Rana Daggubati, a descendant of two generations of film personalities, and the grandson of Movie Moghal Dr D Ramanaidu won plaudits for his performance in ‘Leader’ and the recently released Bollywood film ‘Dum Maro Dum’. This good looking young man with an athletic build and a thick and dark wavy hair is now showing interest to make his entry into Tamil films as well.  Hence he met the press and had a chit chat about his 3rd film ‘Nenu Naa Rakshashi’. So here are a few excerpts ….

How is ‘Nenu Naa Rakshashi’?

It gave birth in a restaurant.  It was Puri Jagan who narrated the story when we casually had been to a restaurant.  Later as I wrote a few points of the script in my house it impressed me.  Infact, it’s my habit to scribble such notes whenever I hear stories.  

How do you see this character compared to the others you have done?

In ‘Leader’, I did politician and in ‘Dum Maro Dum’ it was a musician, whereas here it is that of a cold-blooded killer.  As you know it’s easy to get some references for both the characters which I did in my previous films but not for the one in ‘Nenu Naa Rakshashi’.

What kind of influence did Puri have on the film?

The total credit goes to him.  He concentrated on the feelings associated with suicides.  It’s not that easy for anyone to understand such feelings except the ones who have personally experienced it.  I got to know that Puri personally had such feelings at certain point in his life which he could capture in this film.  So was the case with Ileana who happens to be the female lead in this film.  

About music?

Anoop Rubens did an excellent background score.  Since the lyrics play vital part in this film the same lyricists Vishwa & Rehman have composed the music also.  

What is the approach towards NNR promotion?

It’s Puri Jagannath’s film and certainly enough commercial elements exist in the film. However, we have been truthful in giving the crust of the story in trailers instead of just showing the entertainment portion.  That is why you see posters which show suicide angle of the movie.  

‘Dum Maro Dum’ is your first Bollywood film.  How is the response?

Really good. I get comments from the circle that I acted like a true Goan musician.  I think with this I’ve set my foot in Bollywood.  

Ileana and Bipasha are two leading personalities in respective industries. Can you share with us your experience in working with them?

As you know Bipasha is much senior to me in age as well as experience. Others including director Rohan Sippy and my costar Abhishek have always helped me to feel at ease.  As far as Ileana is concerned she is younger to me though experienced.  She is very adorable on the sets, particularly her commitment is very admirable.  In one incidence where a crying scene has to be pictured in Thailand she was so concerned that she practiced it half an hour before the shoot and she was so involved that even after the shot was over she had moist eyes for a long time.  

We have heard that you have signed two films?

Yes! There are two on the cards.  One is ‘Naa Ishtam’ with director Prakash Tholeti and the other is ‘Department’ with Ram Gopal Varma.  In ‘Naa Ishtam’, I’m portraying a character which is that of a romantic lover who is very selfish.  ‘Department’ is a Bollywood film and I’m playing the man in uniform.  

Is there anything that you have dreamt about films?

Yeah, I’ve always dreamed about a period film filled with action.  Since I was born and brought up in Chennai I also wanted to do a Tamil film. Infact I learnt to speak Tamil first and later Telugu.  I personally like Tamil films because the filmmakers choose numerous subjects. For instance, ‘Paruthiveeran’, ‘Aadukalam’ and ‘Subramaniapuram’ are all wonderful to watch.  

Of late Ram Gopal Varma is giving continuous flops.  What is your gut feeling about his upcoming film ‘Department’?

For every filmmaker, flops are bound to happen but what bothers everyone is the consistency.  Directors like Steven Speilberg and Mani Ratnam also made bad films.  As far as I’m concerned Ram Gopal Varma is one such film maker who has given us gems like ‘Shiva’, ‘Kshana Kshanam’, ‘Gayam’, ‘Rangeela’, ‘Company’, etc.  ‘Kshana Kshanam’ has been my all time favourite film among all RGV’s films. ‘Department’ will no doubt have RGV brand and I’m sure the theme will definitely work, thus repeat the success of his most famous films.  

What difference you find between Tollywood and Bollywood?

Both work on the same basis but Bollywood exhibits an opportunity to try different things and the audience accepts the same, whereas in Tollywood it takes a bit of time.