Aakash Puri (Puri Jagannadh`s son) seems to have come a long way since he first faced camera at the age of 6. Ahead of the release of his forthcoming film Andhra Pori, the actor talks about how showbiz bug bite him, his dad`s influence and his future plans.

What was your dad's (Puri Jagannadh) reaction when you said you want to become a hero?

He was very happy but he did not tell or express. He has it in his mind to make me a hero but when I expressed my desire to become a hero, he felt happy.

Your initial reaction when you came to know that you are the hero of this film

Initially, I was surprised and shocked because I did not expect that I would turn a lead actor at this age. But I believed that the film will foster my career chances.

How did this project happen?

I came to know that director Raj Madiraj sir is planning to take me as the lead actor in this film but I have no clue about it. Raj sir approached my dad and narrated him the story. Dad then asked me to watch the original Marathi film Time Pass` and later heard Raj sir`s narration. I liked it and immediately said ok` to the film. Working with Raj sir has been a memorable experience. He`s so cool and he makes the film fast.

Were you interested in making a career in showbiz?

I want to become a hero from my childhood and when I was in class 2, I told my dad that I wanted to become a hero. Since then, I`ve done films as a child artiste and I wanted to take a break for around 6 years and then come as a lead actor. But this film came and I could not turn it down. Yes, coming into showbiz at the age of 17 is a bit early, but the director felt that the script needs someone who`s around the 17, so I was convinced.

How did you prepare for the role?

I need to speak in Telangana accent but I don`t know that. So I was trained under Uttej garu to improve on my Telangana slang for the film. One month before the shoot, the team did a workshop for around 20 days and it helped us a lot.

What inputs did your dad (Puri Jagannadh) give to this film?

Dad did not discuss much about the film with me. He just used to tell me to do well. The hero in the original version did a great job and my dad asked me to create the magic but never gave any acting tips, instead my director gave me a few. Dad came to the sets only once and I was very happy when he was there.

Tell us about your role in the film?

I play Nizamabad Narsingh Yadav, who could not clear 10th class in three attempts. But he`s a chilled out guy and I thoroughly enjoyed the role.

How was the workshop experience?

Both Ulka Gupta and me worked as child artistes. Ulka did a few serials like Jhansi Ki Rani` in Hindi, so we are new to being lead actors but not new to acting. We became good friends in the 25 day workshop, we gelled well and started practicing the dialogues and by the time the film went on to the sets we were ready. Krishna Shukla SIR trained us in acting, dialogue, diction, etc. The workshop was basically held to get our dialogues right but in the end, I learnt her dialogues and she ended up learning mine (quips).

Will you continue to act in films?

I`m taking a break from acting. I want to complete my studies, enroll in an acting course at the New York Film Academy, get re-launched after three years with my dad`s film.

Watch Andhra Pori Trailers