Directors to showcase acting chops

Close on the heels of seasoned director Ram Gopal Varma announcing his acting debut with his upcoming film 'Cobra', after rocking behind-the-camera for 28 years, the next-gen director Tharun Bhascker also disclosed his love for acting as he is all set to play the protoganist in his upcoming film to be produced by hotshot Vijay Devarakonda and directed by Shamir.

Interestingly, Tharun was seen in 'guest' appearances in films like 'Sammohanam' and 'Eenagaraniki Yemaindi' but now turning a full-fledged actor. "Personally, I think RGV is turning an actor to create hype around his film 'Cobra' and not to pursue acting as such.

While new-age director Tharun Bhascker is young and good looking and looks to explore acting. Even after delivering two hits, if Tharun is donning grease paint, it can't be taken lightly," says director Chandra Siddharth, who also did a cameo in 'NTR Mahanayakudu' wherein he played legendary Dasari Narayana Rao on screen. "I wanted to be associated with NTR biopic and I have no plans to continue acting," he adds.

Although leading directors like S S Rajamouli and V V Vinayak are known for their 'Hichcockian apperance' in movies but only legendary Dasari Narayana Rao had a longer stint as an actor with more than 20-odd movies.

"Dasari Narayana Rao was always fascinated with acting and even bagged Nandi award for his performance in 'Mestri' and his chela late Kodi Ramakrishna and few other directors acted in some movies," says director Puri Jagannath.

Joining the bandwagon, director Deviprasad who played dad to Sree Vishnu in 'Needhi Naadhi Okate Zindagi', says, "I was interested in acting for quite some time and happened to get good roles to showcase my acting talent. Of course, I am a director, but like to explore acting as well," he adds.

Even director Bheemaneni Srinivasa Rao, who played a key role in 'Kudirithe Cuppu Coffee' and 'Friends Book, describes 'acting as a hobby.'

Summing up the trend, Chandra Siddarth adds, "After taking lot of pressure as directors, few of them are turning actors since acting is much easier than direction.

I would like to describe this scenario- a family man dancing in a marriage party, although he is not a professional dancer. Unlike Tamil directors like Cheran, S J Suryah and C Sundar who established as actors, T-town directors may not follow suit."