After playing the Napoleon of Indian Mafia in Businessman, Mahesh is perhaps the most talked about star in South India today. The star opened up before the media and spoke in his style. In this interview, see him talk about what goes in judging a film, his views about the fighting the fans of top stars indulge in over records, his desire to work with Mani, and what he thinks about his being the superstar that he is.

Excerpts:

On judging a film:

After having done so many films, one acquires the knack for judging your film. After watching the rushes and dubbing for the movie, at this stage, you will be able to predict the film's fate. All the same, before the release, your mind goes blank.

My father (Superstar Krishna) can judge a film very accurately. All his predictions in the past have turned out to be true, thus. When he doesn’t like the movie, it shows in his voice.

On improving his comic timing:

Before Khaleja and Dookudu, people used to comment that Mahesh Babu is weak when it comes to comedy. It was my conscious decision to prove that I can act well in comedy scenes. Especially when it comes to Dookudu, picking up the comedy in the second half was very difficult, because it was entirely Sreenu Vytla-type modulation.

On experimentation:

I am not thinking of experimenting for the next five years.

I would not touch his great films such as Alluri Sitaramaraju. I do not want to act in their remakes and spoil the image of the original.

On doing more and more films:

I would like to do as many films as possible. Wish everyone was as speedy as Jagan!

On fans' excitement:

Yes, I acknowledge that the fans of big heroes tend to fight over records. But, the fact is we can’t do anything about it. I would say that they should not fight. However, they are carried away by excitement. In fact, I wish that more and more hits (for everyone) will come and make the industry a shining place.

On working with Tamil directors:

It is my considered view that good writers make good directors. And since a non-Telugu director would not know the language, he will not have command over the language.

On the secret behind his good looks:

(Laughs!) There is no secret. I am happy and that inner joy reflects on the fact. (That's how I look handsome). Also it is important that everything is fine at home.

On working for Businessman:

Before the shoot commenced, I had heard only the storyline. I was pretty confident about my character. And when I was shooting for the film, I felt that this was going to work on the strength of my characterization and so, did not feel the need to ask Jagan for the story.

I am very happy at the big success of the movie. I haven’t heard the story of Businessman2 as yet. Jagan is now in Bangkok.

On 'Dookudu vs Businessman':

You are saying that Businessman is dry when compared to Dookudu? I don’t think so. Puri and I felt that the film has enough entertainment. Now, what is entertainment? When people clap and enjoy watching your movie, that means you have made an entertaining film. And Businessman fits this definition. Had I told you the story of Pokiri before it was made, you might have said that it was dry, that ladies would not like it, etc. I don’t agree that a separate comedy track is mandatory to entertain the audience. Businessman did not have a separate comedy track, because Jagan wanted to keep the intensity levels high.

Do not even compare Pokiri and Businessman. I feel that the latter is ahead of its times. The narration itself is a never-seen-before one in Telugu cinema. That explains the film’s stupendous success.

On Gautham's choice:

Gautham as child artist? Well, I have not given a thought to it. It is left to him to think what he wants to do.

On the 'big responsibility':

As I said earlier, it has been like a dream (back-to-back blockbusters). I never planned these things. I feel that when you plan, things might not fall in place as beautifully. Moreover, there is a danger that you begin to have dilemmas and doubts.

I was only lucky that things just fell in place. Of course, with this success comes increased responsibility. I have to work towards maintaining consistency.

I believe in completely surrendering myself once I am satisfied that the story is good.

On going Bollywood:

For the next two-three years, I don’t want to distract myself. I am not thinking about Bollywood for now.

On working in multi-starrer films:
&