Pavan Kalyan is on a path to self-discovery. While most stars enjoy the adulation, this adored hero is content to introspect away from the limelight. The actor is also a man who is driven by the strength of his convictions.
We managed to corner the star on the sets of his next film, Bangaram, at Rama Naidu Studios. As his leading lady, Reema Sen, practiced her dance steps, Pavan Kalyan faced and fielded with grace, an unwelcome volley of questions.
Why I don’t enjoy this:Because interviews pose too many questions that I have no answer for. People are curious and if I don’t explain myself, I will be misunderstood. However, when I do explain I don’t fare much better. Either way, my views are misinterpreted and this brings me down sometimes.
“Irresponsible crank”:I’ve heard that one before. If only people knew how much I try to be responsible. For example, I used to feast on whatever I liked but recently I discovered dark circles under my eyes. So I avoid oily food and have given up eating dinner altogether. It’s not easy to fight the rumble of your empty stomach especially when there’s a sumptuous spread before you. But my audience deserves and expects a better look from me every time; I feel responsible to conform.
Johnny was a mistake:After that debacle, people couldn’t forgive me for letting them down so badly. I was experimenting when I should have been entertaining. But what interested me about the movie was the character that would not be provoked. In fact, that is me in real life too. I work hard at not getting provoked. If there’s strong criticism coming my way, I try to assimilate it and improve.
I’m like this only:I don’t see why producers or distributors should feel cheated if a film of mine does not do well at the box-office. It’s a risk that goes with the territory. As an actor, I have evolved on my own. I have never made promises or raised false hopes. And I have never asked anyone to buy my films. So, if there are expectations, there are also several personal reasons behind them. I make a sincere effort with everything I do; I give my best to each project. What’s mystifying is these people who criticise me have suffered no losses on my account.
My freedom is precious:The other day I wanted to buy some plants and drove straight to Kadiam near Rajahmundry. I spent a lot of time at the nursery there and shopped for our farmhouse. When fans got to know of this, they arrived there in droves. I wasn’t surprised but I just did what I wanted to do. I go where I want to go. Recently I spent time just working on the farm for two months and realised, in the process, that I don’t have the stamina it takes to toil in the mud despite my daily two-and-a-half-hour fitness regime.
Will die for a cause:It would be satisfying to give up my life for something that I strongly believe in. In any case, I have darts flying at me everyday because I am who I am. If I can deal with the emotional attacks, the physical won’t a big deal.
Get the message?If you’ve watched my films, you will notice they carry no indecency or vulgarity. And I always manage to convey that I am against eve-teasing in all forms. I am reminded of an incident that happened soon after I became an actor. I saw a couple of boys hassling a girl. I walked up to them and gave the hooligans what they deserved.
Martial arts man:Recently, I got a trainer from Hong Kong and spent a few weeks updating my technique. I first trained in martial arts when I entered the film industry but I see the need to perfect the skill further.
Miles to go:People expect different things from me but I still don’t know what I want for myself. Is being an actor everything I want from life? I don’t know yet.
