Greeting the media on the eve of his birthday, Sharwanand presents a picture of simplicity. In this interview, he talks about why he is given more remuneration with every film, his thoughts on thrillers, multi-starrers, and more.

How is life after Express Raja?

First of all, I am very happy and relieved. (Smiles). Express Raja has profited everyone from the producer down.

Your next film is Rajadhiraja. So, it is yet another title with a 'Raja' in it. Are you sentimental about the title of a film?

I have nothing to do with the title! It's a dubbed film and was made by Cheran five years ago. The first time they wanted to release it, it was titled as Emito.. Ee Maya. Then they changed it to Rajadhiraja. My name in the film is JK. In Tamil, the film had no theatrical release. Cheran released the film via CDs. I don't know why they have chosen a theatrical release in Telugu. I don't understand their concept. If the film works, I will be happy. Let everyone make profits.

After delivering three hits in a row, are you looking at things from a different perspective?

Just that I want to do more number of films. Even in the past, I never took a long gap after a film because I didn't like doing more and more films. It just happened that way without my conscious decision. But from now I will listen to scripts more often.

Who is your next producer?

Chinni, the brother of Kesineni Nani, has engaged three directors, all of whom are working on a script each. I will zero in on that script which is the best. I won't go on the floors unless a bound script is ready.

Who are those three directors?

I can't reveal the names of the directors because they are somewhat big names.

Are you open to do a thriller film?

Generally speaking, no. But if something very interesting comes, I will play ball. The thing with this genre is that they don't work commercially if the budget is more. It's a limitation that thrillers don't find repeat audience. I look for repeat audience from commercial grounds.

In the past, you did films with a substantial, meaty content. Of late, you are doing more mainstream stuff. Why so?

People are liking me in such and such stuff. Personally, my films like Amma Cheppindi, Gamyam, Prasthanam, Andari Bandhuvaya, Run Raja Run, Vennela, Express Raja are all close to my heart.

In Vennela, you played a character with grey shades. Are you open to play such a role if offered now?

Definitely. If the script is right, I am ready for that. Script decides everything.

It's said that you are charging high, of late?

Adento mari, my producer perks up my fee on his own, without me asking for it. (Laughs). By the way, nobody is paid more without a reason. Everything depends on one's market. But no film of mine has had a budget spike because of my remuneration.

Is there any director with whom you want to work with?

I have a dream of working Rajamouli garu, Mani Ratnam garu, Trivikram garu, to name some. I meet Puri Jagannadh garu sometimes.

But Rajamouli makes films only once in two years.

It's only now, after he began Baahubali. Earlier, he used to make one film a year.

It is your character that is visible rather than you, the hero. Why do you think that happens?

It's a compliment for me. If I do a film where a 15-minutes build up is given for me, you (critics) will be the first to slam it right from the first line of a review.

Will you do a film like Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju in future?

I won't do such a film again. Oka sari already chesanu kada.

Are you open for multi-starrers?

Yes, I am. Some makers are asking me, but I have to see whether things will fall in place.

With which heroes will you work?

It's not my choice. It's up to the director.

Isn't it the hero's choice?

What are you talking? (Smiles). If that were the case, it would have been better. By the way, I want to work with heroes of my age group.

What do you do when you are free?

Tinadam. Padukovadam. (Smiles).