In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, Raj Tarun talks about why comic timing of the other actors is important for comedy scenes to come out well, working with Rajendra Prasad, Vishnu and others for Eedo Rakam Aado Rakam, his relationships, why he doesn't enter into relationships in the film industry, why the rape scene in Kumari 21F is justified, and more.

How was it working in a multi-starrer for the first time?

Vishnu and others were extremely supportive. Vishnu is like a brother to me. They contributed to my betterment. Rajendra Prasad, Ravi Babu - it was great working with them. It's a pucca comedy film that revolves around all characters. Everybody is a hero, including Rajendra Prasad garu. There were no ego problems at all. He used to take care of the balance in the script.

While making a film like this, was it not felt that both the heroes should have equal space?

We have equal space. Vishnu always took care of me. He insisted that way. He is a bigger hero than me.

ERAR is described as a family entertainer, but the trailer suggests that it's an adult comedy.

It's not at all an adult comedy. The element of couple swapping is just a part. There are sarcasms, but there is no vulgarity. The comedy doesn't hit below the belt.

Why is it essential for the other actors in a scene to have good comic timing for your comic timing to be good?

For example, if an actor is lost in a comedy scene, it affects the performance of others. Rajendra Prasad garu, who is a comedy king, used cover my flaws with his timing. Vishnu too used to make me feel comfortable. It became that much easy for me. The rapport shows itself. Sync and chemistry are the result.

What was the most challenging scene?

I had to parody Mohan Babu garu's dialogue (Relationship between two members of a family..) from Peda Rayudu. I should tell in RP garu's presence. It was impossible. I took many takes to even come remotely close. Mohan Babu garu had brilliant voice, expression. The other scenes didn't take much time.

Share some crazy incidents that happened on the sets?

With RP garu and Ravi Babu garu around, it was always crazy. Loads of fun it was throughout the shoot. RP garu used to share some stories with us. Ravi Babu garu has great sense of humour.

Is it because your last film was a flop that you chose this multi-starrer to be on the safer side?

ERAR started before the release of Sitamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu. I did ERAR because I loved the Punjabi film and G Nageshwar Reddy garu's narration. Heebah Patel was roped in on the producer's suggestion.

You have a hat-trick to your credit. Is it luck or hardwork?

Hardwork is a must. But luck factor also helps. I was lucky to get a film like Uyyala Jampala. I gave my best.

When are you writing story and screenplay again?

I wrote Uyyala Jampala because things just fell in place. I normally don't like to interfere. I am willing to give suggestions, though. It's up to them to take it or leave it.

Do you like to have female fans more or male fans more?

It's an honour to have people who like you. I don't want to choose which fans I should have.

Since it's a remake of a Punjabi film, what cultural sensibilities are different?

It's not a film set in rural backdrop. There are no much cultural differences. In the Punjabi version, there are Sardars. In the Telugu version, there is none. Differences are there because the comic temperament is different as far as performances are concerned.

What do you mean by 'I am always single and always committed'?

There is no inner meaning to it. I just said it that way. I am not committed.

So were you in relationships in the past?

They happened in the past. It's part of life.

Have you been in a relationship with anyone in the film industry?

I believe that you shouldn't poop where you eat.

Did you have crushes in the past?

Yes, many. I had crush on my senior in B.Tech first year. She was the one who ragged me on day one. I would later pull her legs. It was no love. I would try to talk with her and pull her legs now and then. No, I am not in touch with her.

You wanted to be a director, but have become an actor. How do you feel?

I feel it's the fortune of many lives.

Do you write stories in free time?

I do write. Let me see when a film will be made. I hope it happens soon. I have always wanted to direct a movie.

Nowadays, some heroes are burning their fingers by writing stories & screenplays. What care are you taking?

I don't judge them. For example, Kamal Haasan has been a success at writing. All films don't work. Speaking for myself, I write because I love to write. It's not with the intention of making them info films.

Was the rape scene needed in Kumari 21F? Many felt that it was regressive?

The scene is a justification of the characters of the hero and the heroine. The scene is needed because the rape is a test of the boy`s maturity levels. The boy had been believing till some time ago that Kumari was not a virgin. The climax could have been written in another way, but I felt that it was the best climax to have.

There is no need to dislike it because we haven`t shown the rape scene. Rape is a crime. That crime happens in Kumari`s life. The film was a big hit. I don`t know what is there to not like it. It`s a story. Kumari`s life unfolds that way. We have seen such scenes in films like Paruthiveeran, which won a National Award. But some people might not like it. I am not saying that disliking the film is not right.

But was rape the only way that Kumari can be "c