Exclusive - Bigg Boss Telugu 5 fame Maanas Nagulapalli: After Bigg Boss, I've realised planning and having a strong PR actually help

Bigg Boss Telugu 5 finalist Maanas Nagulapalli, who became a household name with his performance in popular daily soaps like Koilamma, has won laurels for his calm and composure in the recently concluded reality TV show. In a free-wheeling chat with the actor, ETimes TV got this cool cap talking about his BB journey, his biggest concerns, fears, feelings, future plans and more.

I've been more or less the same in the BB house, too. But I've learned that I'm stubborn. I've been tested for my integrity, physical and mental abilities. Being a single and the most pampered child, I never skipped a meal in life. But I was determined to prove myself during the Aakali Rajyam task. I didn't even have water for more than 24 hours. I was quite surprised with the way I kept up through the pressure.

I'm not so popular or active on social media compared to some of my co-contestants who have a loyal fan base. I was not much aware of the reality show and there was no or very less buzz about my entry into the show. So, for the first 2-3 weeks initially, I used to think how do I overtake these people, they have an edge. At the end of day, this is a competition. But after three weeks, I've realised the viewers are seeing something in me. I started concentrating on the tasks and eventually gained confidence. When I saw the PR setups and social media campaigning of a few contestants after stepping out of the house, I realised that we must plan our PR activities especially before participating in a reality TV show.

Ravi came across as a complete bouncer to me. He started targeting me on day 2. I was not sure but he said, 'Bro, this is a game show and you are my competitor' - fair and square! Even Shanmukh started attacking after five weeks. Again you can't judge anyone. Their strategies and behaviour in the show can't be compared to their real-life personas.

Inside the Bigg Boss house, only your words hurt people the most, not your actions or those tasks. So, I've learned that we can't lose our words in haste. That's why I don't like to talk when I'm angry or the other person is annoyed. I take my time, give the other person some space to calm down and introspect and then talk it out when we both are settled.

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The real Mr Cool or calm in the storm that people are calling me today is my dad. He's very calm and composed which surprises me a lot at times. My mom is very outspoken and enthusiastic which people have seen in the house (laughs). I think I'm a mix of both of them. I admire that fine balance and composure in my dad and that vigour in my mom. Growing up I was very naughty but after coming into the industry, I've realised you need to be more mature to handle the people and pressure here. One needs to be calm and composed to make the right decision in life.

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Actually, I've told Kajal and other friends about my mom. And once she left the house, they were like, 'You've told us only 10% of what she was' (laughs). I think that is her and we all love her for what she is. That day, I in fact got emotional when the song 'Neeve Neeve' was played. And the moment she stepped in, all my worries vanished.

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Everytime Pawan Kalyan sir's movie releases, it is a carnival for us. And being an actor doesn't make a difference. These days I'm tripping on La La Bheemla. Can't wait to watch it on the big screen. Well, this happened when Gopala Gopala released. The moment Pawan Kalyan sir appeared on the big screen, I rushed to the screen, screamed, whistled and danced my heart out. My colleagues and others were shell-shocked. They have seen a different Maanas that day (laughs). These are little precious things in life. You could see that difference in my energy levels whenever my idol's song was played in the house. Even when I was playing his character in the role-play task, I tried to be as subtle as possible. I must confess there are times when you get carried away with the character but that responsibility and a small sense of fear keeps you in check.

You know I'm a skinny guy. Competing with very strong contenders like Vishwa, who is an exceptional athlete and a WWE fighter, too, and even holding him down gives you a different level of confidence altogether.

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Moment you don't want to forget - Kajal not saving me and Sunny during the jail nomination. I would say betrayal is a very strong word but it felt like a betrayal that day. We've sorted it out later but I don't think I can get over it easily.

One moment you want to forget - I want to forget this moment (laughs)

One guilty moment - When I couldn't take a proper stance for Sunny or Kajal when they needed the most

One biggest regret - nothing

One most annoying moment - I've a lot of them especially when I couldn't convey what I felt to the other contestant

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It is very difficult to talk to Sunny when he is angry (chuckles). But he reciprocates very well when he calms down. I know when to talk to him. With Kajal, it is a totally different thing. She takes her time to understand and accept things. She doesn't get it the first time at all. It takes a lot of effort as we three are strongly opinionated people.

I would want to pick Sreerama Chandra's singing ability, be smart enough to know my moments like Shanmukh, be able to talk my mind like Siri does and the presentation skills of Ravi.

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I understand it is very difficult to handle all the contestants in the house, especially in just an hour-long episode. Yes, it would have been great if sir (Nagarjuna) could have appreciated me a bit but he didn't grill me either. But at times, a lot of appreciation also misguides you. I was put into some tough situations. Maybe Nag sir has understood this. That's why he has appreciated me less but everything he said helped me make it into the finale.

Bigg Boss OTT sounds really interesting. People usually judge us based on an hour-long episode. But I think Bigg Boss 24x7 would really help people make a fair judgment of every contestant in the house. And no one can say this was not shown or that part was edited out.

Bigg Boss for sure is not scripted. But reality shows are to let people know you as a person but not to grow as an actor. So, there may or may not be any mileage as an actor coming out of a reality show. You need to be tested and prove yourself as an actor time and again. I've grown as an actor with my performances in Koilamma and other shows. I was offered one more good TV project and two more OTT projects that will go on floors very soon.

(Photo: Instagram)