"You are destined to win."
Whoa!
"You are destined to win."
Hello, welcome.
Oaksmith packaged drinking water and Country Delight present
'Jayammu Nishchayammu Raa' with me, Jagapathi.
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"You are destined to win."
'Jayammu Nishchayammu Raa' with me, Jagapathi.
Dad!
Who is that?
'Super Natural Star Teja Sajja'
Why are you looking at the other way, dad?
Why are you calling me dad?
I told you not to call me that in front of everyone.
Can I call you dad in front of a handful of people?
There is no one here.
Can I call you dad?
Dad!
No! Don't call me dad!
Why do you call me dad? How many children do I exactly have?
Ever since we worked on 'Bachi' together, I have been trying
to bother you by calling you ‘Dad’.
I have the opportunity now. So I am utilising it to the fullest.
My brothers, show us the dad.
'You are truly irritating me by calling me dad.'
'Don't call me dad in front of everyone.'
'Can I call you dad in front of a handful of people then?'
'Don't call me dad in front of anyone.'
'Call me dad if we are alone.'
'There is no one here.' - 'Yes.'
'Dad!' - 'Hey!'
You were so adorable.
No, sir. I won't bother you too much.
I have fulfilled my wish by saying it once in front of everyone.
I reminded you of our scene together.
I am done.
If you call me dad again, I will simply have to give up.
Call me grandpa if you want. I wouldn't care.
As of now, I don't want to do that again.
Sir keeps refusing me. So I want to do it again.
We will see how it goes, sir. - No. No.
Do you know Veeramachineni Ram Prasad?
He sounds like an important person. Who is that, sir?
He plays a significant role in your life. How can you forget him?
Who is that? - He had a significant impact on your life.
How bad is your memory? Do you remember Walden?
Yes. - Who is the owner of Walden? - Oh, your brother.
Actually, Walden is a place that has changed my life.
Right. - You frequented Walden, when you were a kid.
My cousin used to take me there, sir.
He bought me toys. They also sold small articles.
He used to buy things for me. - How old were you?
I was around 2 years old.
We were casually looking around in Walden.
Mr Gunasekhar's team was present there.
They wanted me to act in 'Choodalani Undhi'.
They took my photos.
Was Gunasekhar with them?
I don't remember that exactly, sir.
His team was there. They took my pictures.
The photos reached Mr Dutt and Mr Chiranjeevi.
Out of hundreds of photos, they picked mine.
Did he select it himself? - Yes, Mr Chiranjeevi did.
Mr Chiranjeevi did. And then?
Hey!
Sir, how are you?
Hi, Guna.
Sir, thank you. Thanks for coming.
"This feeling is amazing."
Sir, I am incredibly grateful to you.
Mr Dutt, Mr Chiranjeevi, and you have made my career.
I was never on a platform where I could speak about this.
But I am incredibly grateful to all of you, sir.
The first person you should be thanking is
Jagapathi Babu's brother.
On that note, thanks to Jaggu sir's brother for owning Walden.
I wouldn't have gone there if there were no Walden.
I wouldn't have seen you.
I wouldn't have launched you.
There is beauty to this. Every director has a vision.
He had a vision about you being a star.
It is great that he saw that potential in you.
That's truly over the top, sir.
I don't know if you have envisioned this level of success.
He is too adorable.
I was told to come and pat him on the back.
But I pulled his cheek. - Very good.
I have a habit of pulling his cheeks.
Very good. Do it again.
He was very hyperactive. - Back then.
Back then, yes. - He is still the same.
I was immediately charmed by him when I saw him.
My assistant director is Yadagiri.
I told him to approach him.
I know Yadagiri. Video library.
Back then, he approached him and brought him to the office.
Dutt and everyone else saw him.
You selected him right away when you saw him.
I saw him when I walked into the store.
He was smart and cute.
He recognised my charm many years ago, sir.
Are you bragging about yourself? - Yes.
Oh, sorry.
We have been looking for a child artist.
Dutt left that choice to me.
