As Akash Puri debuts as a hero with 'Mehbooba' (May 11th release), he sounds super-confident.  In this interview, the youngster shares his heartfelt feelings about his debut movie.  Catch him reveal so many interesting things.  

What are your thoughts ahead of the film's release?

I am very happy with the way the film has shaped up.  And I thank the media for maintaining the positive buzz around 'Mehbooba' right from the beginning.  My father's love stories have always been different.  And 'Mehbooba' is different from them all. 

In what way is 'Mehbooba' a distinct love story?

It's not a typical college love story or something.  It has an Army backdrop and is set in 1971.  There comes a twist in the movie that is something totally new.  It's a believable twist.  The audience will root for the lover boy and girl (played by Neha Shetty).  When I listened to the story, I wondered if it's my dad who wrote it.  Since 'Mehbooba' is very unlike my dad's previous films, I recently said that I am launching him with this film rather than he launching me!  

The reincarnation aspect reminds one of 'Magadheera'.  How different is 'Mehbooba' from the Rajamouli film?

There were other reincarnation stories before 'Magadheera'.  There has been a 'Manam' after that.  The element in 'Mehbooba' is quite different.  As I said, there is a big twist in the story.  It's something that you haven't watched before!  

Being a debutant, how did you prepare for the role of a soldier?

When dad told me the story, I had my doubts.  But, thanks to my coach, I could turn into the character.  It's because of him that I became strong both inside and outside.  It's from him that I learned how the army men walk, salute, etc.  I too did my homework.  And all this took time.  I have always learned from the movies I did as a child artist, like 'Bujjigadu'.  

Puri Jagannadh's films have strong heroes.  How strong is your role in the movie?

Since 'Mehbooba' is my debut movie, there are no extraneous additions to my character.  It's not larger-than-life for no reason.  The hero's characterization is quite story-oriented.  Since the hero is an army man, his character is inherently powerful.  He is also a responsible citizen who has a perfect civic sense.  He aspires to become an army man even as a child.  The film also has got amazing action scenes.  I didn't have to risk much because of the careful execution by stunt master Real Sateesh garu.  

Why does your character raise a toast to the Bollywood Khans as seen in the trailer?

It's an important scene in the film.  It's actually a very long scene.  There is a reason why he says 'Salman Khan Zindabad' etc.  There are other good lines in the scene.  There were around 400-500 junior artists on the sets.  When I said 'Mehbooba Zindabad', they all clapped spontaneously.

What do you see as your strengths as an actor?

That thing you have to tell me after watching the movie.  Most people have told me my voice is very good.  I must be having weaknesses, too.  

It must have been very difficult to shoot for the movie in harsh weather.  Isn't it?

Yes.  When we were told that we will be shooting in Kulu Manali, we were excited.  But only when we went there did we realize how harsh it's.  We shot in -4 degree Celsius temperature.  More than me and Neha Shetty, it's the crew members who had to really work hard.  

How was it working with Neha Shetty, who too is a debutante?

She has done a wonderful job.  Because of the way she acted, I was motivated to better my performance.  Hers is a very strong role in the movie.

The vibes are great, especially because Dil Raju has entered into a business deal with your father.  Isn't it?

I must thank Dil Raju garu for it.  What makes me all the happier is that he was associated with dad twice in the past: for 'Idiot' and for 'Pokiri'.  As soon as the news came out that Raju garu will release 'Mehbooba', people started congratulating me!  

You have acted with big Telugu stars.  Who is your role model?

Thankfully, I got to work with Ram Charan garu, Prabhas garu, Mahesh Babu garu, Pawan Kalyan garu and others.  I am very blessed.  I got to learn so much from them.  As for my role model, it's Rajinikanth garu.  I am mad about him and regard him as a God.  I take a lot of inspiration from my dad, who has bounced back.  There was a time when he was left with nobody.  When he cheered my acting on the sets of 'Mehbooba', that day is the memorable one in my life.  It was October 12.  

What about your upcoming film?

It will once again be with my dad.  The story is getting ready.  It will be announced soon.