Speaking in an interview to a senior journalist, Rahul Ramakrishna has talked about a dark phase in his life. A few years ago, before 'Arjun Reddy' happened to him, the actor was going through a phase of economic poverty.

"My father passed away at a time when he and my mother had been separated for a couple of years. At the time of his death, I didn't have monetary means to perform his last rites. It's on the day of his death that I came to know who my real friends in life are. They came to me, gave me money without my asking, and helped me carry out his last rites," Rahul, who was recently seen in 'Brohevarevarura' and 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo', says.

The 'Kalki' and 'Mithai' actor adds that this phase taught him why he should come out of poverty once and for all. Call it destiny or whatever, Rahul went on to bag perfect roles in big hits like 'Arjun Reddy'.

This year is going to be very important for his career. He is playing a lead role in a period drama set in 1979. The untitled entertainer will be helmed by debutant Vishvak Khanderao. Revolving around Skylab, it co-stars Nithya Menon and Sathyadev. 'Jathi Rathnalu' is another of his upcoming movies. It stars 'Agent Sai Srinivas Athreya' hero Naveen Polishetty in the lead.