Spotlight : NAVEEN
Riding the success wave again

A few years ago, Naveen touched dizzy heights soon after his debut with hits like Pelli and Priya O Priya. Later, Snehithulu and Manasichichudu, helped him consolidate his position. But out of the blue, as it were, his career took a nosedive with three flops in a row, and the industry was quick to write him off. However, with the latest hit, Chala Bagundi, he is once again in the news. He plays a youth guilty of molesting a girl in an inebriated condition, yet, has walked away with the audience’s sympathy. Today, on the eve of the the release of his next, Bagunnara, Naveen talks to SCREEN.

How does it feel to be back in the reckoning with Chala Bagundi after a lean trot?
Success always revives one’s confidence and in my case it has certainly acted as a morale-booster, particularly after a few flops. Though you know that you have not failed as an actor in those films, an element of doubt runs in your mind. Sometimes, you blame the choice of subject and the role and sometimes some other aspects of the film. To receive appreciation for your work evokes positive notes in your mind and you move on with renewed vigour. Hereafter, I shall be very ‘selective’ and take up films which have ‘novelty’.

Were you depressed when the industry wrote you off?
I don’t hold any grudges against anybody, though the industry normally writes off an actor if he goes through a bad phase. Filmmaking is like any other business. People make films to earn profits and they like to bet on the winning horse. In this industry, success ‘counts’ and talent is always secondary.

In Chala Bagundi your portrayal of a character with negative shades has been well-received but the audience rejected you when you had attempted it in Premichemanasu. Do you think the difference was in the directors?
You’re right, it was. The presentation of the character made all the difference. I accepted the role, having implicit confidence in director EVV Satyanarayana. He was able to grab and hold audience interest, particularly those of the women. I think certain characters demand experienced directors for their effective presentation on the screen.

So, do you rule out working with new directors now?
No. I’ve had flops with seasoned directors, too. I’m open to offers from anyone. The advantage of working with new directors is that they come up with fresh ideas, although I do agree that the risk factor is slightly higher with debutants. New directors are always brimming with novel ideas and I don’t want to miss those offers by confining myself to set rules. Rather, I would judge the offers coming my way on individual merits, without any pre-conceived notions. I would like to take up offers which have something to ‘attract’ the viewers and avoid accepting monotonous subjects as far as possible.

For the past few months the industry has been agog with rumours about Priya Gill harassing the producer of Bagunnara. Did you face any problems working with her?
No. personally I didn’t have any problems. She was a nice co-star to work with. The reports carried in newspapers were in the nature of a one-sided version. They could have taken her version before carrying the reports in the newspapers, since you always have ‘two’ sides to a coin. It was also nice to work with the producer. On the whole, the film has come out very well and it also carries a message. The central character in the film believes in traditional Indian values and director Fakhruddin has conveyed this in an entertaining way.

When is your next home production?
For the time being, I don’t intend to produce any films as I want to concentrate on my acting. If I commence the production of a film, I would like to get involved with it creatively and also to look after things personally. I love to work in a peaceful atmosphere since creativity demands it. I will feel dissatisfied if I hurry up things. I always like to set my own ‘pace’ and look into every aspect of filmmaking. It takes time to satisfy myself so I have stalled productions temporarily, since I can’t spare the time for them.

Recently, Padmalaya has gone public in a bid to expand its activities. Your banner has enough repute in Telugu filmdom. Do you intend to go public?

I am definitely ‘observing’ things happening around. We are also planning to expand our business. We are also thinking of small productions but we will take our own time before finalising things. Right now, I am thinking about it and gathering the required information. We would like to announce our plans once we have concrete proposals on hand. We don’t rule out going ‘public’. As I said earlier, here again I want to personally oversee things. Also, we don’t have persons to handle projects of such a magnitude. So I will take it up personally once everything falls in place.


BVS Prakash