Allu Arjun, the celebrated actor known for his magnetic screen presence and exceptional performances, revealed a lesser-known aspect of his early career struggles. Despite being born into a prominent film family, with his grandfather Allu Ramalingaiah and uncle Chiranjeevi being iconic figures in the industry, Allu Arjun faced significant challenges in his journey to stardom. In a candid conversation, he shared how his looks initially became a barrier in securing quality roles.
“‘Gangotri’ was a hit, but I didn’t look good, so good films didn’t come my way,” the actor admitted, reflecting on the aftermath of his debut. Although the film performed well at the box office, he felt like a failure as an artist. “I felt like I failed as an artist and went from 0 to -100,” he remarked, candidly expressing his discontent with his early work.
The actor shared that during his initial days, he wasn’t considered “traditionally good-looking,” a sentiment that shaped the kind of roles he was offered. This period was marked by self-doubt and a lack of opportunities, which could have deterred many. However, Allu Arjun’s determination and belief in his craft kept him moving forward. His fortunes began to change when he attended the screening of the film ‘Dil,’ starring Nithiin. It was at this event that Sukumar, a debutant director at the time, approached him with the script for the film ‘Arya.’
Recalling the interaction, Allu Arjun said, “Sukumar was a debut director, but I appreciated what he had written. Even Chiranjeevi heard the script, and I later received a shield from him when the film ran for 125 days in theaters against all odds.” Sukumar’s faith in Allu Arjun’s potential proved transformative for his career. ‘Arya’ became a landmark film that not only cemented Allu Arjun’s position as a promising actor but also showcased his ability to take on challenging roles and deliver compelling performances.
Allu Arjun didn’t stop at overcoming initial perceptions about his looks. Instead, he consistently worked on honing his skills and reinventing himself with each project. Films like ‘Pushpa: The Rise,’ ‘Sarrainodu,’ and ‘Arya’ have highlighted his versatility and commitment to his craft, making him one of the most sought-after actors in the industry today.
He credits Sukumar as one of the most influential figures in his journey. “From ‘Arya’ to ‘Pushpa,’ he’s the one who set me on the path to becoming the actor I am today,” Allu Arjun acknowledged, emphasizing Sukumar’s pivotal role in shaping his career.
Today, Allu Arjun is preparing for the highly anticipated release of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule,’ a sequel to the blockbuster hit. The film, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, is set to release on December 6 and promises to be another milestone in his illustrious career.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
