When he is no-holds-barred, Venkatesh is the 'babu bangaram' of scribes. A delight to listen to, because he comes across as a friend chit-chatting with you. In this interview, Venky talks about 'Babu Bangaram' while also taking stock of his journey in the film industry and more. Read on..

'Babu Bangaram' just fell in place:

I am not the kind who plans to do this or that. I was actually thinking of slowing down. Contrary to what I was mooting, I am not going to do four films. Maruthi came up with this story line, which I found is simple, but which has a huge potential for entertaining elements.

'For a cop, my character is unique':

There have been heroes who start off being soft-core, but as the film progresses, they turn violent. If you ask me how my character is different in 'Babu Bangaram', I would say that for a cop, this trait is refreshing. 'Jali' (pity) flows in his blood. He bequeathed it from his father. There hasn't been a film on this line. At least, to the extent I know.

'It's a family entertainer':

Family audiences will like 'Babu Bangaram'. The fun quotient is nice. I have totally liked Maruthi's narration. I am liking my screen presence and the way the songs have been shot. As for Ghibran, he has done a great job. I liked the first song right from the first time when I heard it.

'Nayanatara is not there for sentimental reasons':

Nayanatara is not my pair because 'Tulasi' and 'Lakshmi' clicked. Maruthi and I chose her because she is pretty much apt for the role. She is beautiful, too (Smiles).

'She is quite professional':

Nayanatara made it clear even when she signed the film that she won't participate in promotional meets and such. She is professional. She was not there for my previous films as well.

'I don't approach a director that way':

I don't care about what Maruthi did earlier (Venky was answering a question on Maruthi's track record of writing double meaning dialogues). Not just I, we don't have that outlook at Suresh Productions.

''Bobbili Raja' reference is Maruthi's idea':

It has been more than two decades since that film was released. Maruthi told me he used to love it a lot. He watched the film numerous times, especially the second half. The 'Ayyo.. ayyo' quirk was a kind of punch line or whatever you may call. We wanted to bring a reference in some way or the other. Maruthi liked it to be this way because it suits my characterisation.

'It's 'Adalloo.. Meeku Joharlu':

I don't know if I can announce the title of Kishore Tirumala's film. But I would do it now. it's 'Adalloo.. Meeku Joharlu'. Kishore said to me that the elements will be most apt for me.

'I am getting older':

It may be difficult to find a heroine at this age, a heroine who meets all the criteria. But that is expected as I am getting older. I accept that. I am no longer the Venkatesh who was paired up with many heroines (when I was in my 30s and 40s).

'Remake or not, I don't bother myself':

It was never my plan to do those remakes ('Drushyam' and 'Gopala Gopala' in recent times). Things just fall in place and I lap them up. Whether it's a remake or a straight film, what matters is

'Arjun will choose his path':

I don't compel my kids. We were never brought up that way. So, I wouldn't force anything on my kids. They are free to do what they want. Putting pressure on your kids is like jailing them. Recently, when someone told Arjun that his father is a big actor in whose footsteps he should walk, he bluntly replied back saying that he will follow in his own footsteps.

'Who doesn't have time?':

Why would I not find time to watch cricket matches, etc? We all have enough time. As for my son, he is playing basketball more, of late.

'A journey of self-discovery':

It has been three decades. Since the time I became an actor, I have always grown up and discovered myself. Before films happened, I was just there. I didn't begin with any expectations. As I did a few films, I discovered that I was able to emote well, etc.

'Don't ever compare':

Don't call me a star hero or something. I just do my things and get back home. I like to spend time with myself. Of late, I am not meditating in a sitting posture, though. We spend lot of time thinking about others. We assume we are all fine and the problem is only with others. That's the biggest problem with the world. If everybody bothered about self, the world would be a beautiful place.

'Read good books':

There are so many thinkers and seers who have produced excellent literature. But do we read them? 'Bhagavad Gita' is available for free, but who cares? Write a book named 'How to make a million in one month' and people will go crazy about it. I too like to earn a lot. But we should do both: we should build our character and also earn money.

'It's both destiny and hard work':

If you ask me, it's a combination of many things why I have succeeded in this field. Hard work is important, but destiny matters too. There are many worthy talent out there struggling to become actors. They may be more talented that I am.

'I follow middle path':

I always follow middle path in life. That appli