'Janatha Garage' is just hours away. NTR, during his interaction with the media, is at his calm best. Saying that hits and flops do affect him, he is candid that he is not after numbers. In this interview, the Nandamuri actor talks about the challenges faced, Mohanlal, what all have caused a change in his perspective, and more.

How has the movie shaped up and what records are you eyeing for?

The movie has come out very well. As for records, I am not thinking about all that now. Let the film release and perform to its potential. It doesn't mean that I don't care about success and failure. They matter to me. I am affected by success and failure. However, unlike before, I am now able to come out the aftereffect faster.

How challenging was the role to perform?

This is a tougher role for me. Koratala garu had told me the story during the shoot of 'Rabhasa'. Since then, the story and the character stayed with me. They were there in my subconscious all along. I'm lucky to have got to do 'Temper' and 'Nannaku Prematho', in the meanwhile.

In 'Nannaku Prematho', your look was uber-cool. How difficult was it for you to achieve the transition for 'Janatha Garage'?

In that film, I played an NRI who is stylish like the villain. Sukumar wanted the hero to have the villain's style quotient in him. That's why, I opted for that look. In this film, I am playing someone who loves the Nature. As an eco-conscious character, he doesn't use leather and wears fabric. My stylist Ashwin helped me do things which I was not comfortable doing. The world is changing and the actors too must.

Inspired by your character, would you promote giving up leather?

I am against the use of leather, but I wouldn't endorse it. I believe in the proverb: Inta gelichi, raccha gelavali'. I got to mend things at home first. Everyone needs to be conscious of the situation. How long is it before 3/4th of the Earth (water) takes over the rest (land)?

You being a mass hero, did you have reservations playing this role?

To me, mass means nothing but the weight of a body in a physical sense. Mass and class are merely created tags. If a film is watched by a large number of people, it's a mass film. Nothing more than that.

You are nowadays describing yourself as an actor, not a hero. What is the reason for the change?

Because I am tired. My failures and my son have been a wake-up call. Probably, I felt the fans were not seeing the genuineness of my efforts. Spending time with myself, too, has caused the change in the way I look at things.

You have been all praise for Mohanlal. What have you learnt from him?

More than as an actor, he has inspired me as a person. He is very self-content. He is an actor, a star, a distributor - but he is very calm and contented.

Why have you been consciously changing your dancing style?

I can't dance like crazy for the sake of it. If I am doing a remix of Thathayya's song 'Malliya lara', I can't dance like I did for 'Nachore'. With 'Temper' and 'Nannaku Prematho', I began making changes to my style. Dances shouldn't be forced.

Why are you not taking risks nowadays?

I no longer have that mindset because I have aged. When I was in 20s, I could have expected to become fit after breaking a bone or something. (Smiles). I now have to think of my son before I take a risk.

You have spoken about how a fan should behave. Tell us about that.

Being extreme is wrong. It's OK as far as ones love for a hero is balanced. Your first love has to be toward the country. Next in the order come your parents, then the extended family, and then come well-wishers and friends. The place of your favourite star is the last. When you are at crossroads in life, it's the country and then family that would matter.

What was your first reaction when you heard about Vinod Royal's murder?

When I don't know all the details, I shouldn't comment beyond a point. That would only add to the confusion. I didn't react keeping this in mind.

A few of your fans have sported your tattoo on their bodies. How does it feel when you look at them?

Naku bhayam vestundi (It scares me). I am really overwhelmed by their love for me.

You spoke very honestly at the audio launch function of 'JG'. What is the reason?

Are you saying that I didn't seem to be honest earlier? (Guffaws). Well, like everyone, I too have evolved as a person.

'JG' has higher number of benefit shows in other States tonight than even 'Kabali'. What is your comment?

There is a world of difference between me and Rajinikanth garu. Nakka ku naga lokaniki unnantha theda undhi. He is at 100th step, I'm at the 1st.

Finally, is there any relationship that you want to repair?

I am happy with all my relationships. You have to ask my wife if she wants to do that. (Laughs). My mother has been happy with me for 33 years. So, I don't think she will want to repair relations with me.