Few stars completed 100 films in the current generation of Telugu actors. Srikanth without any backup by a godfather achieves this. As his 100^th film, Mahatma, is getting ready for release, Srikanth, the most non-controversial star and affable actor, goes down the memory lane. He lets us know more about his personality, his career and of course, Mahatma. Excerpts from the interview..

Your thoughts on completing 100^th film..

I am really happy that I am completing 100 films in very short time. Though Chiranjeevi finished them in much lesser period, it gives me satisfaction that no other star in my generation did achieve this. But I don�t feel it as a big achievement or like that, it gives immense satisfaction that I still being liked by audiences.

Did you plan your career like this to be?

Except Mahatma, which is my 100^th film, no film was planned. I came to industry to get noticed and do some films but never dreamt of completing 100 films, 150 films like that. Most of the time, I went with the flow. In fact, I never had time to plan anything, as I was doing film after film without any gap. At one time, I was doing 10, 12 films in a year.

Then why did you plan Mahatma in such astute manner?

100^th movie is a landmark in one�s career, so I wanted this film to be remembered for a long time. In the initial stages, I was not in a position to rope in some big director to make a film with me. When this thought came of making memorable 100^th film, I approached Krishnavamsi and he readily agreed and he designed this subject.

Why did you zero on Krishnavamsi only?

I wanted this film to be special and different. In my opinion, only Krishnavamsi can dare to make a film like this. He is gutsy director and is adventurous.

What was the brief you have given to Krishnavamsi?

Nothing except that I waned him to make a good and variety film. He came up with this idea of making on the lines of Eenadu (1983), a serious film that deals with societal problems with an undercurrent message. He has designed a unique characterization of a rowdy making realize people the importance of Gandhian values in today�s times.

Mahatma looks like big budget flick. Don�t you think it is a risky proposition?

If you don�t take risk, nothing comes in life. Yes, Mahatma is two times bigger (in budget) than my earlier biggest film but it can only be made on this scale. In the initial stages, when KV narrated me this line, we looked for good producers but no one came. A producer came forward but he proposed a budget which was not enough for this film. So then KV though of scrapping it but my brother Anil and I have decided that we ourselves should produce the movie and informed the director. At the same time, suddenly, a friend of mine from Karntaka told about our mutual friend C R Manohar who is willing to step into Tollywood. He came to make film with him but I said I would do only after I finish 100^th film as I am producing it myself. Then he came forward to produce himself but I said no. He kept on insisted. Then, I asked what is the budget he would invest if he makes a film with me, he quoted a figure, which is more than I expected. His reason was that combination of Srikanth and Krishnavamsi would bring good business as we have delivered a hit with Khadgam and he is proved right now.

Tell us about your association with Krishnavamsi?

He is one director I respect a lot. We have been good friends for a long time. We are family friends. His family, my family and Jagapathi Babu�s family members and other mutual friends regularly meet and go for tours together. As a director, he is a genius. Not only that he is creative, he works hard, and brings in best performances from each actor. Just look at the films that he has done, he gave best films to Nag, Prakash Raj, Jagapathi Babu, Mahesh Babu and me. He brings in best work from the actor.

People say he is tough taskmaster?

Actors who afraid to work hard and put in effort might say this but indeed he is to delight to actor.

10 Best Films in your career?

Pelli Sandadi
Aame
Taj Mahal
Aahhavanam
Khadgam
Tarakaramudu
Preyasi Rave
Operation Duryadhona
Pellam Oorulethe
Swarabhishekam

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