I'm a great fan of Shatrugan Sinha: Chiranjeevi

  • IndiaGlitz, [Thursday,February 25 2016]

Speaking at the launch of the book Anything But Khamosh, a biography on Shatrugan Sinha, written by Bharati S Pradhan, Megastar Chiranjeevi was all praise for the Bollywood legend. "Shatruji is like an elder brother for all. Everyone should read and take inspiration from this book. It chronicles the ups and downs in his life, it explores his inner personality, it captures the external personality, it talks about his family life, his public life, his politics - that too from all angles," Chiranjeevi said.

Mohan Babu, Mohan Lal, and T Subbirami Reddy were present at the event, besides of course Shatru. Speaking in a casual way, the Megastar said that it's not true that he is avoided by Shatru when the latter is in Hyderabad. "Whenever he comes to Hyderabad, we meet and Shatruji enjoys being to my home. He is like, 'Oh! What a lovely swimming pool, what a lovely house, I want to be here.' So, don't given an impression that only you (Mohan Babu) are only to Shatruji," Chiru said, smiling in his style.

Not many know that Shatru was one of the first acting icons for Chiru even during his adolescent days. "It was Shatruji who sowed in me the seed. I'm comparing myself with Sinhaji, I'm not that big. I have only said that some people used to tell me that my hairstyle, etc resembles his. Yes, I used to take inspiration from him and try to copy his walking style, the way he stands, etc. I would find enjoyment doing that back then."

In fact, Chiru would make it a habit to watch all of Shatru's films, including disasters like Sabak. "People told me not to watch Sabak, but I watched even that. There is a hairdo change in that film. Even that small change was a disappointment. Even such a small change would hurt me. That's the spirit of a fan. I have been a greatest admirer of Shatruji."

Chiru also said that if there is an actor whom people loved to watch in a villain's role as well, it was Shatru. "There are certain similarities between me and Shatruji. He was trained in Pune film institute, I was trained in Madras film institute. He started off as a villain and transformed into a hero, I too started off as an anti-hero. He targeted the mass audience and had a mass appeal, I too got the opportunity to endear myself to masses. He later entered into politics, and served as an MP and a Minister. By God's grace, I too got that opportunity. It's all a divine co-incidence."