He said, 'Guna, you are a child specialist.'
'You hired thousands of children for Ramayana.'
'Now you have to find a boy for us.' - Child specialist.
We were out there looking for a child artist.
We ended up in Walden.
I was there to look for a few books. I saw him.
I found him smart and cute.
That's when our journey began.
I think it is destiny, sir.
Everything is destined to happen.
What happened to me was truly destiny, sir.
The way I started my journey, and where I am standing now
is truly impossible without my destiny and God's blessings, sir.
This had to happen.
Are you trying to compete with me?
You grew a beard.
You are going for the salt and pepper look.
I got bored with my old style.
That's precisely why I changed my old style.
Oh, you are doing great, sir.
Thank you. - Ever since then.
I am happy to work on 'Manoharam' with you. - I know.
You got a Nandi award for best actor.
"You are destined to win."
'Manoharam' is a commercial film. Everything went well.
I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The visuals in your vision are unique, which is why I enjoyed it.
Sir, the Nandi award has been mentioned now.
I have been wronged, sir. - What happened?
For some reason, this looks like a circle of life.
After I worked on 'Choodalani Undhi'
I was called to receive a Nandi Award as the best child actor.
I was told about this after I grew up.
But in the end, the award was given to sir's son for 'Anthapuram'.
Is that true? - I have been wronged, sir.
What do I have to do with this?
I missed my award because you worked on that film.
Otherwise, 'Choodalani Undhi' would have gotten the award.
Do you want me to stay at home and not make any movies?
I am delighted. Congratulations. - Sir, thank you, sir.
Thank you, sir. - 'Mirai' was genuinely great.
I hope you work on normal films too alongside superhero films.
Definitely, sir. - A hero who walks on the ground.
Definitely, sir. - All the best.
Thank you. Thanks a lot, sir.
"You are destined to win."
That was Saundarya's son. Not my son.
It was Sai Kumar and Saundarya's son.
Yes. That's right.
Your parents are well-educated.
They worked all their lives. All your life,
you have been around, educated and highly placed people.
This is your background.
Where was your education done? HPS or RTC crossroads?
Half of my education was on the film sets, sir.
I attributed 80% of whatever knowledge I have
through the movie sets I worked on and the movies I have seen.
I went to school to gain the remaining 20% of my knowledge.
Were you a good student? - No, sir.
Just average.
I was below average. But I topped the exams.
Me too, sir.
I figured out a way when it was time for exams.
What did you figure out? - Everything that I possibly can.
I am a fearful person in general.
I used to study vigorously.
When it was time for exams, I used to check who was sitting next to me.
I used to find them and made alliances two days before the exam.
I wouldn't even be satisfied with that.
I used to take slips to the exam just to be extra cautious.
I did everything I possibly could. I used to be prepared.
I have to get good scores at any cost.
Were you notorious back then?
Sir, I think I was hyperactive when I was a kid.
I have become quiet now. - Is that what you call yourself?
When you were in school,
did they tease you with the name of Mr Chiranjeevi or Jagapathi Babu?
Did anyone do that? - I don't remember, sir.
My friends must have done that. There are two ways, sir.
Few students would hype me up by saying,
'You will be like Mr Chiranjeevi when you grow up'.
There are a few other people.
They would be like, 'Do you think you are like Chiranjeevi?'
There will always be two types of people.
Yes, there will always be. Yeah.
I heard you used to spend money recklessly.
Absolutely not, sir. - No?
I was always cautious.
I wanted to hear the truth from you.
One of your friends said that you waste your money.
My friend? - I wanted to prove him wrong.
Who is that friend? Did someone come here?
No one is here. - Alright, good.
You can see him over there. Look at the screen.
The screens? - My brothers, Teja's friend, please.
Hello, everyone. Hi, Teja. Hi, Jaggu sir.
I have known him since 2005.
It has been 20 years.
I want to shed some light on Teja's clarity. Teja
was just around the time to end his career as a child artist.
He was in a transition phase of becoming a hero.
