After a slew of four flops, Naga Shourya has pinned hopes on Kalyana Vaibhogame. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the rising star talks about why he hates the lover boy image, the kind of image he wants to carve for himself, working with Nandini Reddy, and more.

How was it acting in KV?

Firstly, Damu garu (Damodar Prasad) is a very genuine producer. He will go to any extent if he has faith in you. As for the music director, Kalyan Koduri has composed the music for Oohalu Gusagusalade, KV, and will compose for Jo Achyutananda. He has given an excellent output. After that melody Em sandeham ledu..', he has given me three big hits in KV. The numbers Manasantha nuvve..', the marriage song, and the pub song are great.

As for Nandini Reddy, I was very happy that the Ala Modalaindi combination (director-producer duo) was in place once again. I was bowled over by her narration, so much so I asked her to keep on with the narration.

As for Malavika Nair, she is very focussed and studious. She is a silent girl.

What is the relevance of the caption 'One Life, One Celebration' to the subject of Kalyana Vaibhogame?

The film says that marriage has no full-stop. There is no concept of divorce in shastras. That's what the caption encapsulates.

Are you trying to carve any image in particular for yourself?

Any image is okay for me, except lover boy or chocolate boy image.

But when you tried an actioner's role in Jadugadu, it did not find many takers.

The film flopped. But I think I didn't fail as an actor. If I get a good subject, I will definitely do.

Is there any reason why you don't like lover boy's image?

I am not that. I think I don't have that romantic angle. I am rough kinda person.

But you have good female fan following. Isn't it?

Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, and Allu Arjun have a huge female fan following. But they are not just lover boys. I want to be called a good actor. I hate tags.

So, what are you going to be like in KV, Oka Manasu, and Jo Achyutananda?

In KV, I am playing someone whom every mother/mother-in-law wants as her son/son-in-law like me. In Oka Mansu, I am playing a lover whom every girl will want to have. In Jo Achyutananda, I am playing a brother/friend whom everyone will want for himself/herself.

You have had four flops in a row. Nandini Reddy too had a flop in Jabardasth. Weren't you apprehensive before accepting the film?

My movies may have failed, but as an actor I did not fail. In the same way, Nandini Reddy hasn't failed as a director. We have committed no fault. So, we both joined hands to bring out one good movie.

Neither Nandini Reddy, Lakshmi Bhupal, nor you are married. Then how come you have made a film on marital relationship?

(Laughs). We have got clarity. I Idon't want to marry. Nandini Reddy won't marry. Lakshmi Bhupal, too, won't. We will remain like this and make good movies.

Being a bachelor, how was it playing a married man in KV?

I felt at the end that it would be good if I married.

Is it your aim to make bachelors out there to feel in the same way?

No. We just wanted to do a good movie. KV is a more which family members, friends, collegemates, everyone can watch together. It's not targeted at any in particular.

How was it working with a lady director?

Many have asked me. I ask, who is Sonia Gandhi? Who is Jayalalitha? Nandini Reddy is like them for the industry.

How was it working with senior actresses like Aishwarya and Raasi?

Aishwarya garu is more like a mother. I call her Mummy even outside of the film. She is very close to me. What is common between us is that we both love dogs. She will beat up any if a dog is harmed. We talk about pets. I like her innocence. She prepares cakes and food so well. Raasi is my mother-in-law in the film. Like an 'attamma', she maintrained distance from me. But she is really cute. It was very comfortable working with big artists.

You being a dog-lover, will you take up any campaign for dogs in future?

Yes, I am ready. I will think about that.

What is so special about the 'pelli' song in the movie?

After listening to the lyrics, I realized the value of lyrics. When I took the seven steps, I felt goosebumps. It reminded me of my mother and father. At a time when lyrics are overpowered by beats, this song is very special. I thank Lakshmi Bhupal garu and Nandini Reddy garu.

Do you think Nani, Raj Tarun, and you are filling up a vacuum in the industry?

The industry is an ocean. Nobody has any space for any. You have to swim. If you stop swimming, others will race past you.