Senior actor Naresh opens up on his five-decade tryst with cinema, his intent to produce films, OTT shows in 2022

Veteran Telugu actor Naresh, son of yesteryear actress Vijaya Nirmala, is only getting better with time, ageing gracefully, at his busiest best while being cast in a wide variety of roles in his second innings as a character artiste. The actor, who turns 62 today, won't celebrate his birthday grandly keeping the Omicron situation in mind and the recent passing away of his step-brother Ramesh Babu. In a media interaction, Naresh reminisced his early years in the film industry and discussed the several factors that helped him have such a long stint.

"My career had begun with Pandanti Kapuram in 1972 where I got to share screen space with legends like Krishna, Vijaya Nirmala, Gummadi, to name a few. I've completed fifty years in the industry and it's quite a rare, special feat for any actor to accomplish. I owe my journey in films to my mother Vijaya Nirmala, Krishna garu and director, my Godfather Jandhyala. In these five decades, I dedicated over 10 years to public service and made my political entry too. From helping people in Anantapur district to my industry with the position in MAA, I have led an eventful life," he says.

He reportedly sought inspiration from S V Ranga Rao in his turn as a character artiste. "I was game for any role and I am thankful to young directors who're coming up with new stories and unique characterisations. I feel blessed by the fact that writers still conceive roles keeping me in mind. It has also been fifty years since the inception of Vijaya Krishna Movies, which I've transformed into Vijaya Krishna Green Studios where a lot of shoots are being held. Telugu cinema's prominence has multiplied manifold in the Indian film industry in the recent years and it's a great time to be an actor."

Naresh is keen to produce several films in 2022 and added that the evolution of the digital medium has paved the way for a lot of young directors to tell intriguing stories. "Entertainment will be our sole priority as a banner when we choose scripts," Naresh said. He admits to being lucky to land films as different as chalk and cheese in recent years, right from Jathi Ratnalu to Drushyam 2 to Bheeshma and Sri Devi Soda Centre. "I am quite excited about my role in Nani's Ante Sundaraniki and have interesting roles in Nandini Reddy's Anni Manchi Sakunamule, projects with Varun Tej, Vaisshnav Tej too."

The secret behind his longevity? "Respecting everyone on the set regardless of their stature and sharing a warm rapport with everyone. I've stayed away from controversies and never bothered my producers." Naresh is still receiving opportunities to play lead roles and he is grateful about cementing his presence in the digital space with Oka Chinna Family Story. "I have a key role to play in Nagesh Kukunoor's web series. Meanwhile, I will always be there for the industry, come what may. I am what I am because of the film industry and ready to do whatever I can to help my counterparts."