Naga Chaitanya is already a star down South but has only recently made his Bollywood debut with Laal Singh Chaddha which opened to much critical acclaim. The movie is the official Hindi adaptation of the Academy Award-winning movie, Forrest Gump and stars Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Naga Chaitanya, Mona Singh, and Manav Vij in the lead roles. "Laal's friendship with his army buddy Bala (Naga Chaitanya), who is obsessed with designing the perfect set of underwear, is filled with warmth and humour. Naga Chaitanya isn't playing the central character here but manages to leave an impact through his sincerity and commitment to the role," reads our Filmfare Review. Chaitanya himself is a very polite and dignified person.
Armed with a charming smile and a firm handshake, the actor greets us as we arrive to interview him at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai's Andheri suburb. The 35-year-old is born into a legacy family - his father is actor Akkineni Nagarjuna and his paternal grandfather is Akkineni Nageswara Rao. His maternal grandfather is producer D. Ramanaidu. His maternal uncle is Venkatesh and his first cousins are Rana Daggubati, Sumanth and Sushanth. And he is cognizant of the privilege that comes with it. And the pressure. On the eve of his Bollywood debut, the handsome actor sat down with us for a candid chat where he spoke about the movies, his respect for Aamir Khan and the media coverage following his separation from his ex-wife, actor Samantha.
What Made You Pick Laal Singh Chaddha As Your Bollywood Debut?
I didn't pick it, it picked me to be honest. It's something that I never planned but it happened so organically. I got a call from Aamir Sir's casting team and then spoke to Aamir Sir and it just blended in so well together. And I always felt when I come to Hindi, I want to be sort of presented by someone like this because you know they'll take care of you and it's an industry full of so much talent and your first move has to be very, very cautious and precise. And also, I wasn't comfortable just stepping in as a lead star. I think doing a special role, doing a character role first, getting the acceptance, getting the ownership from the audience and then taking it step by step is probably my kind of approach. So ya, this came along and this ticked off all the boxes.
Was Aamir Khan Everything You Dreamt Of?
I love his process and the kind of respect he gives cinema and the cinema-making process, this is what it deserves. It's so rare to see people doing this and I'm so fortunate to have experienced that process first-hand. I'm not trying to sound diplomatically correct but as an actor, it was so lovely to see that process.
How Comfortable Are You With Social Media?
I'm very disconnected from social media, to be honest. It's… I'm such a boring person online. Of course, around my film releases, I'm reading more than posting. Reading conversations, reviews, and reactions. But I don't attach myself too much to it, because there's a lot of toxic material there, there is a lot of toxic material and if you can't filter it in and figure out what's good for you, and what's not good for you, it can drain you and it can put you on the wrong path.
And You Also Don't Have That Kind Of Time?
More than that, I think why should anyone put themselves through that mental depression, why should anyone go through that? To be honest, of course, social media has got its great sides also. But it's got both, you have to learn how to use it the right way.
As An Actor, How Do You Prioritise Your Mental Health?
See, mental health is key. I mean you need to be sane, your mind needs to be healthy and happy for everything else around you to revolve in the right direction. Life is full of problems, life is full of ups and downs, you know? So we go through everything, as humans, we all have our share of everything. I think just be aware, be open, learn from your mistakes, put a reason to everything - accept everything and move forward. Accept things. I think acceptance is key. Accept good or bad, find your reason for it and move forward. I think this helps a lot with my mental health. And stay positive after that.
Do You Ever Feel Like A Fish In A Bowl Where Everyone Is Just Coming And Looking At You?
I know but I guess it's got both sides to it, no? When you're successful also, once, you're like catapulted somewhere else, it's overnight, things just change. But with failure, the same thing happens. So, I mean don't take both too seriously.
But Is That Also Because Maybe You've Grown Up Seeing Successes And Failures In Your Family?
