Not many know that the versatile artist Nassar and Chiranjeevi have been friends since the time they went to the same acting institute in the 1970s. In an exclusive chat with IndiaGlitz, the multi-lingual actor Nasser has recalled old times with the Megastar. He shared with us a couple of heart-touching anecdotes and what Chiranjeevi means to him.

Excerpts from Nasser's interview:

I and Chiranjeevi got trained at the same film institute. I was in the Tamil section and he, in the Telugu section. Back then, we didn't know who will go on to attain stardom and who would end up otherwise. He was a very friendly guy and was the first one to bag acting offers from our institute. I had to bide my time. Chances didn't come to me as fast.

One day, I happened to pass through a street on a bicycle. A crowd had gathered to watch a film shoot. I went there to catch a glimpse and found Chiranjeevi acting. I felt somewhat let down because I was a non-starter. I started moving away from that place and this is when he spotted me and called me. He came to know that I was working in a hotel for want of offers from filmmakers. Chiranjeevi told me I am a talented actor who deserves film offers. He asked me to meet him the next day but I didn't go. It's not until 'Khaidi No. 150' that I worked with him. During its making, he told me it took so long a time for us to share screen space. We have had only friendship between us, no transactional relationship. It was an emotional moment to act with him in 'Khaidi No. 150'. 

Back in those days, I didn't have much faith in making a regular income from films. I wanted a regular source of income and therefore films came second to me. 

He is such a wonderful person. Our relationship has always been unconditional. We don't expect favours from each other even today. Back in the days when we were trainees, Chiranjeevi once scolded me for eating plain rice and asked me to join the rest of the gang to have lunch daily. He has been been a superstar and a politician but, to me, he is a friend. It has always remained that way.