There’s no kick without competition: Balakrishna

I feel it was my dad who wished that I play Satakarni, a role that was close to his heart but could never don because of the rough and tumble of his political career

No conversation with Nandamuri Balakrishna can go on without him mentioning about his charismatic father NT Rama Rao. As he looks forward to the release of his most prestigious project, which is also his 100th, ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni,’ he is extremely chilled out.

The film revolves around Satavahana king Satakarni and his battles with Saka rulers of western India. “I consider lucky to have played Satakarni as he had put our country on the global map centuries ago. I feel it was my dad who wished that I play Satakarni, a role that was close to his heart but could never don because of the rough and tumble of his political career,” Balayya reveals.

He said that he derived strength from the overwhelming adulation he enjoys from his fans who have backed him to the hilt whenever he attempted something new. Since little information was on hand about Satakarni, Balayya points out that director Krish left no stone unturned to ensure that he got the required material for the film.

“Besides speaking to people like the late Parabrahma Shastry and Chandramouli (of TTD Museum), Krish also took inputs from former director and commissioner of Archaeology department Krishna Shastry who had done extensive research on the Satavahana king.”

He adds that the film has not just challenged technicians but actors too. Citing an example, he informs that after he reeled a powerful retort to Kabir Bedi in the very first schedule for a particular sequence, the latter had to leave the sets as he felt he was under-prepared for his part.

“He excused himself and took permission from Krish to leave the sets. He couldn’t sleep that night and came prepared the next morning. Despite him being a big actor, it was heartening to see him prep,” Balayya informs excitedly.

The actor is clearly in awe of Krish, saying that this is the director’s sixth film and that it’s different from the one that he has made earlier. “That way all his ventures have been different from one another. I believe he is a true director. Many directors,

including some big names, tend to become stereotyped. Sometimes they come to me and say that they’ve written a script especially for me but I can easily make out whether it was conceived for me or for some other hero. Krish is like Steven Spielberg who has always hopped genres.”

He is extremely happy that ‘Dream Girl’ Hema Malini has played his mother Gautami Balasri in the historical. “Dad wanted her for Rukmini’s part in ‘Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam’ and even sent my uncle to Bombay to find out whether she’d be interested in it.

But as she was signed by a production house for a five-film deal, she couldn’t say yes. He later took KR Vijaya in her place. Nonetheless, in ‘Sri Krishna Vijayam,’ she sizzled in a song,” he flashbacks fondly.

Balayya will be battling out with ‘Khaidi No 150,’ starring peer Chiranjeevi, for the top slot at the box-office this weekend. How does he see the competition, though there have been more than 10 instances in the past where his films were pitted against Chiru’s during Sankranti? “There’s no kick without competition but I wish other films too all the best.

They should also do well as it will help the industry,” he responds, adding that he is certain of ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’ surpassing the records of his earlier films. While he dismisses collaborating with SV Krishna Reddy for his next film, he is hopeful of his long-in-the-planning ‘Rythu’ with Krishna Vamsi going on to floors (shortly).

“We have approached Amitabh Bachchan for a role in the film but he is yet to get back to us,” he states. “I have narrated the script to him and he liked it. Let us see how things shape up after ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’ opens. But one thing’s for sure that if he doesn’t say yes, the film will not happen.”