiri and several other hits. But I’ve always been willing to take risks in my real life and reel life and chose to be an actor over a character. My conviction led to two big hits – Chitram Bhalare Vichitram and Jamba Lakidi Pamba. A few of my experimental films like Adrushtam and Hello Darling really failed as they were way ahead of their time. I got depressed and left the cinema for a while.
Q) About your entry into politics?
A) After leaving films, I joined BJP and RSS as I was inspired by their ideologies. I traveled to Naxal and faction affected areas across the state and met the poor. Later I shifted to social work and charity and started my organization Kalakarula Ikya Vedika. I was also recognized by the UN ICDRHRP who awarded me an honorary doctorate. My time in politics and social services gave me a broader perspective on life.
Q: About your return to cinema as a character actor?
A) After my political journey, the cinema called me again. But by then people had forgotten me and some colleagues in the industry even started rumors that I had quit acting for good. But I was motivated to fight back and came back as a hero with Mi Sreyobhilashi. The film’s success paved the way for more memorable character roles in films like Drishyam, A Aa, Guntur Talkies and Rangasthalam to name a few.
Q) On being loved by new generation filmmakers
A) With all due respect to the senior directors, it is the younger generation directors like Venky Atluri, Venky Kudumula, Praveen Sattaru, Satish Vegesna and Vivek Atreya who have shown another dimension to my acting. It’s heartbreaking to hear when these directors call me and tell me they’re writing a character that has me in mind and want to block my dates.
C) To stay relevant even after so many years
A) I am a broad-minded person and I could broaden my horizons by working with such talented young directors. I am quite friendly with my directors and make everyone feel at ease on set. Sometimes I even insist on conducting workshops to create a healthy atmosphere.
Q) Any special plans to celebrate your golden jubilee?
A) To celebrate this milestone, I turned my parent’s banner Vijaya Krishna Movies into a producer and also started Vijaya Krishna Green Studios. The first step in this new journey was Mali Pelli. Despite being controversial, Malli Pelli was revolutionary and was a huge success after its digital premiere on Aha. The film shows the true stories of half of India’s population. And the recent success of Samajavaragamana is icing on the cake in this golden jubilee year. As a producer, I have a great desire to encourage young talent and I am currently working on 5-6 topics.
Q) How is your personal life right now?
A) In Malli Pelli we showed that the second half of our life should be better than the first. In the same way, even I had suffered my failures in terms of marriages and divorces. But finally I found a good partner in Pavitra Lokesh. My divorce is in court. But I can only say that my conscience is clear.
C) For future political aspirations
A) Not for power or election seat but I joined politics as I believed in an ideology. I have served in the ranks of AP BJP Youth Wing President and AP BJP State General Secretary. But I am not happy with how the policy has changed now, with the amount of money and dirt that is involved. So no thoughts of a political comeback. My ideology stays with me.
C) About directorial ambitions
A) Directing is a full-time responsibility and I don’t plan to look into it at least in the near future. But I write stories often. If Clint Eastwood could direct in his 80s, I might be able to in my 70s. My journey so far has been like an unforgettable book of my life. I really want to keep this feeling forever.
With that we ended the conversation and congratulated Naresh on his golden jubilee!