Bigg Boss Telugu winner VJ Sunny has come a long way now. From small screen to the big screen, the actor is raring to go. He's super excited and confident about his new release, Sound Party. In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, the anchor turned actor, opens up about how the TFI welcomed him even though he had no Godfather.
How has your life changed over the last ten years. From being a lifestyle reporter to becoming a hero now.
From a TV channel to becoming a hero, I've seen many ups and downs, but takme it up as a challenge. I'm still waiting for luck to support my hard work. Even before reporting, I was involved in theatre, and my ultimate dream has always been to become an actor. I'm working hard for it and eagerly waiting for that one Friday to make my dream come true.
Did Bigg Boss really help you get opportunity or visibility?
Bigg Boss is undoubtedly an exposure launch pad, yet it's essential to prove oneself. While the audience elevated me from zero to hero during my stint, I understand the need to continuously prove myself over and over to cement my position.
What made you switch profession and how did you bag opportunities?
From the beginning, my goal has always been the big screen. However, in between, the media played a crucial role by providing me with bread and butter. Many media professionals stood by me and offered their support. Yet, like any drama artist, my ultimate dream is the silver screen. I'm grateful to everyone who contributed to making this dream a reality.
What challenges did you face as an outsider (with no filmy background).
I've faced, am facing, and will continue to face challenges. As an outsider without a film background, challenges are inevitable, not just for me but for all actors entering from outside the industry. Nonetheless, we must persist with our hard work, and if luck favors us, everything will fall into place.
What kind of support did you receive from industry people who believe in you?
I have good support from the industry, and there are many well-wishers for me. People like Anil Ravipudi Garu, Harish Shankar Anna, Dil Raju Garu, Harshit, and many more industry people treat me like a brother and guide me.
Even the actors, Keedaa cola hero Chaitanya, Varun Sandesh, Nikhil, and ultimately, my favorite hero Nani anna, Vishwak Sen, all act as brothers and mentors to guide me. The key for me is to follow their suggestions and execute my projects in the right manner.
Will you stick to lead roles or open to doing whatever comes your way?
I never solely aimed for lead roles, but fortunately, I received lead roles right at the start of my career. However, if anyone approaches me with a good character role, I'm open to taking on that film without hesitation.
Did Harish Shankar’s ATM help you get more projects?
Yes, being a part of Harish Anna's project brought me a lot of exposure, and collaborating with that team was an excellent experience. Particularly after the ATM project, numerous web content creators approached me for potential collaborations.
Why did you say yes to Sound party and why did you think it will appeal to the audiences?
When director Sanjay narrated the story to me, I immediately felt compelled to be a part of it. He effectively delivered what he promised. Additionally, Siva Narayana garu's portrayal of the father role added immense value to the movie. The film showcases numerous humorous moments between the father and son. When the audience watches these scenes, they'll likely feel a sense of relatability, as if similar situations have occurred within their own families.
Tell us about your role in the movie
My role revolves around a character who constantly aspires to become wealthy, showcasing the highs and lows encountered throughout this journey. He believes he possesses a superior IQ level, but the reality differs. I'm confident that the audience will thoroughly enjoy this portrayal. Primarily, the film targets the middle-class audience, and I believe they will relate deeply to both the movie and my role.
Tell us about your upcoming projects
I've received opportunities for both feature films and web series, but my current focus is on completing Sound Party. Once that's done, I plan to shift my focus to the remaining projects.
