Renowned veteran actor VK Naresh, celebrated for his enduring contributions to the film industry, recently achieved a remarkable milestone, completing an illustrious 50 years in the field. Commencing his journey as a child actor in the iconic film Pandanti Kapuram, Naresh has evolved into a versatile performer, seamlessly portraying diverse roles as both a hero and a villain. Coincidentally celebrating his birthday on January 20, Naresh, whose acting prowess mirrors that of his illustrious mother Vijayanirmala, engaged with the media on this momentous occasion, reflecting on his cinematic journey.

What are your thoughts on golden jubilee journey

Destiny, Destination, Determination,

Destnity goes on its own, Destination has no success, it has no stations, another 15 years beautiful future for him willhappen only if I have determination.

Did you ever like turning the clock back

No because I do not watch my films again. Many actors become regressive due to their self, films, bodylanguage,image and go into their shell and this results in their deterioration. I watch if my scenes and performance in the film got response and that's it. Infact I stay away from birthday celebrations. if fans come and celebrate I am happy. I do some social service. So I do not look back. If one looks back,fear grips.We just go like horse focussed. Being an actor is not easy as this is the only profession that is not secure.

I feel like ' Already crossed 50years, still getting success like scoring 6 hits last year. I am happy.

But many shy away from accepting this fact and take it in their stride

You have transformed yourself doing different roles like in Rangashtlam, Malliswari etc. You scored hits as a hero and also doing other roles how you felt about it.

After I gave superhits like Jambalakidi Pamba, Chitram Bhalare Vichitram,Kanakamahalakshmi Recording Dance Troup, all are cult films. I hate irritating and testing the patience of the viewers. I did not get the scope to entertain people so I rejected many films. If my conscience is against it, I will leave it. I entered the politics and social service sector and worked in Rayalaseema, Adilabad,and Padayatra.

I never went into depression. I had been getting offers. I did a good film like Sogasu Chooda Tarama.I met crores of people and realized that films are not the entire world and films are just part of the world and they are my passion. That's why when I got chance for second innings, I did a film Chandravamsam in the lead role and then B.Gopal offered me the role in Tarak's film Allari Ramudu as Nagma's husband. I thought for one month and at that time lot of youngsters like Tharun are making their mark in the industry. The ten years in the society gave me the broad perspective of life and thought that I should become a character artist like great SV.Rangarao. This turned out to be the best decision as last year I scored hits like Samajavaragamana, Intinti Ramayanam, Malli Pelli,etc

There are some aged stars who are getting whistles in theaters. However, few criticise them whether they should romance at this age. What is your take on this.

Everyone treads a different line. If a hero is able to generate revenue of Rs 600-700crs and giving entertainment to crores of people, age doesn't manner. I am talking about Rajinikanth. Coming to Hollywood,they have different line. They do not do any facials. Indian heroes are different be it,Rajinikanth,Shah Rukh Khan ,they are great. If people don't like them, they neednot go to theatres and watch them. Why to go and comment on them. Viewers know when to retire heroes. Be it Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna ,Venkatesh,Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan are giving entertainment. Only when their films do not do well, people comment otherwise no one will comment.

How did you transform yourself from 100kg

Maybe I was under depression due to lack of offers.I went to RSS with good intentions. I did not pay attention to my physique and used to eat where ever I had to and participate in canvassing. I had no control on food and alcohol. I used to have kurtas and was in that mood of politics and ideology. But when I got call from films for the second innings,I decided to control myself and regain my physique.

Apart from that, I transformed myself in the roles drawing inspiration from SVR and Kamal Haasan. In Mee Sreyobhalashi, I put on 100kgs weight.

Why did you become averse to politics? I am averse to politics but to ideology. I am always an RSS swayamsevak. In films, if they like, they will cast you. In politics,in all parties, there are group politics. People started firing from my shoulders when I was fighting for Ram Mandir and Vajpayee. I felt that I was not right in politics. Now politicians indulging in personal abuses.

Your bonding with Ramoji Rao?

I have good bond with Ramoji Rao after Jandhyala since Srivariki Premalekha. Without knowing him personally, I had an interesting encounter with him in Hyderabad airport. I always meet him every six months. We speak on lot of topics and I draw energy from him.

You are watching Ayodhya Ram Mandir pran pratishta. Did you feel that you should have been part of it with PM Modi achieving it

No. Once I decided to stay away from politics that's it. I joined the BJP for Vajpayee and Ram Mandir. I grew in BJP as district president, General Secretary, and Vice President and also contested the Hindupur parliament seat. I traveled with PM Modi in train. Vajpayee used to address me by name. I had good moments with Advani. They are beautiful moments. I still have connections with BJP leaders now. During Ram Mandir construction, I went and contributed financially and said Jai Sri Ram. I do not know whether anyone from the industry contributed or not. I got akshintalu from Ayodhya and seeing them I was tear-struck. I got an invitation card. I am happy.

Are you devotional

I studied in Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan, Vivekananda College and Veda Pathashala. So Hindutva is in me but i feel BJP is into cultural nationalism. We should respect all religions and Be Indian first. I belive in my God and it may be of any form. I believe in all Gods. Ram Mandir is a sentiment of 500 years of Hindus and Indians. It got a legal sanctity with the Supreme Court. We are all devoted.

We heard that you used to do organic farming with your mother

Even now I do. During that time I used to read Enid Blyton, Secret Seven stories etc, and used to go on a cycle and motorbike and grew up on farms. It was a passion for me. So I am continuing and cultivate mangoes and others and whatever profits I get, I donate to a good cause.

Nowadays people are losing connectivity in families and also getting immersed in phones. I do not know about my son Naveen but I prefer personal conversation.

Do you speak together even now?

We are like friends. He is a teetotaler. Morning I exercise and do weightlifting. I am concentrating on my physique as I am getting good offers and even lead roles.

Now lets have a rapid fire

Are you Truthful or Daring Personality

I am daring personality with lot of Truth, if not complete truth. All persons have few secrets. I don't lie generally.

Will you select Truth or Dare in these cards?

Dare

World's best drink is water, It is a vitamin of life. The second one is butter milk.

When you are stressed, will you have sitting with industry people

generally I don't get stressed. I got stressed when I faced failures and also during marriage. But at this age I am tuned to deal with them.Fate is a negative term, destiny means it happed. Destiny is a ball bowled at you, fate is how you bat it. I am balanced and prepared for anything with positive mindset. I scientifically studied life and as such I do not think anything seriously but become possessive. But when I want to get it, I achieve it. When I am stressed, I don't confess to anyone. I happily enjoy. My companion is my life partner. We shouldn't tell to anyone our secrets.

Which movie moved you a lot

Nothing moved me at present. Now only numbers matter. There are very less to attract emotionally. I love my film Intinti Ramayanam emotionally and Malli Pelli.

What is Your favorite part of the body

Basically, you have to love yourself. People love my smile. People compliment my fingers.

Which one you chose between Malliswari, Rangasthalam, Sammohanam

Sammohanam. Because the film was based on him and the pre climax. That was my best performance thanks to Indraganti.

Your bonding between Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, and traveling with them

I met Balakrishna in a dubbing theatre during our teenage. He was such a charming guy and we got bonded very well. Later NTR asked both of us to go in one jeep during drought in AP.We traveled together in life as good friends.He is very straight and if someone knows him, they will love him. He is straight forward and I like it.

Whom do you chose between Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan

As an actor Kamal Haasan.I follow him regarding his makeover and transformation in roles. Rajinikanth is a great star. but Kamal as an actor I love him.

Chose between Mother and Cinema

Without mother there is no cinema. After mother then Cinema.