Nani was just another debutante when Mohankrishna cast him in the 2008 film 'Ashta Chamma'. Eight years on, he is a most sought-after star with a fan base of his own. In this exclusive interview with IndiaGlitz, the Natural Star (so goes his sobriquet) talks about a range of issues. Saying that acting is his world, the soft-spoken actor talks about re-uniting with his 'Ashta Chamma' mates, why he is not doing Kollywood, writing ideas in his phone, working with Surabhi and Niveda, and more.

Are there any similarities between Shankar's 'Gentleman' and Mohankrishna Indraganti's 'Gentleman'?

There is no relation except the title. This is the only film whose title was announced in the last minute after several bouts of discussions about what kind of title would be apt for a film with this content. We scrutinized several titles, but someone or the other didn't like them. We finally decided to have a title like 'Gentleman'. Srinivas Avasarala said, 'Why not 'Gentleman'?'

Indraganti, Avasarala and you have re-united many years after 'Ashta Chamma'. How did it feel on the first day?

It felt like a re-union of old friends. 'Ashta Chamma' was the first film for cinematographer PG Vinda, too. The excitement was akin to what we had gone through during the first film. I thought they might have changed. But all of us are still the same. We have only aged. That's all. Our energy levels are the same.

Back then, you were a debutante. Now, you are a star. Have you changed as a person over the years?

Yes, change is there. Then, I had self-doubts about my talent. I just went with the flow. But now, I know acting is my profession. Unconsciously, I have gained certain command over the craft. Acting is my world. Acting is my life. Not just me, Indraganti garu too has evolved in terms of technical knowledge. He was a very great writer and a small director then. But now, he is a very great writer and a superb director as well. As for Srini (Avasarala), he has proved himself as an actor and a director.

You are doing a dual role here.

(Interrupts). Who said I am doing a dual role in 'Gentleman'? (Smiles) I may or may not be playing two roles. You will know it once you watch the film.

What is the crux of the subject?

With Bhale Bhale Mogadivoy, I could tell the genre. This one is a thriller and so, saying anything more would be like killing the audience's thrill. In one line, it's a story of sacrifice and betrayal. There is romance, there are emotions, there is thrill. Even though it's a thriller, it keeps the audience laughing throughout. Oka chala sensible angle undhi story lo. There comes a point when the film reaches a crescendo and the suspense is revealed. Only a writer like Indraganti garu could have dealt with a complex subject like this.

How confident are you about the film's success?

I have full faith. It's the kind of film I would rush to watch if someone told me it's playing in a theatre. I always think of myself as an audience first. If I like something, my assumption is that others too will like it. I don't think I am experimenting. I just did a good script.

What about Mani Sharma's music?

I grew up listening to his super hit albums like Indra, Samarasimha Reddy, Khushi, Takkari Donga, etc. When he was roped in, I was excited. Since 'Gentleman' belongs to a rare genre, I was wondering as to what kind of music he will give. I knew he would create a new kind of sound. I personally like melodies. And Mani Sharma garu is the Melody Brahma. The album's two melodies have become a big hit. Youngsters are liking the numbers. I watched the movie as soon as he completed the RR. I was shocked to see the innovation he has shown like a trendy newcomer.

Do the two heroines Surabhi and Niveda Thomas have meaty roles?

In all my films, heroines have a meaty role. In fact, it's my character which gets overshadowed at times. It's the case when there is only one girl. (Smiles). Both Surabhi and Niveda have an important role and they both have done a fantastic job. Before the film went on the floors, I suggested 4-5 names for the roles. But now, I can't think of anyone else doing them. Surabhi's character Aishwarya is very innocent. She is innocent in real life too. On the other hand, Niveda is extremely talented. She understands the script thoroughly and puts mature questions. She played Kamal Haasan's daughter in Papanasam. I would say that when it comes to her acting talent, she is like his daughter.

So, how was it being paired up with two non-Telugu actresses?

Niveda learnt to converse in Telugu pretty fast. She has great grasping power. I would pull Surabhi's legs and she wouldn't understand the meaning. When told the meaning, she too would laugh.

'BBM' was a USD 1.5 M movie in overseas. What have you done to upgrade yourself in the light of growing stardom?

From being a nothing, I have come up to this stage. I don't need to take new kind of decisions. I just need to follow my heart as I always have.

With the market span of an actor growing, the budgets too go up. What has it been like in your case?

My personal opinion is that an actor shouldn't bother himself about expanding his market. He or she should just do good films.

What is the role of your director/producer in the success or failure of a film?

Credit any failures to my account. As for successes, credit them to the director and producer.

Is there any film which left you dissatisfied?

There is a movie its own share of cult fans. It didn't do well to the extent I expected it to work. It's Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu. Maestro Ilaiyaraja garu great gave great music. But his BGM belongs to a different class and the same didn't sit well with Gautham Menon's style of making. This is not the case when Harris Jayaraj has composed for a Gautham Menon film. With an apt BGM, I think the film would have become a big hit.

Youngsters are conceiving imaginative ideas