There is a small gap. During that time, Teja's father said
he should have an alternate career.
He wanted Teja to pursue an engineering degree.
He wanted him to join engineering.
He asked us to go to Muffakham Jah.
We are ex-students of Muffakham Jah.
He sent us there to take a computer science or IT course.
We went to the admin department.
We told them, 'Computer science or IT would be better.'
'He will have shootings quite often.'
'We will have to accommodate that and everything.'
We were preparing them for the future.
Teja was right there with us.
He asked what the cheapest course was.
The admin was shocked by that.
There is a backstory to make this decision.
Teja said, 'My background is movies.'
'What would I do with computer science or IT?'
'I don't want to waste 600,000 on this.'
'100,000 would be more than enough. I never know when I will drop out.'
He opted for mechanical for 100,000.
We were shocked by that.
What will a young boy who is 17-18 years old,
who finished intermediate and wants to join engineering think, sir?
They wish to be in a good college.
They wish to have a good car.
But he thought of saving 500,000.
Now we know how Teja thinks and what clarity he has on life.
I am sure all of his producers know about this quality.
What I want to tell Teja through this show is that
he got his second successful film.
How would anyone be after being successful? Happy, right?
They would want to enjoy.
Teja is not like that. I just talked to him yesterday.
I asked, 'Why are you tense? Your movie is a hit.'
He was already planning his next movie.
The story of the film. Promotions for the film.
That's how he always thinks.
He is a wonder kid.
I know where he is going to land in his future.
All I want is for him
to enjoy this success for two days without any distractions.
Please talk to him, sir.
I came here to enjoy the success with you, sir.
This is not a part of my promotion.
I am having a lot of fun watching this show.
When I watched it as an audience, I wanted to be here with you.
You supported our film 'Mirai'.
You made sure the movie is up to the mark.
We are truly grateful to you.
I am here to celebrate with you. Celebrate the success with you.
I am just reminded of something when he was talking.
I was wondering where he was getting with his narration.
Neelesh is my brother's classmate.
My brother was with us too.
My brother and Neelesh did their MS in America.
They were sitting next to me. The principal recognised them.
She recognised them. She asked them
if they were ex-students and they said yes.
She asked what they did after college.
They mentioned their university. She was impressed.
They were talking about their jobs and their positions.
She was pretty impressed. She thought they were successful.
She asked which course we were looking for.
For the first time in my life,
I heard about production engineering.
I never heard about it. I knew about mechanical, It, CSE.
I said I want to take production engineering and she asked why.
I said that's the cheapest course. I said I was happy with that.
I just want to do engineering. I don't care which course I do.
I wouldn't pursue a career in engineering.
She heard everything I had to say. She turned to them and asked
if they really studied in that university.
They were mad about me ruining their reputation.
What about BBA?
I joined the course. I knew how it would turn out.
I studied there for six months, sir.
All the subjects, the chaos that comes with it,
the practicals, standing for hours,
I dropped out right away as I knew it wasn't my thing.
You dropped out, okay.
I didn't even have much time, sir. My whole intention was
to go to different movie offices.
Giving my auditions. Meeting the directors.
I wanted to do it through my engineering days
but it didn't work out.
They wanted 80% attendance.
They want us there from 8 to 5. It was getting quite too serious.
I dropped out in seven months.
I immediately joined a BBA course.
I finished my BBA, sir.
You love movies. You are passionate about movies.
I have seen it myself. When we were working on 'Mirai'
you were already planning your next movie.
You worked very hard for the movie promotions.
You have been on your feet at all times.
You made us go to 'The Kapil Sharma Show'.
It is not easy to make it happen.
It is not easy to reach out to 192 countries through one show.
"You are destined to win."
The way you interacted with everybody,
the way you took the film forward... - Sir.
One of the reasons this movie is huge, despite being the hero,
you are responsible for it which is quite beautiful.
I definitely feel very responsible.
I have been watching superstars ever since I was a child.
I saw how hard they worked.
