We celebrate the highs and stay strong together during the lows, says Ram Charan
Ram Charan and Upasana, soon-to-be-parents, jetted off to the Maldives for a short vacation. Amid his packed schedule, the actor for the first time, after his song Naatu Naatu won the Oscars, talks to Deccan Chronicle exclusively about the Oscars experience, Upasana, life in cinema and how it’s been an eventful year so far.
How was the vibe at winning the Oscars! How’s it like representing Telugu/India cinema there?
The Oscar win is absolutely incredible! It was so unbelievable that initially I couldn’t process it (smiles). Being at the Oscars event was like a fanboy moment! It’s a blessing and I was fortunate to be there because I always looked up to at Oscars since I was a kid. Before the ceremony we were a nervous lot, but as soon as our name was announced as winners we went euphoric. It was a great honour just to reach that stage, irrespective whether we won or not. Being at the Oscars was a unique acknowledgment and it was a pleasure to represent our cinema there. I attribute the global success of the Naatu Naatu song to the audience’s love. It’s a people’s song, fans’ song! People across the globe from various cultures have owned it. So I strongly believe that it’s the people who took the song to the Oscars. I wanted to thank the people as well as Keeravani garu, Chandrabose garu and Rajamouli garu. It’s their creation.
People are now calling you ‘Global Star’. This means more fans... Is it challenging?
I am an actor, I will continue to entertain. I am humbled by their adoration. Fans are a great responsibility, so I will continue to do my best to be part of great films, work with good directors and reach out to audiences across the globe. I’m really overwhelmed as I got a chance to grow with fans and audiences across the globe. For instance, my film Orange is a special film for me and I am happy it got great appreciation in Japan. Their love and adoration for good cinema is something that I value. From making biscuits in my name to sending me personalised artistic cards every week, I truly value their love.
How do you and Upasana complement each other?
Upasana has been very instrumental in my success! We both complement each other, she is there for me and I am there for her equally. We celebrate the highs and stay strong together during the lows. We create and strike a supportive balance in our relationship, and that’s how we channelise our energies.
You and Upasana always carry Lord Sriram and Sitha idols with you. You carried them to the Oscars too.
The idols give us emotional strength. It helps us connect back to our roots even when we are away from home. It’s a sense of protection for us. Wherever we go, we usually set up a small temple-like thing where we have Prabhu Sriram and Sita Maa idols. I feel it is significant for all of us to show gratitude to the almighty for what we have. So we begin the day thanking God for what he had given us, and all the love that’s being showered on us. We take a few minutes before our routines begin to pray. We do this like a ritual because it keeps us connected to our energies. Also, I am spiritual too, so it has a calming effect; it is like a detox for me.
How was it grooving with Salman in Yentamma song?
I had a blast shooting for Yentamma song. It was a guest appearance in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. The song was released last week, and I am thrilled that it has already clocked record-numbers on YouTube. The song is one of the best songs that the audience is going to celebrate watching on the big screen. It’s my dream of sharing screen with Salman sir, and I am glad that it finally came true. Our family’s relation with Salman sir goes back a long way in time, but I wanted to thank him for the opportunity.
It’s been an eventful last six months...
Yeah... Upasana and I are expecting our first child, Naatu Naatu won Oscars, I just celebrated my birthday, and also shared a screen with Salman Sir. So as the saying goes... All good things happen at once (smiles).
Over the years, how did films impact your life?
I have always been evolving as an actor and a person. My father (Megastar Chiranjeevi) has always been my inspiration. He taught me how important it is to stay focussed. An average actor with great discipline can go a long way, but a great actor with no discipline cannot sustain. Even at 65, my father wakes up early, hits the gym and goes to the film sets for shooting. It’s his hard work that has brought him this far! So I became well-organised and also realised that it is important for an actor to be flexible, and develop a unique style.
At a time when regional cinema is transcending boundaries, how important is it to tell stories that are rooted?
I think there’s nothing like regional cinema in this era. But I strongly feel rooted stories have to come out. Films like Magadheera, Lagaan, Parasite (Korea), etc., are like that. If your stories talk about your own struggles from the soil, people across will appreciate it because each story has its own uniqueness. Rooted stories resonate, and it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase the global audience about our films (Indian cinema).
