BY SUNIT JANGIR
Vijay Deverakonda has been one of the rising stars in the Telugu film industry. Ever since his Arjun Reddy has released which was a massive hit, he has become a poster boy in Tollywood. He gains a lot of fan following after Arjun Reddy and is one of the most loved stars in Telugu. ##
As he turns 31 today (9 May), the actor talks about the success of Arjun Reddy and its Hindi remake Kabir Singh, increasing fan following, the nationwide lockdown, and his personal life in an exclusive interview to INDIA TODAY. ##
Here are some excerpts from the interview - ##
You have done multiple love stories and you said you are done with it. Why change a winning game? ##
It's just something I feel within. It's not necessarily a conscious decision. I have phases with clothes where I really feel like wearing colorful clothes. Likewise, I felt that I am done with love stories. I was excited about other things. It's not a smart decision or a calculated one. ##
Why did you turn down the Hindi remake of Arjun Reddy?##
It's true that the director and I were initially approached by the production house for the Hindi remake of the film. However, I turned down the offer as I don't want to do it all over again. That was a decision we took together.##
Did Kabir Singh satisfy you enough? Was the role justified?##
If Shahid Kapoor hadn't justified the character played by me in Arjun Reddy, I am sure Kabir Singh wouldn't have been successful. However, I haven't watched the film yet. I have been working madly for the past few years, and I hardly have time to catch up with films. Even if I get that little time, I would watch new films rather than watching something which I know in and out.##
What are your thoughts on the criticism that Arjun Reddy invited?##
To be frank, I had already forgotten the film and the nuances of the character. However, I truly understand people who think that Arjun Reddy's character has a problem. But still, I did it and I like the film.##
What about your personal life? Are your parents trying to get you married?##
My parents aren't bugging me and they let me be. But, recently they have been subtly hinting at marriage. I would love family life. It would be fulfilling to be married and have your own kids. There will be a time I will do that. But, I need more mental maturity to do that. I need to grow up and sober down.##
I still feel like a kid. You don't have to be answerable to anyone, you want to do what you want. I think it's a responsibility when you're married to someone. You need to respect the relationship and nurture it. You can't take things for granted. So, I am just buying time.##
You've personally helped people during the lockdown. Can you tell us about your contribution?##
I think we have always been a country that comes together during a crisis. The joint family system has helped our community come together. I see a lot of countries that are unhappy with the proceedings during a lockdown. Here, I see people following the rules of a lockdown and figuring out ways to help others, it's because we all want to help everyone.##
The first time I received help was when I was a six-year-old boy. I got admission to Sri Satya Sai Primary Education school, which gives free education to people. That was the time when my family couldn't afford to pay for my education. The person I am today is because of this education. Throughout my life, I've received all sorts of love from strangers, friends, and family who have made me who I am. Today, I am giving back what I have.##
Why do follow zero people on Twitter? What does it take for Vijay to follow people?##
I don't use these apps and I usually operate them through Whatsapp. I have a team that takes care of my social media pages. They send all the important stuff to me. First of all, I am not good at technology. You have limited time and you need to pick how you want to spend the time on. Technology and social media were not among the choices for me. It takes a lot of time to use them.##
Are you a person who have friends in the industry?##
I have these friends from my childhood days - the boys who grew up with me in the hostel. Any free time that I have, I spend with them. I don't have friends in the industry. They have been welcoming and warm, but I don't spend much time with them. I don't want to know people from the industry. I just want to watch their films and like them as actors. But, Rana Daggubati has been quite friendly and I have chilled with him.##
Can you tell us about Fighter?##
Fighter will come out sometime next year. We are done shooting 50 percent. It stars me and this really sweet girl called Ananya Panday. The film is directed by Puri Jagannadh and produced by himself, Charmme Kaur and Karan Johar. It's like this wacky, fun film that the nation will enjoy and love.##
If you have to pick between Arjun Reddy and Dear Comrade, what excites you?##
Oh, it's Arjun Reddy. It was extremely exciting. But, Dear Comrade was something that I am emotionally connected to. I just understood Arjun and as an actor, it's my job to understand the characters I play and connect with it. This guy seemed very real and I hadn't heard anything like that for a long time. The way we made the film was so personal, intimate, and passionate that the audience felt him, Preethi, and emotions. It is also the connection between me, the director, and the actress.##
Fitness seems to be a fitness freak. What are you doing to keep yourself fit?##
Working out is something that I hate, but I love the feeling of having done with a workout. You just have to get the basics right. I drag myself to do that one hour of work and feel happy for the rest of the day.##
Any other stars who inspire you?##
It's Ranbir Kapoor and I am really fond of him.##
If not for acting, what would you have done?##
I would have loved to be an architect. I am fascinated by architecture whenever I travel. I spend a lot of time watching videos on world architecture. Japan is one country I would like to visit for the architecture.##
Stay tuned...
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