The smile is back on his face as Raghava Lawrence is back to success ways. The filmmaker expounds his penchant for masala films, building temple for his mother and family. Indiaglitz records his candid confessions Taapsee is a glamorous actress.

How did you pick her for the role in Ganga?

Taapsee is a superb dancer and I love the way she grooves. She has a good hairdo to show off those evil-like features. Her body language and skin color perfectly fits the bill for my film. Moreover, Taapsee has not essayed any such role in her career, so I feel it`ll be new if someone like her does it. I`m one of those filmmakers who will not be easily satisfied but she did not mind several retakes and worked hard for the role.

Taapsee initially rejected the script, still why did you persist?

After listening to the script, Taapsee was shocked to see her character undergoing several transformations, so she said No`. But I believed her and asked her to take her own time and reconsider and after one month, she said OK`. I persisted because I`m confident that she has all the qualities to pull off the role.

What fascinates you in making masala and horror films?

The films are running successfully and that`s why I`m making them. If it`s not doing well, I`ll neither make it nor does the public ask. The film is being enjoyed by all section of the audience, so why not keep making such films. I`m not fascinated about any particular genre instead I`m more concerned about what public wants. I`ll make commercial films that mint money at the box office. I can`t approach an ad-filmmaker and ask him to make a family drama. I don`t know how to make award –winning films, I`m a director happy in making masala films.

When will make a straight Telugu film?

I'm currently working on a script for Pawan Kalyan. I have the basic plot line. After developing the script, I need to approach narrate him the script. I have the line ready with me since I was making Ganga.

What are you building a temple for your mother when she's alive?

I`ve been searching all places for our almighty and then I realized that he`s there in two places. 1) In the work we do and 2) Mother. Who else can show more love on one than mother. Even if God comes I doubt whether he can show the same love my mom has on me (quips). Right from the childhood she (Kanmani) has endured and scarified a lot for me and now she`s been promoting my film by going to various theaters. Had my mom left me during childhood when I was not feeling well, I would not have been there now. We are building temples for so many people and why can`t we build a temple for a mom? No matter how much you do after her demise, it`s of no use and waste. I want my mom to see that he son has built a temple for her, and I want her to tell her friends and enjoy.

What was your mom`s initial reaction?

When I told her that I`m building a temple for her she said, “Initially her eyes moist, and then she said “Why do you waste money”? Already you have adopted 60 orphans, maintaining Raghavendra Swamy temple and why to build a temple for me? I feel very sorrow for mothers who have been left out in old age homes and I want people to realize why I`m constructing a temple for mother. A case is registered if you don`t wear a helmet, or if you don`t have a driving license but why is there no case on people who are leaving their parents in old-age home. I`ve seen the trauma mothers face at the old age homes. They don`t have people to talk to them for few minutes. No matter how many mistakes we make during our childhood she excuses us and can`t she say a word to us when she becomes old? People who are leaving their God (mother) in old age homes will be left out by their children during next birth.

Tell us about your family

Our`s is a big family - My wife, mother, brother and three sisters and I all live together. I have a daughter who is studying 10th class and I`m friendly with everyone. Since I keep doing several things at a time – acting, producing, directing, etc., I`m short-tempered. But my anger will not last too long and I smile after some time. When I`m angry, my mom keeps telling everyone, “Leave him alone for five minutes…he`ll be alright”.

What kind of a father is Lawrence? Does your daughter know that you are a star director?

Yeah, my daughter (Raghavi) knew that I`m a filmmaker, and I made Muni, Kanchana and Kanchana 2 only because she asked me. She teaches all my adopted kids during her holidays and does some charity work at this age itself and I`m very happy at that.

Does your daughter watch your films?

She`s asking me when I will make Kanchana 2 (laughs)

What kind of a husband are you?

I`m very friendly with my wife (Latha), mother and brother. She supports me a lot and she has to be tipped as “Lakshmi Devi”. I`ve been fortunate to what such people in my family. After my marriage with her, I became choreographer, director, etc.

Does your wife watch your films?

Yea, very much and she gives her feedback too. If I didn`t do well she say`s “Sorry Lawrence, this scene is not nice or could have been better”. If I did well, she guides me saying “Tone down the romance little bit” (laughs).

Do you take your family to the sets?

My wife and sometimes my daughter, after her school, directly drop in on the sets of the film. I give utmost priority to my family and I`ll not miss it.

Did you mom watch the film?

My mom is not coming home; she`s been busy promoting the film and taking her friends to the theaters, asking tickets for various shows (quips).