'I’m not a fan of remakes': Mahesh Babu

A few of his Telugu hits have been remade in Hindi — like Pokiri (2006) was turned into the Salman Khan-starrer Wanted (2009) while Ookadu (2003) was presented as Arjun Kapoor’s Tevar (2015). However, Mahesh Babu is content with being the numero uno actor in Telugu cinema and has no plans of venturing into Bollywood as of now. The 44-year-old, who is basking in the super success of Maharshi, is now focussing on his next film, Sarileru Neekevvaru, which he’s also producing. 

In an email interview, the superstar assesses his 25-year-long innings in cinema and shares why his wife (former Bollywood actress Namrata Shirodkar) is his biggest critic. 

Having started as a child actor at the age of four, how do you look back at your journey? 

It’s  difficult to describe it in a few words. However, all I can say is that it has been extremely satisfactory, humbling and even overwhelming at times. My father’s fans and my fans have stood by me through thick and thin. They have contributed in making my journey memorable. All I want to do is good cinema, I just want to entertain my audience.

Given that your first lead role in a feature was in 1999 with Raja Kumarudu, 25 films in 20 years seem less from a Bollywood perspective. 

I am not in any kind of rush. For me, the quality of cinema matters, not quantity. I will do what’s best for me and my audience. I don’t have a threshold to meet.

One hears a lot about method acting and prepping for the part in Hindi cinema. How do you go about preparing for your onscreen characters? 

I am a director’s actor. I work according to my director’s vision. My characters have mostly been very relatable and life-like and it has been pretty easy for me to portray them, especially because they have been written so well. 

What’s next after Maharshi? 

I am working with Anil Ravipudi in Sarileru Neekevvaru. It’s an out-and-out entertainer. 

The actor’s different avatars in Maharshi

What do your children, Gautam and Sitara, think of your movies? 

They enjoy watching my films. Sitara loves Srimanthudu (2015) while Gautam really likes Athadu (2005). 

Having been an actress, how does your wife, Namrata, review your work? 

She’s my harshest critic. With Namrata around, I really don’t have anything to worry about. She gives me honest suggestions.

Between the two of you, who is the stricter parent? 

Namrata is the stricter one and I think it’s a good thing. While I am doing all the pampering, she keeps a tab on not letting it go overboard and that helps the kids to stay grounded. 

Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar

Many actors from the South have ventured into Hindi cinema. Do you have any plans of doing so? 

None at this point. I want to focus on Telugu cinema right now. 

How do you deal with release-day jitters? 

My family is my biggest stress buster. It’s not just release-day jitters, but whenever I feel anxious, my wife and children help me to stay calm. 

Some of your films have been remade in Hindi. What if you’re offered a remake of one of your hits? 

I’m not a fan of remakes (smiles). 

Namrata is also involved in the production aspect of your films. Does she call the shots or do you have the last word in your ventures? 

Namrata works with her team and she’s well-equipped. I don’t need to get into that aspect.