Rana Daggubati enjoys his Bollywood stint

There’s no doubt about the fact that he is India’s latest heartthrob. Actor Rana Daggubati, who had a successful Tollywood debut last year, is thrilled that he has been welcomed with equal warmth in Bollywood too. “I’m very happy. I branched into Bollywood with just one Telugu film behind me and I’m satisfied that this move has paid off and Dum Maaro Dum has done well,” says Daggubati.

The actor is doubly elated because his hometown stood by him and supported him. “Can you believe that Hyderabad had one of the biggest openings? I was really happy with the support I received. Since I was in Mumbai, I couldn’t hold a premiere for the industry there either. But, on Friday, every single actor and director called me after watching the film!” says Daggubati.

The actor is already promoting his next, which releases this Friday. “Nenu Naa Rakshasi, my second Telugu film, releases this Friday. This is another alternate genre film and I have a lot of hope pinned on it. After playing a politician and musician, I’m playing a ruthless killer in this one,” says Daggubati.

He adds, “I’m lucky to have played roles this diverse so early in my career, which was always my plan. I’m glad that I’m getting the opportunity to work with film-makers whose sensibilities match mine.” Daggubati has signed two more films, for which he will commence work immediately.

“I begin work on Naa Ishtam, my third Telugu film with Genelia D’Souza, which will be directed by Prakash Tholeti, in the first week of May. I’ve also signed The Department, a Ram Gopal Varma directed film, where I’ll be working with Sanjay Dutt,” says Rana. But there’s more on his agenda. “I’m looking at reviving our banner across other industries and hope to make a few more Hindi films soon. I still have my Chennai dream unfulfilled. I was in talks with Selvaraghavan and a few other film-makers, though nothing materialised. But, Chennai is on my hit list,” ends Daggubati.