Star Interviews
Interview with Manchu Manoj
By Sri
May 20, 2009 - 5:40:17 AM

Today (May 20) is Manchu Manoj's birthday. He celebrated this special day in his life at Bangkok. We wish him a very Happy Birthday..

Manoj in Prayanam

I knew Manchu Manoj Kumar from the days of his second film Sree, when the film's director Dasaradh introduced us. I was originally under the impression that he'd be an arrogant son of a celebrity and would not mingle with anyone well. In our very first conversation, I was in for a pleasant surprise seeing his down-to-earth attitude, and that made me stay in touch with him since then. Following the audio release of his Prayanam with Chandrasekhar Yeleti, I called him for an interview and he promised to call me soon and he did call in late in the night once, and we spoke at length on his projects and plans. Excerpts of our conversation are brought together in the form of an exclusive interview:

Sri: How is the journey (Prayanam) going?
Manoj: You need to ask Chandu anna (Chandrashekar Yeleti). (Laughs) I am just going wherever he's taking me.

Sri: I know it's a film about love at first sight happening within a couple of hours at the airport. How can anyone convince a girl in such a short time?
Manoj: My character meets the heroine in the airport and falls in love with her at the first sight, yeah. There's an urge to convince her quick, since she'd leave if it's time for her flight departure and we may never meet again! How I did it is, like they say, for you to watch on the silver screen (laughs).

Sri: How did you manage getting all the permissions at the airport?
Manoj: All that was taken care of by our Executive Producer Sudheer. My job is just acting - I really enjoyed a lot working with an efficient team.

Sri: Most film-makers want to keep their film themes secret too, of late! How is that you're telling the story setting before the release?
Manoj: Not only that but we also released the songs for free download from the WWW (Internet). I feel that it's not a problem at all if the film has the potential to pull it off.

Sri: How did the music come out?
Manoj: Mahesh Shankar has done an excellent job. I am sure he'd get a lot of good name after the film's release. He'd definitely join the big league after our film.

Sri: How was it working with Chandu?
Manoj: Working with Chandu anna is like learning everything afresh. Though I did four films before, I can say this is the film where I learnt real acting. He opened new doors for me and I can now see more world than before.

Sri: How do you happen to work with Chandu? He actually thought of making a film with newcomers this time, right?
Manoj: It was Ajay Sastry (director of Nenu Meeku Telusaa..!) who introduced us. Ajay is good friend of Chandu anna. When he heard the script, he felt I could do it and that it'd suit me apt. He then came to me and asked me to go meet Chandu anna. Chandu anna saw me and asked me to put on weight again...

Sri: Again?!
Manoj: (Laughs) I lost weight for Nenu Meeku Telusaa..! but Chandu anna wanted me to put some weight and I gained weight ...again. I am about to lose 22 kg now, again! I already lost 10 kg and should I have 12 more to go before I start shooting for Veeru Potla's film. I am not going for quick weight redemption case but am choosing through the right diet and right exercise, and thus the process is slow instead of drastic.

Sri: I heard you were ill!
Manoj: I met with an accident at the time of Nenu Meeku Telusaa..! and I hurt my back. I started feeling better but it became worse now and I wasn't able to move at all and it started hurting a lot. I am undergoing treatment now and I hope to recover fast.

Manoj in Prayanam

Sri: How was it working with the debutant heroine Harika?
Manoj: (Laughs) Tamannah was also a debutant when we worked together for Sree. It all depends on the director anDii! We just do our work - whatever director says is what we do.

Sri: Who's your idol in films?
Manoj: Tom Cruise and Jackie Chan. Some people may think of Jackie Chan as a mere action hero but he's such a wonderful artist. Most of our super stars imitate him too!

Sri: What good and bad did you learn from the Prayanam (journey) of life with your father?
Manoj: Only two good things - respect for elders and respect for work, and to be frank and speaking the truth. One who cannot respect work cannot achieve anything. Truth might sometimes turn enemies out of our friends, but it alone stands out at the end. Hard work and talent are bound to be noticed. People notice you because of your efforts but not because of your background. Background helps, yes, but only until bringing you to the screen, but from there on, only hard work pays - that's what everyone will discuss and notice.

Sri: I heard you live in a studio?
Manoj: No, I don't! We built a studio, complete with a workshop, gym, etc. but I don't live there - we only work there. When I am shooting for a film, my day starts at 4:30 a.m. I work out in the gym until 7 a..m. and and then go to shooting.

Sri: Why is everyone scared of your dad, Mohan Babu gaaru?
Manoj: Simply because they're scared of truth! They only want to listen to stories. Those that are really in touch with him will never be scared and they all like him more than anyone else once they start talking to him.

Sri: Do people have to go through him to get his nod first to make films with you or your brother Vishnu?
Manoj: Not any more. They come talk to me, and I go ahead with the project if I like the story and set up and see some novelty in it.

Sri: I heard that you're coming to Chicago in July along with Mamatha Mohandass?!
Manoj: Where did her name pop up from, all of a sudden (laughs)? I am not coming, and I never heard about it until now. My diary is full until October - I do not have even a day to spare until then!

Sri: I thought your diary is actually full until the end of next year, as you're doing nearly six movies now!
Manoj: True, but as of now, the schedules are made until the end of October. More dates will be finalized after that!

Manoj in Prayanam

Sri: I heard that you are doing film with the veteran director K. Raghavendra Rao gaaru?
Manoj: Yes, but that'll be after two projects. My immediate project will be with Veeru Potla starting the first week of June, and Gamyam Krish's film follows from the end of June. After completing these two, I have the others lined up with Raghavendra Rao gaaru, Krissnavamsi, Raja, etc. Working with Raghavendra Rao gaaru would be a great learning experience for a budding artist like me. We can learn a lot through his films. It is privilege to work with a thespian like him.

Sri: All major films abroad include a special disc with "Behind the Scenes" features such as the making, interviews of those celebrities involved in the film, etc. and I think it's a good idea too! Why don't our film-makers show interest in shooting and promoting the making of a film? 
Manoj: The concept is indeed good and we would surely think about it. We'll plan to do something on those lines for the film I'd do with Raja starting December.

Sri: Tell me about Vedam by Krish.
Manoj: Krish told me me before but I said I'd join in for detailed discussions starting the end of June when I join the film's crew. I am sure it'd be a trendsetter.

Sri: So, do you think the stars system in Tollywood will change with this film?
Manoj: We are only trying now, and we cannot tell anything for sure right now, but I hope it'd change as movies now have a global reach.

Sri: With four people from your household in the films, how do you plan to be a part of the revolutionary change?
Manoj: Please wait for two more years and you'll see how we are going to bring in some changes. We are already working on it now.

By this time, it was already past 2:30 a.m. IST and I felt I should end the interview so that he can catch some sleep. I wished him all the best for his distinct Prayanam (journey) through Tollywood.

  Edited by: NaChaKi
Interview: by  Sri Atluri