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Sept 29th 2007, Hyderabad
Charan exclusive
Interview
Unveiling
Chiruta: Charan credits director Puri Jagannath and his team
for Chiruta. “When I was entering the editing room to watch the
rushes, I was apprehensive to see myself on screen. But I must say,
the cinematography and the lighting make me look quite good,” he says
with a glint in his eyes.
Chiruta, he says, “is a beautiful love story. I haven’t heard of such
a story in recent times.” Charan gets his share of onscreen romance,
dance and action sequences. “I insisted on doing the stunts myself.
Perhaps I was too excited and took a few risks. I don’t think I’d do
it in future. When you can do so much with technology, there’s no need
to risk your life nowadays,” he shrugs.
First brush with the camera: Charan’s
first few days of shooting were characterized by anxious moments.
“After each shot, I used to ask Puri if my mannerisms or dialogue
delivery were like my dad’s. He assured me that I had my distinctive
style. In fact, he felt I resembled my uncle (Pawan) Kalyan in some
scenes. Puri made me feel at home. He used to film 20 to 30 shots per
day but it was never strenuous.”
Growing up in a film family: “I am a
complete movie buff. I’ve grown up watching films – those of my
father, uncle, other regional films and world cinema.” At home, there
was no conscious effort to refrain him being exposed to the film
industry. “I used to visit my father’s sets and in the recent years,
I’ve spent a lot of time watching and discussing movies with my
uncle,” says Charan.
The deciding factor: Charan was 15 when
he zeroed in on movies. He recalls, “Dad knew I was going to be an
actor but he wanted me to decide. I was passionate about cinema and
didn’t want to miss out on something as interesting as acting. Dad was
happy I made up my mind when I was just 15.”
Training days: Then began the grooming
process. “I have an institution at home, so I didn’t feel the need to
take up an acting course abroad. I’ve just done a basic four-month
course in Mumbai. In addition, I went to London to learn different
dance forms.” A conscious health and fitness routine followed: “I was
a fairly ‘healthy’, chubby child,” laughs Charan. “I had to work on my
fitness levels. I am a foodie but workout for at least an hour per
day. While shooting in Thailand, I learnt Thai boxing. It’s a fabulous
martial art.”
Looking up to dad: “Dad doesn’t believe
in spoon-feeding but is willing to help when needed. I would turn to
him for guidance every other day after I started shooting. In fact, if
I need an honest feedback on my performance, I can count on dad. He
will not flatter me. My biggest moment was when he appreciated my
performance. My mother, on the other hand, was teary eyed watching me
on screen.”
Films for the soul: Having enjoyed
watching world cinema, Charan is keen on testing new waters.
“Mainstream films are for bread and butter and films for the niche
audience are for personal satisfaction. I’d love to strike a balance
between both. In the 80s, even my father did different kinds of
films.”
Media matters: Days before his first
release, reports of a rift between Charan and his best friend Rana
Daggubati have been doing the rounds. “Those reports are baseless.
Rana and I have studied together in school and he’s one of my best
friends. I am not the kind to be perturbed over media reports,” smiles
Charan.
Nothing comes easy: His second film, to
be produced by his uncle Allu Arvind, will go on floors soon. “Being a
star son will help to get you a platform. Your success, though,
depends on how talented you are. Nothing comes easy.”
No hype, please: Quiz him on the fairly
low-key launch and he says it was a conscious decision. “Dad and I
wanted it that way. Needlessly hyping up a film would mean digging our
graves. We want the film to do the talking.”
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