Actor Rahul Venkat`s spine chilling performance as the local don Praman who becomes the councillor by all illegal means in last week`s release Thakka Thakka` has won critical acclaim by audience and critics.

The Vikranth starrer was the first Tamil film of Rahul who has acted in the lead role in Two Telugu films Alias Janaki` and Billa Ranga` and he had written the script for the former. Hailing from the family of Tollywood megastar and politician Chiranjeevi, Rahul wanted to enter the film industry with his own efforts.

In a conversation with the Indiaglitz correspondent Rahul says "I grew watching Chiranjeevi Garu and I have visited his shooting spots right from childhood. He definitely influenced my decision to become an actor. But when I grew up and decided to become an actor I wanted to make it on my own. I joined Annapoorna studios and worked in 14 films as an Assistant director. I have worked in various departments of cinema before Alias Janaki` happened."

On his entry into Tamil films he said "Sujith was the cinematographer of Alias Janaki and he asked whether I would be ready to act in a negative role. We met director Sanjeev. I had a great confidence in their team of the director, cinematographer, music director Jakes Bijoy and Editor Sreejith. I used to meet them often and I was inspired by the way they kept talking about the film. So I decided to take up the role. Working with Sanjeev has been a learning experience as he taught me the nuances of acting. " Born in Andhra Pradesh Rahul speaks chaste Tamil and gives the credit to his conversation with his Thaaka Thakka` pals.

Rahul is proud to be appreciated by actors Vijay, Arya Sham and Kalaipuli S.Thanu who distributed the film. "Many actors including Vijay sir, Arya sir, and Shaam sir appreciated my performance in the film after watching it. Thanu sir who has worked with so many stars came to me personally and appreciated my performance in the film. It was a proud moment of life to get a pat on the back from such eminent people."

Rahul Venkat is presently acting in a Telugu film Eenagaranikki Emaindhi` and a Tamil film directed by debutante Dheena. "I am acting in the lead role of a North Chennai guy. I cannot reveal more details about the film, but it would be a very important film to me as it is my first lead role in Tamil."

Regarding his future plans Rahul says he wishes to concentrate more in Tamil films. "People here give great respect to actors. That has made me decide to focus more in Tamil films. "

So how does Rahul want people to identify him in future? "My immediate target is to prove myself as an actor. My long term goal is to establish myself as a performance oriented, versatile actor like Vikram sir who is my inspiration."