In the Nandamuri clan, Tarakaratna is the only one whose career is currently on a low.
The actor now wants to start afresh and only do films that will appeal to him. “At the beginning of my career I did many films without concentrating on the subjects. That backfired… I don’t want to repeat the same mistake now,” says Tarakaratna.
The actor will next be seen in a negative character in the upcoming film Raja Cheyyi Vesthe. “This is not a typical villain who gets beaten up by the hero. He is bad, but he is classy. Actually my negative role in this film will change the perception about villains,” he says.
“When director Pradeep and producer Sai Korrapati approached me for this character I thought that it would be a regular villain’s character. But after the narration I was really excited. I consulted my wife and she backed me and told me to do the role,” adds Tarakaratna.
He says that the makers approached him for the role before looking for the hero. “Later, while searching for the lead actor, they decided on Nara Rohith. I am happy that for the first time I acted with a family member,” says Tarak.
He says that the outfits were very important for the character.
“My wife took care of the attires. Rajesh designed the clothes and showed them to my wife and she helped a lot. She also helped me with my makeover and I look completely modern.”
“I don’t want to stick to one particular genre or role,” he says, adding, “I want to do all kinds of roles, but I have to like the character. I am not in a hurry to sign films and I will be very choosy after this film,” he says.
The actor says that he doesn’t believe in stardom or numbers. “I believe in acting and people should talk about my performance. I believe in time and faith and I know I will come back very strong. I have been in the industry for a long time and I don’t think that I would have survived so long if I didn’t believe in myself. I am confident that my time will come,” he says.
“A couple of years back I got the idea of a changeover. As an actor I want to make a mark and it is not too late,” he says. Interestingly, Tarakaratna had got the Nandi award for his negative portrayal in Amaravathi. “I am confident that this character too will be an award-winning one; I fell in love with my role in this film,” he says, adding that the film got Nara Rohith and him very close.
The actor says that he never regrets his failures early in his career. “Everyone has ups and down in life. I am happy that I saw failure in the initial stage of my career as it made me work harder. A lot of people had written me off and criticised me; now I just laugh when I see those negative comments. I couldn’t have survived in the industry if I was not talented,” says Tarakaratna.
He also adds that his grandfather NTR’s name definitely helps members of the family to enter the industry. “It does help, but only up to a certain point. Later we have to work hard and prove ourselves. Though we can’t reach his level, but we will try to give our best to get to the top.”