I noticed everything. If I have a platform as such...
Thousands of people wish to be that, sir.
They want to be an artist.
They want to be a hero. - Yes.
When I had such a platform, as long as I have the opportunity,
I will give my 110%, sir.
By the time I am done with a movie
I shouldn't regret not doing a sure thing.
Nothing is bigger than the film when I have the opportunity.
That's all, sir. - Correct. Correct.
Only one in tens of millions gets this rare opportunity. - Yes. Yes.
Millions and millions of people.
I know a very well-respected doctor, sir.
He told me that he feels jealous of me.
He said he was jealous of artists. I asked him why.
He said, 'You wear new clothes every day.'
'You go to the new locations every day.'
'You meet new people every day.'
'What more do you want? I stay right here every day.'
'I do the same thing every single day.'
I enjoy my work a lot.
I am happy to be working in films.
God gave me an opportunity. I will give my 100%.
You have been acting since you were a child.
You met many heroines in your time. Now you see new-age heroines.
Do you have a crush on anyone?
Let it be back then. Or let it be now. - Okay.
I won't tell you about the current crush even if there is one, sir.
So there is someone.
How is it possible not to have one?
Yes, there has been a crush. - Yes.
You are a man. Come on.
Everyone opens their heart to you in this show.
I have seen shirtless confessions. I have watched a few episodes.
I am prepared for everything.
Take off your shirt.
What, sir? - Take off your shirt.
We shall get into that zone after the second break, sir.
No matter which heroine I mention now.
Jaggu sir might feel bad. That's why I won't name anyone.
You have a crush. Back then and even now.
That's confirmed.
Did any hero, whom you were close with, gave you any suggestions?
How to act. How to learn. What to do.
Mr Chiranjeevi told me one thing.
What he said has truly been etched on my brain forever.
When I told you I was going to become an actor again
he was not welcoming towards me. He was not congratulating me.
He asked, 'What will be your unique take?'
I didn't know what to answer.
I wanted to become an actor.
But I didn't ask that question to myself.
I didn't understand it until sir asked me that question.
He said, 'There are many heroes. What can you do differently?'
Mr Rama Rao worked on historical films.
Mr Chiranjeevi worked on commercial mass action movies.
He asked me what I wanted to do.
He asked me what makes me special.
I thought about it for a long time. I didn't find the answer that day.
I have given it a lot of thought.
That's how I decided to make special movies.
While I was busy working on myself,
Mr Chiranjeevi saw the glimpse of 'Mirai' and told me.
'How are you making unique movies? How are you finding them?'
I was like, 'You are the one who told me about this, sir.'
'You forgot.'
I take everyone's advice, sir. I take advice from you too.
I take everyone's advice.
But a few of those remain firm in my mind.
There are a few suggestions
as such, from Mr Chiranjeevi and Mr Ravi Teja.
Nani as well. I look up to them.
Their journeys are inspiring. - NTR.
NTR told me to learn Kuchipudi when I was a kid.
He said learning Kuchipudi will help me adapt to other dance forms.
I learnt Kuchipudi for three years, sir.
That's why I can proudly say I can ease my body into any moves.
I learnt everything, sir.
Whatever I needed to learn to become a hero,
I learnt everything. Horse riding, Kuchipudi, skating,
western dance, swimming, I learnt everything.
When I grew up, I found out I didn't need any of those.
All I had to do was understand the story.
Nepo kids is a very vague term.
Most people try to create an issue around that word.
You have no connection to the film industry.
You also have a connection.
Your family is not in the film industry.
There is no one in the movies, unless you count me as dad.
You proved a point by saying that it is not nepo kids.
Talent and passion are what matter.
You proved a point. It is very crucial for the industry.
Thank you, sir. - Good job.
"You are destined to win."
You are not a nepo kid.
But there is a talk about you being a nepo kid. How did that happen?
What is the talk, sir?
You are the adopted son of Mr Dutt.
Mr Dutt encouraged me a lot when I was a child, sir.
