Nani is a name to reckon with. From a humble background of a clap assistant to an actor that has an incredible three releases in a span of six weeks, he has come a long way. What makes him successful is the simple head on strong shoulders.

In an interview that takes him thru the journey of his release 'Aha Kalyanam', he smiles thru the half hour all the way, at the same time answering all the questions with simple and humorous answers and his work, his stay in the industry since the days of an assistant director till he became the bilingual star that he is today, his life, wife, chemistry and physics et with Vani Kapoor on screen and more.

Excerpts from the interview...

My Name Is Nani...

I am from Krishna District and have spent better part of my life in Hyderabad. Ever since I knew someone calling my name, it was Nani and it settled down as my real name, bypassing my registered name.

It Happened One Day...

When YRF approached me with the offer of Band Baaja Baraat south remake and I should do the lead, I was excited to the hilt. I then watched the film and said ok. It was a cool production on the whole since the team is so good and well set. Everything else fell in place and the movie is finally releasing today.

Back To Fun...

This film is especially close to my heart coz after the two rugged films Paisa and Jendapai Kapiraju, Aha Kalyanam has taken me back to entertainment mode. Especially since the whole team is in the same age group, we all were on the same page for every small and big thing and enjoyed the production like an outing.

They Made Me Up...

Cameraman Lokanathan and director Gokul did lot of homework on my looks and stylized me for the character. This is the first film I had a hair stylist and he worked as per my character, its laziness and yet looking different from event to event. I think I look better if not handsome in this film. I was never comfortable with makeup which always reminded me that I was acting, not entering the skin of the character.

I share the credit...

AK will bring a brand value to each and every member of the team. Even if I got a good name for my acting in Paisa, I believe that Krishna Vamsy has to be credited for the same. So, film is a teamwork and each and every contribution has its weight.

Aha Kalyanam Is For Everyone...

This is a film for everyone, especially for the A and B classes and Multiplexes. The characters of Shakthi and Shruthi will be loved by one and all. It's a fun filled love story which can be enjoyed by the entire family. I assure you, this film will justify every rupee you spend.

Music Make A Mark...

There are five songs in the first half of the film but you wouldn't feel so coz they are concept based and woven into the story. Music is a great asset for the film and you will agree with me when you watch the film.

You Should Watch Us...

Chemistry is something to be seen and experienced, not visualized or explained in words. So I would rather you watch my chemistry with Vani on screen.

I Will Work With Gokul Again....

Gokul is a director with a clarity coupled with a calmness which makes him one of those young talents to look out for. I am tempted to offer another project to him immediate to this and that shows how smitten I am with his working style.

AD Or Actor...

I enjoyed being an Assistant Director when I was and being an actor is a paradigm shift in my career and life. People liked me then and I am lucky that they are loving me now.

My Banner Will Experiment...

I initiated the idea of my production house with an intention to make experimental and idea based films on my own instead of rubbing them on my producers. So, in future, I will produce or co-produce films of a different sensibility on my banner.

I Have Six Scripts...

I also prepared six scripts from about 20-25 story ideas I have and they are ready for production. They are all new and I will do all of them some time in my future. Not now coz I am approached by some terrific talent on a regular basis and will continue with this for a while.

'D For Dopidi' Is A Still Great Watch...

I always believed that 'D For Dopidi' is a wonderful experience but it failed at the Box Office though. I am sure audience would love it when they watch it on TV and will ask themselves why this failed at the Box office. I especially enjoyed it as a work experience when Dil Raju explained me about the distribution and exhibition nuances.

Anjali Knows My Emotions...

Anjali understands my emotions so well, especially the release times when I slip into a trance and move into a shell she bears with my solitudes and becomes the anchor. I owe her a lot to my emotional balance.

Nandini And Anjana Are Good Friends...

I have been great friends with Nandini Reddy and Anjana ever since we were Assistant directors. We even went to Goa film festivals together, watched four or five films each day and discussed them. We all had dreams to become directors, their dream came true but mine changed course. I believe in destiny.

I Don't Know Zabardast...

I didn't watch Nandini's film 'Zabardast' since I have been busy with my own work after 'Ala Modalaindi'. So, when people asked me how she could do a film similar to BBB and you are repeating the same after the debacle of the film, I felt surprised but thought that's something the producer and director would look into and left it for them.

I Want It Fresh...

I always love to try things anew and fresh. I don't want to stick to a particular genre or be called an actor that is a master of one but not others. However, I personally feel comfortable in fun filled 'feel-good' genre of films.

I Missed Raja Rani But Not Atlee...

I truly missed Atlee's 'Raja Rani' coz I was the first actor to be narrated the story but I couldn't do it coz of my lack of clarity on YVPM and Paisa dates. But I have been in touch with Atlee thru the production, egged him and pepped him that it will be a success and it indeed t