As he grows a year older today, Rajendra Prasad says that his journey as a protagonist has just begun. Just as in Hollywood it is believed that an actor matures into a lead after 50, so also Rajendra feels that he is a fresh kid (as a hero) on the block. He had made the audience convulse with laughter in film after film, for decades on.

But when he took stock of the things, he realized that he had the responsibility to contribute something more. Out of this desire was born his intention to act in Aa Naluguru, Mee Shreyobhilashi, and Onamalu. "Some roles are written only for the sake of a few actors. I asked myself why I can't be such an actor," he says.

He feels that today's comedy is more about teasing than fun born out of real-life situations. "When you want to make people laugh, you have to bad-mouth or kick someone. That is the scenario today," he rues.

Onamalu is a well-meaning film in which he will be seen as a retired school principal. It is slated for July 27 release.

IndiaGlitz wishes the actor a very happy birthday.