Naresh's joy knows no bounds. As he celebrates his birthday tomorrow (January 20), the senior actor interacts with the media. In this interview, he says why 2018 was the best year of his career Catch him talk about what cinema means to him, what kind of roles he wants to do, and why he will run for MAA President's post if there is a need.

Success rate is only growing

An actor's career goes through a lot of phases. Successes and failures are a part and parcel of every filmy career. Even big names such as NTR garu had to go through all that. I feel fortunate to be getting good films since 'Dhrushyam' or so. My success rate has gone up.

2018 gave me diverse roles

As a character artist, I look up to SV Ranga Rao garu. As a Telugu-speaking artist, I don't want to restrict myself to any particular kind of roles or genres. 'Shatamanam Bhavati', 'A Aa', 'Bhale Bhale Mogadivoy' and the like have come to me in recent years. Last year was a big year for Tollywood. I got to play very good roles in some of the big hits, in 'Rangasthalam', 'Sammohanam', 'Mahanati', 'Tholi Prema', 'Chalo', etc. I played characters with entirely different characterizations. I got play father to Ram Charan. 'Sammohanam' put me in a different league, taking my career to the next level. In 'Aravindha Sametha', I got to do comedy in an otherwise serious movie. 'Shailaja Reddy Alludu' and 'DevaDas' also gave me good roles. 2018 was the best year of my career. This year, I was already seen in 'NTR: Kathanayakudu'. I have known Balayya since I was 16. I thank him for getting me on board to do Subba Rao garu's role.

Young directors too want me

I am glad that young directors are showing interest in me. Maruthi garu, Sukumar garu, among others, were keen to work with me last year. Some writers have said that they wrote roles keeping me in mind. There can't be a bigger reward than this. I have been an actor for 47 years now. Apart from talent, my discipline and goodwill have made me what I am. I have always stayed away from controversies.

I will do all kinds of genres

More than remuneration, it's important to do good films and play nice roles. I want to be approachable for small-budget movies. Every film industry needs them. No film is insignificant. I am inclined to do web series as well. Last year kept me so busy that, sometimes, I had to stay put in the caravan through nights.

2019 has begun well

Arjun Jandhyala's film with actor Kartikeya (Rx 100 fame) is the first movie that I am working on this year. I have a wonderful role in it. I am working on another film. Six other films are in the pipeline. I will be playing a villain in one of them. My son Naveen is ready with 'Oorantha Anukuntunnaru', in which he is playing a male lead.

Have been doing philanthropy

I have been engaged in welfare activities. We in the family give away Rs 15,000 every month as pensions to the neediest. My mother too has done that always.

Will contest MAA elections if need be

Within the industry, as an office-bearer in the MAA, I have been trying my best to give a direction to the welfare committee that gives away pensions, extends insurance activities, etc. We have increased the pension amount for the needy. There were some controversies last year. Such issues are not uncommon. We are working for the betterment of the future of the MAA. The coming terms are going to be very crucial in terms of the creation of assets, etc. This time, we are going to hold consultations with elders. If it comes inevitable to contest in MAA's elections, I will definitely do so. That will depend on whether folks in the industry ask of me to contest. I am not vying for any position. Only if my need is felt will I fight the elections. I have no intention to fatten my purse or expand my business activities by misusing the position at the MAA. If I lose the election, I will happily go back to do my work on film front. If not, I will work for the association. I will not cling on to the MAA. I will not contest any election once I complete one term. As a general secretary, I have faced many hiccups.