An extraordinary journey

Doddipatti Ravi popularly known as Racha Ravi, in a freewheeling chat shares about his success in the film and TV industry
How did you start your career?
I used to go to Annapurna Studio and sit at one corner and observe the crew filming. Though I was struggling, I made sure to go to the studio. There I learnt how an actor should be self-disciplined on the sets. There was time when I used to be hungry and but I would still sit and watch. Sometimes production people were kind enough and used to give me a plate of food. After much exposure, I joined direction department.

You got married when you were still in struggling phase. How did that happen?
I always felt that people who stay with you in bad phase are best. Because once one gets fame people will become friends and they will leave also once it ends.

So I wanted a wife who would see my life from starting and understand me. And, I told my parents that I wanted to get married. They thought after marriage I will change and start some business but on the first day of marriage, I told my wife about my life aspiration. I wanted to stand on my feet and she understood and accepted me. My talent and hard work is 50 per cent and my wife’s cooperation is 50 per cent, which is the ultimate success strategy of my life.

How did you bag a chance in ‘Jabardast’?
My wife saw the ad for auditions for ‘Jabardast’ by Chandra (Chammak Chandra). I went to him and gave an audition. After the screen test, he said that I was selected. I call Chandra, my “Jakkana”. Whatever I am today it is because of him. When the whole world left me alone, he trusted me and gave me a chance to prove myself.

Why did part ways with Chammak Chandra?
We never wanted to part ways. It was when ‘Jabardast’s production house was giving a chance to us to become team leaders. And, at the same time, Chandra was getting many film offers. So we both decided that Ravi will become Racha Ravi, leader of a team.

Now you entered into films too, how is the life with stardom?
Superb! Ravi became Racha Ravi. I’m expecting this to continue lifelong and to make sure it continue I will work harder.

How are you managing time between movies and ‘Jabardast’?
My movie career started just now. Hope I get more chances. However, I would not leave ‘Jabardast’. Because of it, I’m here. I hope God gives me 48 hours per day, so that I can divide 24 hours for the movie and another 24 hours for ‘Jabardast’.

By:Abhyudaya Karamchetu