One of the top producers of Telugu cinema, Ashwini Dutt started his career in 1975 as a producer with the film Eduruleni Manishi starring the late NTR. Now, four decades on, he is coming out with his 45th film titled Devadas, a multi-starrer. After a few setbacks, the veteran producer had in fact, stopped making films in the last couple of years but his fortunes reversed with the success of Mahanati. “I am happy to see my daughters Swapna and Priyanka taking the lead along with my son-in-law Nag Ashwin. They want to make movies in other languages too while Nag Ashwin wants to direct a Hindi film. I also want to expand my production house Vyjayanthi Movies into other languages,” shares Dutt.
The producer of many multi-starrers admits that he is happy to do another one with Devadas. “My close friend Sridhar Babu came up with the storyline and I waited for nearly three months to select a director. Then I saw Sriram Adittya’s earlier two films and approached him. He is a young and talented director and did a very good job,” he says in praise of his director.
Recalling his association with the industry, Dutt says, “When I was 20-years-old, I made a film with K. Viswanath and continued from then till now. Although I suffered a few setbacks in between, I could continue with my work, thanks to the encouragement of my wife and my children.” He adds, “I never thought that I would produce such prestigious films and reach great heights, but I feel proud of my work. The Telugu audience remembers my name along with all the top actors. I have made films with three generations of actors over the last 45 years and my daughters are continuing the tradition.” The producer says that success is not dependent on talent alone.
“Everyone works hard and is talented, but luck should favour them. I know many people who put in their full efforts but still lose everything,” he says. Several projects are in the pipeline. “We are planning two films with Vijay Deverakonda with Raj D.K. directing one of them. We are also planning a film with Jr NTR and then I want to produce a film with director Atlee. Nag Ashwin is also preparing his script for his next film,” he reveals.
