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22nd
November 2005
 Tell
us about how you got introduced in films?
I was walking on the street near Pondy Bazaar and a car stopped
by. The people in the car informed me to go and meet Dasari.
Prior to it I worked as an apprentice in the direction department
of a film in which Dasari was a co-director. When I met Dasari,
he asked me to get into the bus to Vijayawada. Around 15 people
were auditioned for the role in Swargam Narakam. Mrs Padma
Dasari opined that I would be the right choice for the role
and informed her husband. Dasari selected me for the role
and rechristened me as Mohan Babu. I went to Kanaka Durga
Temple immediately and when priest asked for my name I told
it as Mohan Babu. It was Dasari who gave me birth as an actor
and made me a perfect actor. Directors like K Raghavendra
Rao, KSR Das, Doondy, Lakshmi Deepak, Hemambar Rao, Babji,
Bapu - Ramana etc helped me in my career flying.
Did
you ever expect that you would become such a big star?
I never dreamt of it. During my initial years, I used to pray
that I should stay in industry for five more years. After
completing 25 years I wanted to celebrate it, but did not
happen. I have produced silver jubilees and golden jubilees
on my home banner. But recently I have produced few flops.
My children approached me now and told me that they would
celebrate my 30-year career in film industry by holding a
public function in 3 months. It would happen before March
2006.
What
was your experience in these 30 years?
I had gone through every phase of an actor. I was cheated
at times, especially in politics.
What
about politics? Do you want to returns to politics?
People have asked me to float a party. I was asked to float
a party whenever a film of mine like Allari Mogudu, Assembly
Rowdy, Pedarayudu became hits. I told them that floating a
political party is not as easy as hosting a Tea party. Politics
are beyond caste and creed. Heroes would not become chief
ministers if they get hits. People like MGR and NTR has lots
of history behind them. That history made them CMs. When NTR
decided to float a party, he went with his instincts and won
the elections. He did not do any dillydallying about winning
chances and probabilities.
I
still feel that film is my bread and butter. I entered politics
earlier. Now I am taking a temporary break from politics.
I may enter politics. But I can't say when and how I would
enter politics. When I enter politics I would encourage youth.
90% of elders in the politics are corrupted. 100% of youth
are totally inspiring people.
My
father was a head master of an elementary school. I worked
as PD (physical director or drill master). My roots are in
middle class families. I came from farmer's family. I would
enter politics one day.
Tell
us about Vidya Niketan?
25% of the total seats are given to needy students irrespective
of caste and creeds. Around 6000 students study in Vidya Niketan
from LKG to PG.
How
did you feel on the morning on 22nd Nov. 1975 when your debut
film Swargam Narakam was released?
I was in lot of tension because if film fails I may have to
go back because I had no backing in film industry and I came
from a middle class family. Fortunately, that film has become
a hit and I never had to look back.
I
should tell you the comments of producer Raghava after watching
the dialogue 'Vachanu. Choosanu. Telusukunnanu. Vellipothunnanu'
from Turpu Padamara. He said that Telugu film industry would
never reject you. In fact, you would be rejecting the industry
once you get tired.
Who
are your favorite heroes?
NTR, ANR and Sivaji Ganesan
Who
are your favorite heroines?
Savitri, Jaya Sudha & Soundarya.
Did
you notice any actor who had given terrific performance as
hero when you acted as villain?
Yes. It was NTR in Kondaveeti Simhasanam and Sardar Papa Rayudu.
Did
you notice any actor who had given terrific performance as
villain when you acted as hero?
Nobody!
What
is your next project as an actor?
Political Rowdy obtained great openings with massive crowds
for the first 4 days. After a week, we realized that the film
was flop as they did not like the subject. These openings
tell me that public wants to see my films. You would get the
details very soon about my next project.
Would
you consider doing villain role now?
Amitab Bachchan did the roles of father. NTR did the role
of Brihannala and Duryodhana. These kinds of roles give performance
orientation to any actor. I had been successful as a hero,
villain, character artist and producer. I do not mind doing
the role of a villain in films.
Any
plans to direct films?
I have plans to direct a film. I worked in direction department
for 7 years before becoming an actor. Let my daughter Lakshmi
Prasanna who did her direction course in LA direct Telugu
films first. I would also direct films later.
What
are your predictions for Vishnu and Manoj as heroes?
I can't predict any thing. It is the public who will have
to decide.
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