EXCLUSIVE: "Being an ardent fan of legends like Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi, I always wanted to carve a niche in the Telugu entertainment industry as well," Naga Panchami actor Suneel Puranik

Ace actor Suneel Puranik is not new to the Telugu entertainment industry. The actor, who has been a part of the industry for nearly twenty-five of his acting career made his small screen comeback with the newly launched supernatural fiction Naga Panchami. Although he is seen playing a role of a baddie in the show, the actor is enjoying his stint there.

In an exclusive interview with ETimes TV, Suneel Puranik got candid about his new show, his connection with the Telugu industry and much more.

"My connection with the Telugu entertainment industry goes back nearly twenty-five years ago. Back then, I made my Telugu acting debut with the movie Prerana as the lead. That movie gave a positive response and I even managed to strike a chord with the viewers there. Post that, in 2002, I acted and directed in a Telugu daily soap titled 'Naaticharami'. Even the previous year, I acted in a Telugu movie as well. So, it's been a long journey for me in the native industry," averred the actor

He continued by mentioning, "Naga Panchami came my way through my daughter-in-law. She is currently working for a Telugu show as the female protagonist. So, while she was having a conversation with the production house there, she came across this particular character for the new show and insisted the makers try me for the same."

The actor continued by saying, "So, that's how it initiated started. I went there, gave a look test and everything started falling into its place. Also, this particular on-screen character I essay in the show is a powerful one and also interested me in taking it up. So far, it's been a good journey and the viewers are also accepting it in a positive manner. The premiere week TRP has also turned out to be an exceptional one."

Talking more about the new show, the ace actor added, "Naga Panchami is not similar to other supernatural fiction narrating the story of shape-shifting female serpents. Of course, the fact that the show has a lot of supernatural content cannot be missed. But, it also has a lot of human values in it. It's more about how the relationships of humans change according to the situation."

The ace actor is currently happy with the response to the new show
"It's nearly been two weeks since the premiere of Naga Panchami. And, the response we are receiving is immense from the viewers. The TRP is really doing good. Director, Puli Vasu, and the writer, Narendra Kumar Yenuganti are indeed working hard for the success of the show. The channel airing the show has also been particular about each detail in it. I am sure Naga Panchami will become even more sensational in the upcoming days," shared the actor.

Suneel Puranik on his connection with the Telugu entertainment industry

Elaborating on the same, the actor mentioned, "We as artists, always aspire to entertain the viewers. That's what is important for us. There are a lot of Kannada actors who are working in the Telugu entertainment industry now irrespective of the language barrier. It is the bond of a sibling relationship we all share with the industry there. It's been an honor to be a part of the Telugu entertainment industry. They treat us very well and give us that warmth and sibling love.

He further signed off by saying, "Being an ardent fan of Telugu legends like Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi, I always wanted to carve a niche in the Telugu entertainment industry as well. And, Naga Panchami is being produced under Nagarjuna's banner, it's a blissful feeling."