Anand Deverakonda, younger brother of Vijay Deverakonda, awaits the release of 'Dorasaani' on July 12.  In this interview, he talks about his journey into films, the bonding with his brother, working with Shivathmika Rajasekhar and more.  

How did this film come to you?

I grew up in the same school where my brother went.  After completing my Engineering, I secured a job in the US.  With Vijay getting busy after 'Pelli Choopulu' and 'Arjun Reddy', many in the industry used to ask my dad whether his younger brother (that's me) would be ready to take offers.  Earlier, I used to believe that acting is not my cup of tea.  

I am feeling good to have entered the film industry.  I chose to do 'Dorasaani' since I totally believed in the script.  

Any experience with acting before?

When I was a child, I was associated with theatre.  I was into amateur theatre but never faced the camera.  I was jittery before 'Dorasaani' went on the floors.  Despite all fears, I could pull it off.

Why did you come back from the US?  Was it with the intention of debuting in movies?

I came back to India when Vijay started his own production house.  I was also here to look after his Rowdy Garments.  When the offer to act came to me, I couldn't refuse.  I came to know that auditions were on for this movie.  I listened to the story for five hours intently.  I and Shivathmika were made to go for screentest together.  They felt that we look right as a pair.  It was a thrilling experience to do the character of Raju.

What did your brother say after watching the film?

They were tensed before watching 'Dorasaani'.  He told me he was more tensed than he would be for his own movie.  Once the screening was over, he told me I nailed it with my performance.  When he got emotional the other day during the film's pre-release event, I too got emotional.  I know how hard he has worked to be what he is today.  Many years ago, he attended an audition in which two other newcomers were auditioned.  Although Vijay's performance was the best, someone else was selected.  He was dejected that day and I still remember that day.  So, when I told him I would be an actor, he was a bit concerned that I was taking a big risk.  

Do you people in the family discuss movies?

Yes, we do.  My father used to make TV serials.  So, we are a lot interested in entertainment.  

Shivathmika recently said that your Telugu is Anglicised and that you had to work hard to get the slang right.  How did you work on it?

Since I studied in English medium school and went to the US, my accent was indeed affected.  But my character in the film has to speak in pucca local slang.  That's why I had to take up language training.

And you did do workshops with Shivathmika.  How did it help you?

The workshops were done individually by us.  Since she stays inside a room in the film and I stay outside, there is a distance between both of us.  That's why we were made to do the workshops separately.  I worked with other artists who will be seen as friends in the movie.

Are there any lip-locks between you and your heroine?

The film has got several intense scenes.  It's an intense love story.  It doesn't matter how many lip-locks are there or whether there are any.  

How was it working with director KVR Mahendra?  He is getting offers from the likes of Vijay and Dr. Rajasekhar.  

He is an awesome story-teller who has a command over everything that he pens down.  I find it great about him.  

What about your second film?

It is going to be a rom-com, which will go on the floors from next month.