I acted in five movies under Vyjayanthi movies
when I was a child.
Everyone recognised me through those movies.
I also have an answer to counter this claim.
Mr Dutt should be making movies with me as a hero, right?
He didn't. He should be giving me opportunities. He didn't.
He didn't even give me a supporting character role.
None of that has happened as of now.
Is Mr Dutt right behind me?
Note this point, everybody. - How am I a nepo kid?
Mr Dutt and I...
On top of everything, he owes you 60 million.
I don't know whether it is 60 million or 80 million, sir.
It depends on the interest. - Yes.
Tell the audience about it.
When I worked on 'Choodalani Undhi'
I worked on 'Rajakumarudu'
with Mr Mahesh under Mr Dutt's production.
I worked on 'Indra' after that.
There was a small gap in between.
Mr Dutt jokingly said, He wasn't joking. He was serious.
He said, 'Teja is working on multiple films.'
'These films are working out in a significant way.'
'I am starting a mutual fund in the name of Teja with 500,000.'
'When he is 25 years old, give it to him as a gift from me.'
I am 29 years old now.
I have been waiting to break the mutual fund.
Mrs Swapna must see this show.
She must give me the details.
No, call Swapna Dutt. - Sir.
Call her and ask her. She is right here.
She is somewhere around.
If you identify her, we will call her.
No. No. She is not here.
I am saved. - She is saved.
No, sir. I don't want to break the mutual fund.
I don't want anything.
What I want to say is that
give me a blockbuster movie.
Mrs Swapna had a unique take on stories told.
All the movies under Vyjayanthi production are extraordinary.
I want to be a part of such grand and crazy movies.
I don't want the mutual fund. Just give me a great story.
I heard some breaking news about you. - Sir.
I heard your first film was for Hollywood.
I worked on a Hollywood movie, sir.
It wasn't my first film.
I worked on an English film.
We are about to play a special AV to surprise our guest.
Can you guess what that is about?
How can we guess that, sir? Please give us a hint.
Why don't we just watch it?
Alright, enough.
You have so many achievements.
It was an International film about the life story of an Indian boy.
I worked on it when I was a kid.
You are a stubborn man.
People call me stubborn. My family calls me gritty guava.
Gritty guava.
You are the original gritty guava. - I mean...
I am being honest. I am no one's gritty guava.
I don't bother anyone. I don't get involved in others' affairs.
I don't even... - When it comes to movies. - I will get there.
I don't bother my friends and family.
I am a gritty guava to my directors.
I am like that with the directors.
Even the producers. - No, sir.
When it comes to a producer, it is better to hear from them.
They can describe it better. But I enjoy this, sir.
I enjoy everything we do. It is mutual.
They also have the same kind of feeling.
A personal bond will be formed with them over time, sir.
Yes. - With my directors.
I don't know whether it is because I worked on one film for two years.
All my friends got a lot closer to me.
No, my directors turned out to be my very close friends.
You became a child artist without having to audition.
Did you audition for the role of a hero?
Or did you meet Nandini in a shopping mall?
I gave many auditions, sir. Are you talking about 'Oh Baby'?
Yes, 'Oh Baby' too.
To get the role in 'Oh Baby',
I was in that film too. - Yes, yes, of course, I knew that.
I didn't give an audition for 'Oh Baby', sir.
They did a look test. No, I did audition, sir.
I gave an audition, sir.
They selected me after watching my audition.
Nandini is good at auditioning.
She was bullying me during that time.
It was a lot.
She always does that.
She is the type who does that.
"Oh, baby! Oh, baby!"
"Oh, baby!"
She bullies me a lot, sir.
I am the only one she targets.
Mr Suresh Babu was very stern.
He wants his shot done at 7 am.
Even the junior artists wouldn't get there by 7 am.
Only Teja would come.
He was the targeted one.
They asked me to come by 5 am.
They suggested I stay the night at Ramanaidu studios.
He said he would shoot the first thing
when he gets there in the morning.
Thanks a lot for giving me a chance in 'Oh Baby'.