Yes. I've changed a lot. Not in the family also but also the last thirteen years … I do remember myself in the first year, I was horrible. Like I had no idea what I was doing. I think I've grown up a lot and I continue growing. This is an industry where trends are changing constantly, people are changing, and what they want from you is changing. So, you need to be dynamic. I think I'll always keep evolving and that's what will keep me going also. Constantly keep learning and keep moving forward.
There Are A Lot Of Pros Taking Into Account Your Lineage. What Are The Cons? There Must Be Some.
Cons. There's just the responsibility, and the pressure. I won't even say it's, I mean, look at the pros. I'm gifted in such a lovely way and so fortunate that I shouldn't be complaining about anything. And whatever this pressure and responsibility that comes with it is a great challenge for me. It's what keeps me going and what inspires me more and more every day.
When You Look At Bollywood, Are You Taken Aback By The Nepotism Debate Here? Does It Happen In The South?
It doesn't happen too much in the South. But I don't even know why it's starting. This is just my perspective when asked about this. See, I've seen my granddad act, I've seen my dad act and I've been heavily inspired by their work and they've just passed on so much to me that I want to be an actor, come into my own and sort of carry forward what they have built and just keep this journey going. Tomorrow if my film releases and a first generation actor's film also releases at the same time and that person's film collects Rs 100 crores and mine collects Rs 10 crores, obviously the director, producer and everyone else is going to call them. When you're out on the playground, it's survival of the fittest. Yes, I'm fortunate. I got a better start, and my launch was easier. But now that we're all here, the fight is equal, that's how talented everyone is around you. And it's a simple question, if a first-generation actor's child comes up to him tomorrow and says that he wants to be an actor, are they going to discourage the person, saying 'no, it's nepotism'? You won't, you'll be proud of that moment, it's a beautiful moment.
How Can You Tell Ranbir Kapoor Ki Because You Are Rishi Kapoor's Son, That You Should Not Come Into Acting? Or Alia Bhatt Ki You Should Not Be Acting Because It's Nepotism. How Do You Make Those...
I want to ask the people who are talking about nepotism also like tomorrow if their daughter or son comes up and tells them that I want to be in the same craft as you, are you going to discourage them? If you are going to do that, then okay fine. Then we'll talk about nepotism, but if you're not going to, then why are we even getting there?
Do You Feel The Media Has Respected Your Personal Space?
No, after a point no. I'll say this because I respect the media very much. When things were not going well, or when we decided to take that decision, we both came out and gave a statement, clarifying whatever, you know, for certain reasons and there's immense respect we both have for each other and we parted ways, keeping that respect and that dignity. If I hide things from you and let you speculate, it's fine but we both came out and gave a statement.
Ya, The Least One Expects Is Respect For Their Personal Space . . .
I expected that in return, but unfortunately that's the way it is. Certain sections of the media don't respect, of course, there is that dignified section that always respects. But ya, it's unfortunate but that's the world we're living in, don't take it too seriously.
What Are Your First Impressions Of Bollywood And Not Just Of Aamir Khan?
I've only mingled with Aamir sir's team a lot. I've not met anyone outside that. Most of my time wasn't even spent in Mumbai because we shot in Kargil and Srinagar, that's where most of the time was spent. But I don't know, Bollywood's a lovely industry to look up to. There's so much collaboration that I want to happen. I'm looking forward to things over here. I've always grown up watching Bollywood films. They always pushed the boundary in terms of new age content.
Really? You Guys Are Doing So Well.
We always think that the grass is greener on the other side. You see it now but in the South, we're used to those kinds of films. It's only of late that you're getting to see it. Because of OTT, you're watching it, or whatever because we're getting the release now but we're used to that kind of film.
What Is Your Take On 'Pan-India'?
I mean from the conceptual stage, if you can think from a Pan India perspective, then that's fine. There's so much cultural diversity over here, it's not so easy to make a Pan India film. You have to touch everyone's heart, and to speak that language takes a lot of thought.
So You're In A Happy Space Right Now?
Very happy space.
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