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On a lucky streak

Down south
Last Updated 25 July 2015, 18:44 IST
After showcasing his acting prowess as Bhallala Deva in the blockbuster Bahubali: The Beginning, the tall (6’3”) and handsome actor Rana Daggubati is now eagerly waiting for the sequel of the film.

“Bahubali: The Conclusion will have larger-than-life visuals and almost 40-50 per cent of the shooting has been completed. I am too excited,” says Rana. The second part is likely to release in 2016.

Ever since Bahubali hit the screens, Rana has been flooded with text messages, calls and emails praising his acting skills. “It was an overwhelming experience to work with the acclaimed director, S S Rajamouli, who has given hits like Magadheera,” says the actor.

‘Bahubali’ hangover

Whether his films are big or small, it does not matter for Rana as he always gets excited on the day of the film’s release. A visual effects producer himself (he won an award for best special effects for a Telugu movie in 2006), Rana says Bahubali has set a benchmark for the Indian film industry. “The special effects of the film are spectacular, and the sequel will be more visually appealing,” he assures.

Though Rana made a dashing debut in the Telugu film industry with the film Leader in 2010, he has done only a few films in the last five years. “I like to concentrate on one film at a time and I like to play a variety of roles. Different roles excite me. Each role is something close to my heart,” says the actor, who is acting in the Tamil remake of the hit Malayalam movie Bangalore Days. The film titled Arjun, Divya Matrum Karthik (ADMK) also stars one of the leading Tamil actors, Arya. “Arya is a good friend of mine and I know him pretty well,” says Rana. Telugu film director Bhaskar is wielding the megaphone for the Tamil remake. The movie hit the floors recently.

The Kollywood experience

ADMK is a first full-fledged Tamil movie for Rana. Earlier, he had done a cameo role in the Ajith-starrer Arrambam (2013). “I have always been waiting to do a Tamil film and I am happy with Arjun, Divya Matrum Karthik,” he says. Is he comfortable working in all three languages — Tamil, Telugu and Hindi? Rana replies, “I am familiar with all the three languages and I am also comfortable working in all the three.” What about Kannada? When will we see him in a Kannada movie?

“I can speak Kannada well and I would love to do a Sandalwood film. I am waiting for a good script,” he replies spontaneously.

Rana also makes a special appearance in the Telugu historical film starring Anushka titled Rudramadevi, which will hit the screens soon. “It’s a 3D film and I play the role of Chalukya Veerabhadra,” the actor informs.

When Rana’s debut film in Hindi, Dum Maaro Dum, was released in 2011, Rana and Bipasha Basu were rumoured to be dating, and after a few years it was Trisha. “Earlier, after reading about link-ups, I would get stressed out. But link-ups do not bother me anymore,” he says.

The ‘leader’ actor always does his homework before signing a film. “I watch both regional and international films and constantly keep myself updated. I also learn from such movies. Homework is a part of acting and it has to be done routinely. For me, every film is a first film and I want to enhance my acting skills,” he says.

Where do you see yourself after five years or a decade from now? Do you want to have the larger-than-life image? “I don’t know what kind of image I would have in future, but, as an actor, I would love to see myself having donned a variety of roles,” the Bahubali actor says. Though Rana wants to do diverse roles, he enjoys playing an action hero. “It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy other roles,” he quips. What about romance? “Yeah, I love to do a full-fledged romantic film too,” he concludes.

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(Published 25 July 2015, 15:26 IST)

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