“I did not mimic, I lived his role” – The talented Sritej who reprised CBN in ‘Lakshmi’s NTR’

When a biopic is helmed, it’s highly essential for the concerned artist to look, feel and behave like the original character. Well, not many actors go through that tough phase to get into the skin of the role, but there are some who do it with utmost sincerity and dedication. The newest addition to that bandwagon is Sritej, the talented actor who portrayed Nara Chandrababu Naidu in Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Lakshmi’s NTR’. Besides looking picture-present as the 3-time Chief Minister, Sritej got everything right from expressions and body language to walking style and voice.

Released amid good expectations and big controversies, ‘Lakshmi’s NTR’ ran to packed houses in Telangana and registered some solid numbers in the United States. Promoted as the true biopic of late legendary actor-cum-politician Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao, the film showcased the bonding between NTR and his second wife Lakshmi Parvathi which later gets intertwined with political conspiracies that eventually leads to NTR’s dethronement from his own party. While all the actors delivered a commendable act in their respective roles, it was Sritej who stood out among all with a convincing performance. From sweating it out for almost 13 years in the film industry to featuring in back-to-back biopics, check out some excerpts from his interview.

Presently, I am overwhelmed with the glowing reactions and rave reviews for my crucial role of Nara Chandrababu Naidu in Lakshmi’s NTR. It’s been almost 13 years since I came into the film industry and the road has been quite a bumpy one. Being an outsider with no filmy connection, I was prepared for all the financial difficulties and professional challenges before stepping foot into this medium. Despite facing several obstacles, I always had that confidence to make it big one day and the same happened on March 29 when ‘Lakshmi’s NTR’ hit the theaters. My dream has been realised as Telugu audience came to know upon an actor called Sritej with this film. My family members are also enjoying the proud moment.

I still remember the date. On December 6th, Agasthya Manju has forwarded a couple of CBN’s photos for reference and asked me to send my snaps in that particular attire. At that moment, no one knew that I was portraying Chandrababu in RGV’s film. Without intimating my mother, I did my make-up and got the look right as CBN. Then, I gave over my smartphone and requested her to click my poses. I was thrilled to see her interest while capturing my images and those same stills have earned me a role in Lakshmi’s NTR. I should owe my success to her.

After signing a film, I put in my maximum effort to make sure that the character only speaks on the silver screen. In both ‘Mahanayakudu’ where I had a limited part and ‘Lakshmi’s NTR’ where I played a full-length role, I followed the same rule. The shooting of Krish’s NTR Biopic and RGV’s film happened at the same time and I played both YS Rajasekhara Reddy and Nara Chandrababu Naidu simultaneously. After witnessing my performance in Lakshmi’s NTR, people are calling me with multiple monikers like ‘Man of the Day’, ‘Friday Star’ and ‘Biopic Star’.

After listening to the script of ‘Lakshmi’s NTR’, I worked a lot on the mannerisms and body language of CBN. My sole responsibility as an actor was to do full justice to the character as written in the script. Other than that, I don’t have any intentions of hurting somebody or harming the reputation of a particular individual. Be it Devineni Nehru, YSR, or CBN, the only motive behind my performance is to prove myself as a convincing actor. I am quite passionate about films and that has been the only driving force for me.

Despite working as an assistant director and protagonist, the worthy experience gained while shooting ‘Vangaveeti’ has totally changed my preparation and homework before attempting a role. I learnt how to get under the skin of the character and that method has highly aided me in ‘Lakshmi’s NTR’. Talking about Ram Gopal Varma, he is an intelligent and committed director who always talks and breathes films. He works with great dedication on a film’s script and extracts the best out of his actors with ease. I learnt a lot of things about acting and other aspects of filmmaking from him.

Most of my friends have been well-settled in good jobs. Frankly speaking, I used to feel a bit low after looking at them and doubt whether my career choice is right or wrong. Though they didn’t show it at any cost, I understood how much struggle and tension my parents went through during my hard-fought celluloid journey. Despite all these holds, I believed in cinema and firmly hoped that I would make it someday. Finally, it took 13 long years to grab my big break and I strongly feel that I earned my due.

The guy (Balu) who played Nandamuri Balakrishna in ‘Lakshmi’s NTR’ is my junior at Vijayawada. Unexpectedly, Balu turned out to be an aspiring actor and my roommate. Due to my extensive struggle in the showbiz world, I suggested him to halt his movie journey and opt for a job. But, I promised to refer his name if any opportunity pops up and so, when the makers of ‘Lakshmi’s NTR’ are looking out for a fresh face to portray Balakrishna, I suggested the name of Balu. Referring friends and helping them out is pretty common in the film industry.