Telugu actor Venkatesh talks about his 75th film Saindhav and how he has maintained a controversy-free career

Telugu actor Venkatesh Daggubati.

Venkatesh Daggubati, a stalwart in the Telugu film industry, reflects on his illustrious career, sharing insights into his acting philosophy and the evolving nature of Indian cinema. The seasoned actor, known for his versatility, expresses gratitude for the diverse roles he has played, acknowledging both successes and failures that have shaped his remarkable journey.

He recently sat down for an interview to discuss his film Saindhav and reflect on his illustrious career, which is nearing the milestone of 75 films. The actor, known for his versatility and family-friendly image, shared insights into his journey, the uniqueness of Saindhav, and how he managed to maintain a controversy-free career. Edited excerpts:

75 Films: A Milestone or Just a Number?

Venkatesh downplays the significance of reaching the 75-film mark, emphasising that for him, every movie is unique and requires hard work. While acknowledging that numbers like 50, 75, or 100 can be considered milestones in a career, he doesn't feel pressured by the numerical aspect. The actor expresses his commitment to approaching each film with honesty and hard work, highlighting that there's still a long way to go.

'Saindhav': A Unique Story and Collaboration

Discussing the story of 'Saindhav,' Venkatesh praises the director, Shailesh Kolana, for presenting a beautiful daughter sentiment and incorporating emotional action sequences that deviate from the regular narrative. He describes the movie as fast-paced and believes it will offer a different backdrop to the audience. Venkatesh expresses satisfaction with his collaboration with director Shailesh Kolana, terming it a great experience.

Involvement in Story Development

Venkatesh clarifies that while he often joins a project as an assistant director, his primary focus is on acting. He trusts the director's vision and contributes suggestions only if there's room for improvement. For 'Saindhav,' he commends the director's storytelling and expresses confidence in the extraordinary climax and unique narrative.

Saindhav film poster.

Dancing to the Beat of 'Saindhav' Promotions

When asked about his spontaneous dance moves during the movie's promotions, Venkatesh attributes it to the rhythm and beat of the song. He shares a light moment, emphasizing the infectious nature of the music that compelled him to dance on stage.

Working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Venkatesh describes working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in 'Saindhav' as a great experience. He praises Siddiqui's extraordinary acting skills and credits him for bringing a unique touch to even the most ordinary sequences. Siddiqui's excellent performance in a challenging role adds depth to the movie.

'Saindhav': A New-Generation Movie

Venkatesh acknowledges that 'Saindhav' explores uncharted territory for him, introducing elements like the fictional city of Indraprastha, drug cartels, and gun dealing. He sees the film as a departure from his usual projects and appreciates the director's creative team for presenting a new-generation movie with a Hollywood-like appeal.

A Controversy-Free Career

Reflecting on his career's lack of controversies, Venkatesh attributes it to his upbringing, where he learnt not to make anyone uncomfortable. His approach to life, both in school and in the film industry, has been consistent. Despite not having a formula for avoiding controversies, Venkatesh's respectful and considerate demeanour has contributed to his enduring success in the industry.

Unplanned Success in Varied Genres

Venkatesh attributes his success to a combination of unplanned opportunities and a genuine passion for good storytelling. Films like "Nuvvu Naaku Nachav" and "Drushyam" were not part of a meticulously crafted career strategy but emerged as significant milestones. He emphasizes that while there were occasional missteps, the audience's love and support kept him going.

Rana Daggubati in Rana Naidu. " width="420" height="435" /> Venkatesh with Rana Daggubati in Rana Naidu.

Reinvention with Sudha Kongara's "Guru" and "Saindhav"

Working with director Sudha Kongara in "Guru" marked a turning point for Venkatesh, pushing him to reinvent himself beyond repetitive expressions. The recent release, "Saindhav," allowed him to explore different facets of emoting, showcasing a change in his body language. Venkatesh acknowledges the impact of directors who encouraged him to embrace a natural acting style, citing instances from films like "Swarnakamalam" and "Prema."

Spontaneity in Acting

Venkatesh's acting approach is marked by spontaneity, where even during rehearsals, he finds it challenging to repeat a sequence multiple times. His natural style, especially in comedy, reflects his inability to recreate moments, bringing a unique charm to his performances. Despite not conforming to the trend of multiple retakes, Venkatesh's authenticity resonates with audiences.

Balancing Life and Career

Transitioning from an era of working on multiple films a year, Venkatesh adopted a more balanced approach, averaging two films annually. This shift allowed him time for spiritual pursuits, family commitments, and a genuine appreciation for life. The actor emphasizes the importance of not overplanning and cherishing the beauty of spontaneity.

Venturing into Digital with "Rana Naidu"

Venkatesh's digital debut with "Rana Naidu" garnered mixed reactions, challenging his image as a family-friendly actor. Despite the initial shock, the series became a global success on Netflix. Venkatesh acknowledges that audiences are quick to adapt, and he remains open to exploring diverse content. Plans for a toned-down season two of "Rana Naidu" are in the pipeline, reflecting his adaptability to changing viewer preferences.

Looking Ahead

As Venkatesh embraces varied scripts for theatrical feature films and digital series, he expresses contentment with his journey in Telugu cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, he values the healthy equation maintained with fans, the media, and the audience. As plans unfold for his future projects, Venkatesh remains a proud contributor to the evolving landscape of Telugu cinema.