Sai Dharam Tej, whose 'Winner' will hit the screens on Feb 24, in this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, talks about what is in store in the movie, who is a winner according to him, what he has learnt from the Big Four of the last generation, relations with Allu Arjun, and more.

What are your expectations from 'Winner'?

What all hard work was required to be put, we have put. We have done full justice to the story. Hopefully, the audience will enjoy our work.

You have said that the producers have spent more than what your market range demands. Are you hoping that your box-office stamina will go up after 'Winner'?

I am very happy that the producers have spent for the story, not for me. I am really moved that they banked on the stamina of the story, not mine. As for whether my BO stamina will go up after this movie, let me tell you that I never do movies keeping such considerations in mind. My only aim is to entertain the audience and that's why I am an actor. If my market increases, that will be a bonus and a blessing.

What challenges did you face to play the role of a jockey?

I always knew horse-riding nominally. I knew things like when to halt, etc. But playing the role of a jockey belongs to a league of its own. I had to train for it. Although a jockey is supposed to be a 5 ft someone not weighing more than 45 kilos, cinematic liberties had to be taken. It was a great learning experience doing this movie. I have grown in confidence because when you bring a beast under your control, it boosts your confidence.

Doing 'Winner' has partially fulfilled my wish to do a sports-based film. There is more to 'Winner' than only jockeying; there is entertainment, there are emotional scenes, etc.

Tell us about Gopichand Malineni's directorial style and the experience of working with Thaman.

Gopichand anna treats me like his brother. He molded my dialogue delivery style, saying I shouldn't hurry through, etc. He would tell me the camera won't go anywhere, etc.

I met Thaman for the first time in a cricket ground. We talk in Tamil. I call him up whenever I like his work.

'Winner' is a title which sends positive vibes. Who according to you is a winner?

A person who wins hearts is the real winner. That's what I believe in. Let him lose the race, let him lose the fight, let him lose anything, but if he has won the hearts, he is a winner.

There is a song in which Che Guevara finds a prominent mention. Was it meant to be a reference of Pawan Kalyan, who idolizes Che?

'Antha deep ga think cheyaledu'. Ramajogayya Sastry garu must have felt it apt to invoke his name because, much as the film's message goes, Che was a fighter who never gave up. It was not meant to be a reference of Kalyan garu.

Naga Babu and Rakul Preet have said that you are incapable of telling lies! Why so?

I don't like telling lies. As a child, I was caught and to cover up one lie, I lied even more. One day, I confessed to my mother that I had lied out of fear. I didn't want to be like that with whom I am close. I can manage telling small lies like, say, about a surprise birthday party, but beyond that I just can't lie!

Does being too honest come with its share of problems, especially in the film industry?

We should know how to regulate it. The truth you want to say, you should tell it softly. If you liked a film, it's easy to tell your friends that you liked it. But if you didn't like it, you have to put it neatly. I tell them, 'If this film succeeds, I will be very happy'. To the extent possible, I don't open my mouth unless I like something.

Rakul has revealed that you speak with your mother for one hour a day. What is her place in your life and what have you learnt from her?

I share anything that I have in mind with her. I share about my personal and professional lives. I have that level of freedom with her and I use that. I try to spend as much time with her as possible. I make sure I have at least one meal per day with her. In the least, I have tea with her.

She is the one who introduced me to winning and losing. She has taught me how to be in victory and in defeat. All that has changed my perception and I can implement these lessons when I face hurdles.

You are someone who praises the non-Mega family heroes in good measure. Is it about being ego-less or sheer diplomacy?

It's neither. Balakrishna garu has done 100 films, which is not easy for any and everyone. Nagarjuna garu seamlessly does devotional roles. The four heroes (Teju is referring to the Big Four: Chiru, Balakrishna, Nag, Venky) whom I have grown up watching are doing great.

Given your admiration for your seniors, what specific traits have you learnt from them?

I admire Balakrishna garu's energy levels. I like his dialogue-delivery style, his dances. He never gives up. There was a time when he had back-to-back flops, but he has always given his best to the audience.

I admire Nagarjuna garu's styling and the way he maintains himself. I like the way he walks and talks.

I like Venkatesh garu's simplicity and friendly nature. When he is around, the atmosphere has those friendly vibes. He gets along well with everyone.

And Chiranjeevi garu is a walking Encyclopedia. There is a lot to learn from him.

When they are all friendly with one another, what is the point in having egos (in their name)? It's wrong to think that others' movies shouldn't do well. Everyone should make money and everyone should be happy.

That brings us to our next question. Isn't trolling among the fans on social media getting tasteless day by day?

Trolling is fun up to a limit. If it crosses the limit, it is unsavoury.&nb