Like most interesting people, he holds within himself many different aspects. At once charming, elegant & then exhibiting the confidence of a Mega Power Star, Ram Charan Tej is a package of contradictions. He is at times shy, at other times disarmingly outspoken; his speech is peppered with references to philosophy, his love for cars & horses; he’s the ultimate industry insider’s outsider, an artist who could take full advantage of a high-profile star son’s career, but who has instead blazed his own trail towards his own brand of fulfillment. He’s been patient and methodical and, with the best of acting offers still coming in, he’s just about where he wants to be in life. MAA Stars had the pleasure of speaking with Mega Power Star Ram Charan Tej, where he spoke about life before & after movies, the likely comparisons between him & his dad and lots more… .
2.First up, your comments on this shoot
To be frank, I am more comfortable with film shoots rather than photo shoots. I admit I even get scared at times. But this shoot with maastars has been an amazing experience. I never realized that photos shoots can also be done so easily with such perfection. I felt very comfortable as everything was planned and organized so well. Everybody, right from the cameraman to every individual in the team, was in proper sync with each other. And the photos have come out great. It was a really amazing experience. I’ve had lots of fun.
3.From being the Megastar’s son to being the Mega Power Star in your own right…the journey… what has changed?
Nothing really has changed per se. I still feel the same. But when it comes to the fan support, I personally enjoy all those accolades showered on me. They say that one should grow step by step in his field, but it feels like I am already placed on a pedestal, way above where I deserve to be right now. I love my fans for this though I have a lot more to accomplish.
4. Obviously your dad is a role model. How was life growing up as his son?
Having a person at home who has 30 years experience in his field is definitely advantageous to an actor like me by all means. Keeping his star image aside for a moment, but the obedience he has shown towards his directors, the way he moulded himself to his Director’s needs is just amazing. The knowledge that he gained in all these years fetches me many things. I got to learn a lot from him each and every single day for the past 27 years. The attitude which an actor should carry, his behavior in the industry, I learned every bit of it from my dad. Normally many actors may take time to realize & learn all these things on their own. But luckily, I learnt everything even before I entered the industry itself!
5. How did the fact that you’re from a film family shape your sensibilities? Did it give you some sort of a direction early on in life?
Frankly speaking, I was never pushed by anyone to become an actor. I believe one should take their own path as per his/her wish in life. Otherwise we can never justify one’s purpose in life. Never did my dad try to push me into acting. After I finished college, I just went upto him and put forth my wish to act. Those were the happiest moments for my dad. He told me that he was waiting for the day his son would walk up to him to say those words for a long time. He felt elated over my interest to act. Without doubt, he has given me a very good platform and I strive to make the best use of it.
6. Did you always feel drawn to movies?
Seriously, I never thought of acting until I was 16 years old. I used to enjoy watching dad’s movies but never envisaged myself to become an actor like him on screen. But when the time came for me to think of making a career, the thought of cinema came to me for the first time.
7. What’s the best thing about being in the film world?
To me, it’s about living all those emotions. Usually, people end up frustrated because they are unable to find that outlet to vent their emotions out. An actor’s biggest advantage is that he can take all his frustrations & irritations out naturally onscreen. We get to play the navarasalu (nine emotions) in a single day. It may sound funny but it really works.
8. And the worst?
We lose our sense of comfort. Getting up at odd times, following strict instructions, the rigor & discipline an actor has to put himself through can sometime get to him. But soon, it turns itself on its head & becomes a blessing in disguise. So I am not really complaining.
9. What about fame?
Irrespective of a film’s result, you need to keep a balanced mindset. Never let fame get to you. That’s my dad’s biggest plus point. If his movie’s a flop, he plans his next project carefully. If his movie’s a hit, he still plans his next project carefully. He loves what he does. He doesn’t let fame or success get into his head. Once he finishes a movie, he’ll have a dinner with the unit and move on the next project. I have grown up in the shadow of his qualities, which I always strive to emulate. It makes me happy that my movie does well. But I never let that success get to my head and never let arrogance creep into my attitude. It will demean my success.
10. People are so judgmental about star sons. What goes through your mind when you read stuff? How do you take criticism?
I take it the same way as well. Just like how I take my hits and flops, I take criticism also on the same note. I think this is all part of the game. Along with money & fame, we have got to accept criticism also. There is a famous saying in horse riding which says “Until & unless you fall at least 7 times from your horse, you will never be recognized as a horse rider”. If I don’t possess the capability to take criticism, I can never be called a complete actor. That’s what I believe.
11. Do you find it strange that people have already started trusting you, with so few films to your credit?
I accept it with all humility. The admiration & love showered on me makes me really happy. I will try to take my skills to the next level. And I will definitely not disappoint my admirers!
12. How much of your acting do you put down to genetics and how much to the rest?
Growing up, obviously my dad is an inspiration and I have imbibed some of his traits. Even as an actor, I am inspired by him though I have consciously tried to develop a style of my own. Acting in my dad’s style of body language comes naturally to me. But I blend it with my own style. Maybe an 80% Charan, 20% Chiranjeevi! People keep saying they see a bit of my dad’s style in me, but they also say that they found my style different than that of my father’s! That’s what makes me happy.
13. Interestingly, in an interview with MAASTARS, Chiranjeevi garu has remarked that Charan is not just one or two movies old but in fact he’s 150 movies old, since he considers all his experience passed on to you. Your reaction….
Yes, my dad’s movies always keep playing in my mind. His experience is behind me, driving me, pushing me forward with greater force. Chiruta is my 149th movie and Magadheera is my father’s 149th movie.
