Sai Dharam Tej, a young actor from Telugu cinema's mega family -- he is veteran star Chiranjeevi's nephew -- has done three films so far; Rey, Pilla Nuvvu leni Jeevitham (PNJ) and now Subrahmanyam for Sale.
While his second film PNJ released first and received good response, Rey didn't quite live up to expectations.
Ready with his third film, Subrahmanyam for Sale, set to hit screens this Thursday, September 24, the affable Sai Dharam chats about the film and his forthcoming projects with Radhika Rajamani/Rediff.com.
Are you happy with the way your career is going?
Absolutely. I am very happy. I have no doubts or second thoughts about it.
Are you getting the kind of films you want to do?
Yes. So far I have liked all the films I've done. I was comfortable doing them.
How do you select your films?
After listening to a proper script, I go by my instinct.
What made you choose Subrahmanyam for Sale?
It was because of the story which I found really exciting. When Harish (director) narrated it, I was overwhelmed, excited and shaken. It is a proper blend of a family entertainer and a commercial potboiler.
Is it a film for the family audience of all age groups?
For an upcoming hero Subrahmanyam for Sale has the right blend of songs, fights, comedy, family scenes, romance. It's a nice way of getting people into the theatres.
What is your role like?
Every engineering student goes to the US and works hard. I play one such person who converts every second into a dollar! In this process the film deals with how a girl comes into his life and how he helps her and they fall in love.
So, this role must have been relatable then...
I know how it is being unemployed and how hard it is to earn.
I have seen how hard some of my friends in the US work. They go in the morning and come back at night. So in that sense, it was relatable. I saw their struggle. I am sure overseas students can connect with it too.
Is this also then a slice-of-life film?
The film has all the elements and emotions. People will connect with the hero and especially the heroine.
How was it acting with Regina for the second time?
I love working with her. It is fun. I have known her for three years. We would horse around on the sets and the director would ask us to get serious. I used to feel uncomfortable doing some intimate scenes but I could do them because Regina was my costar and we share that comfort level.
You acted with one of your maternal uncles, Naga Babu, in this film...
I was excited. On the first day of the shoot I finished all my work but when he walked in, I froze.
I took a break since I was nervous.
My uncle came up to me and told me to not worry. The experience of acting with him was memorable. It's now one down, two more to go (he is yet to act with Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan).
Do you have lots of scenes with Naga Babu?
Yes, there are a lot of scenes. He plays an important role in the film.
How was it to work with Harish Shankar?
He took care of me like he was launching his younger brother.
My styling in Rey and my hair in Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham were criticised.
Harish wanted to do away with all the minuses and wanted the best for me. He got Rajesh More to do my costumes.
He used to make sure I get the lines and the modulation right. It was a whole new experience.
This must have stemmed from his theatre background...
Yes, it was a different ballgame altogether. There was a new angle. Harish got the best out of me.
Were you disappointed with Rey's performance?
I was not disappointed but I felt bad. This is part and parcel of this profession and I have to get with it. I was happy that the movie released and the producer was able to do so!
Were you happy Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham released before Rey?
That's a tough call. PNJ gave me life in the film industry. My first opportunity was Rey. It is difficult to choose.
You are now filming Thikka and working on another film...
Yes. We have finished a 12-day shoot of Thikka till the rains caused further delay. The other film to be directed by Anil Ravipudi will start on October 5.
