I want to be remembered as a good actor

When we met Nagarjuna at a film event, he was full of ideas and his hunger for work was evident. Talking about his upcoming film Naa Saami Ranga, he said he had signed it because of his character design and the film in totality.

“The film, a rustic drama, talks about friendship, love, loyalty and revenge. These elements have been explored in depth, and that excited me,” he said.

While his roles in earlier films, like the Soggade Chinni Nayana series, were on the glamorous side, the actor said his character in Naa Saami Ranga, directed by Vijay Binny, is more rooted and natural. He has been working on the script for over six months, and he said he had enjoyed it thoroughly.

While Nag is known as a superstar who likes to experiment with young directors, he said he tries to strike a balance. “My next film is with Sekhar Kammula, who is an experienced director,” he shared.

Nag, who has spent around 38 years in cinema and has 98 films under his belt, is still in search of ‘something different’ to do. He said his determination to excel and stay focussed have been his mantras in life. “Films are a collaborative effort and success is not in our hands. I just put my head down and keep working. Give your best shot. I know it’s easier said than done, but that’s what I have been doing over the years,” he said. His father (ANR) was a legendary actor, and Nag has been continuing the ‘Akkineni legacy.’

We asked him how he would like to be remembered, and, after his immediate reply — “never thought of it!” — he added with a smile, “I want people to remember me as a good actor; people should smile and have a good feeling about me.”

During his career, the actor has seen success and failure. In fact, he is at a stage where he doesn’t need any validation. So, does success matter to him? In reply, Nag stressed the importance of continuing to work, and not resting on his laurels. “I just like to work; keep working and the rest comes easily. I love my work and want to work because I need a purpose, which is important,” he said.

Nag has the reputation of being one of the ‘coolest’ superstars in the industry. He maintains his composure even during the toughest times — be it in professional or personal life. “If you have the right partner, striking a work-life balance becomes easy,” he said, with a smiling reference to his wife Amala.

“I am blessed to have  Amala. She is very understanding,” he said.

His career has been marked by awards and accolades. Like his father, Nag’s life has also been controversy-free. How did he manage that, we ask. He replied with a laugh, “I just lead my own life and keep working.”

Nag’s son Chaitanya recently took the OTT plunge and we asked if he was interested in giving the platform a shot too. “Why not if it’s a good script,” he replied. “Chay did Dhootha on an OTT platform and that’s something he could not have done as a film.”

If you have the right partner, striking a work-life balance becomes easy. I just lead my own life and keep working. I am very fortunate and blessed to have a partner like Amala. She is very understanding