Came to light with his resemblance to the Megastar Chiranjeevi, Raj Kumar could hardly make an impact by himself on the Telugu audience, be it Film or Television. In a career spanning over two decades, there have been some high points to note about but the journey has been mostly non-eventful, occasionally notable and barely laudable.

But the fighter that he is, Raj Kumar kept coming back from his lows and his never say die spirit brings him to perhaps the peak moment of his career in which he is going all out producing, acting and almost directing a film titled 'Barrister Shankar Narayan'. Presented by his wife Rama Raj Kumar, introducing ace choreographer Tara, this film is produced under the banner Sri Chowdeshwari Devi Pictures under the blessings of Kadapa Ameen Peer Darga saint. And the film will also see him playing dual role as Sankar Narayan and his nephew too.

BSN is all set to hit the screens on Saturday the 21st September, a day later than a host of small films invading the theaters and snatch the eyeballs of Telugu film buff. Raj Kumar speaks to IndiaGlitz about his journey, the film and the journey of the film BSN. Visibly excited, he says this is the best of his performances by far and backs himself for the power packed and punchy dialogues he rendered in the film. The trailer released a couple of weeks ago has created a sensation among the audiences with a compelling feeling of 1980’s nostalgia creeping into their minds.

Excerpts of the interview:

Why Barrister... Why Not Lawyer...

‘Shankar Narayan’ is a quite powerful name by itself. You can recall Chiranjeevi’s character in Indra and Prakash Raj’s character in Dookudu. Now, I thought the tag should be equally strong to balance the weight of the name Sankar Narayan. That’s why Barrister. We call the law grads who studied law in foreign universities a Barrister and in the film BSN, he does his law in a foreign college. So is his stylish body language and rendering the dialogues.

Also In Kannada...

I was introduced to Telugu by Dasari thru ‘Amma Rajeenaamaa; in 1989. Got to play some wonderful roles in Telugu and tried my hand in Kannada as well. But I couldn’t get the expected success. Television Filled The Gap...

I have been busy in Kannada and when Suman of ETV asked me to shift in TV, I initially rejected. But when the gap was growing, I went myself to Suman with a portfolio and he instantly roped me into a soap and didn’t look back ever since. It’s about 12 years now in Television.

Tollywood Calling...

I always felt I belonged to the big screen. TV keeps you so busy 24x7 that you cannot think of a change, spend quality time with your family. So, I intentionally took a break, made a portfolio again and announced to the directors and producers of TFI that I want to make a strong come back. Alas, I didn’t get the opportunities I expected.

So, I Created...

When you don’t ‘Get’ opportunities, ‘Create’ them is what an English adage says and here I am, just following the same. Supported by my wife Rama, I thought I would create my own mark with the film BSN.

I promised Tara Master...

I promised Tara Master a while ago when we met that if I ever produce a film, she would direct it. That was not a promise driven just out of friendship but backed by a great respect for her skill as a choreographer. Many choreographers have proved in the past that they can make a film in complete. So, we decided to get her on board and I am happy I did that.

My Father My Inspiration...

My father always said ‘It’s important to achieve something but even more to consolidate what you achieved...’ By his blessings and God’s grace, I got a stature in TFI all by myself and now, my endeavor will be to consolidate the position I got. Everything I did in the film does have a bearing on my future. The dual role is also an attempt to showcase my talents of flexibility and versatility.

About BSN...

The film has an entertaining first half with all the characters in the family creating comedy and the second half takes an emotional turn and is built on a high voltage drama between the two characters of mine. I tried to imitate Sanjeev Kumar’s portrayal in ‘Trishul’. People also told me that I reminded them of Sivaji Ganeshan and NTR. I take them as blessings.

Credit To Team, Debit To Me...

I got involved in all the departments in the making of the film. So, if the movie succeeds, I share the credit to my team mates but if it doesn’t, I take the entire blame on myself.

Will Continue As Producer & Actor

Plan to do variety of roles as an actor, at the same time producing meaningful films paralelly.

Censor Members Praised...

The members of the Censor board who watched the film said they have watched a film with such high Emotional quotient after a long time. Expecting the same response from the audiences as well, here I am fingers crossed to receive the response and blessings of the audiences for my rebirth as an artist.

Barrister Shankar Narayan is releasing on the 21st and go grab a seat at your nearest theater.

Watch Barrister Shankar Narayan Trailers