Thank you.
There is one thing that has changed in him.
If the director asks him to come by 7 am, he will.
"Oh, baby! Oh, baby!"
He is sincere. He is hardworking. He is meticulous.
He keeps updating me on the films that he is working on.
I see that he treats it like his first film.
I think that's his superpower.
I was just about to say that. I call you tree, right?
He calls me tree. - I have always called you tree.
He always did.
She put me through this during 'Anthapuram'.
She put me through a lot.
She used to make me come here in the morning.
She bullied both of us. It is time for us to bully her.
I am ready, sir. I am ready. - Hey!
This is my real entertainment. Let's do it, sir.
"This is fun. This is fun."
How did you torture him?
We started our day with him with an early morning shot.
What else did you do?
Psychologically...
What did I do to you psychologically?
I didn't do that. - What about training?
Shoving someone. - He is my senior.
No. No. Let me finish this.
Jaggu sir is using me to describe how he feels about Nandini.
He is expressing his concerns.
I didn't go through any of that.
I wanted to be a lead actor.
I wanted to get rid of the child artist image.
I was looking for opportunities. Nothing worked out.
'Oh Baby' was clearly a remake.
I watched the original movie. I went and asked if I could do it.
They asked me to take off my beard and a moustache. - Yes, that was it.
I want to be a hero.
I told them not to make me do it. But they made me take it off.
Anyway, what I want to mention is
Ms Samantha and Ms Nandini, both of them.
It was their film.
But they wanted to make me shine in their movie.
They pushed me to be better. I will forever remember that.
I am forever grateful to both of them.
"Oh, baby! Oh baby! Oh, baby!"
So no bullying.
No bullying.
Bullying is bullying, sir.
There was bullying. - We don't have the chance.
We don't have to do anything. He will bully us. Let me tell you.
There is always that one student in a class.
The one who studies for all the exams at once.
He would ask us what we studied.
He would ask whether we learnt everything. He is that one.
He will be over-prepared for everything.
He will end up torturing us.
But I am very proud of Teja.
He is the most grounded person to date.
There are very few heroes who think about the producers.
He was still like that even after 'Hanu-man'.
What does the audience want? Is the producer prepared?
He thinks about everything. He is very grounded.
How is the film doing? He doesn't crave screen time.
He doesn't think about himself, sir.
He narrated the story of 'Mirai' to me, maybe a million times.
He asked me how the film was. How fast was the movie?
That is all he thinks about. He thinks about the audience.
That's his strength.
That's why he is a supernatural star today.
Our benefit lies in the team's benefit.
I was about to tell him what you just said.
What I like about him is... I saw him when he was a kid.
He was a naughty kid.
He made films like 'Hanu-man', 'Zombie Reddy',
and now, there's 'Mirai'...
He hasn't changed a bit. - That's true.
Well, I want you to remain that way.
Please don't change. - Thank you, sir.
So, it's a good thing. That is what he is.
He doesn't let success get to his head. He's kind of scared, you know.
I mean, he tries his best not to make any mistakes.
It's good. - This attitude is going to protect him always.
He's scared that way.
"You are destined to win."
When are you giving Nandini dates? - Sir, this is what he told me.
'Sister, let me tell you something.'
'As long as our work is good, as long as our stories are good,'
'this industry is going to respect us.'
'If your work is good, everyone will give you dates.'
'Including me. You're like a sister to me and I love you a lot.'
'But I'm telling you the truth.'
You said this to me two years ago, right? - Oh my goodness!
Think about his maturity level... - Wow...
He injected that good fear into me as well.
But he was absolutely right, sir.
I should never take advantage of our relationship
and ask for his dates.
Because he has built his career one brick at a time.
If I'm a responsible director,
then I've to try and make an impression on him with my story.
There's a point in talking about dates with other heroes,
but not with me. Because...
What is the word... I believe in exclusive commitments.
Once I commit, the project will be on at least for a year or two.
So I have got nothing to do with dates.
He doesn't do speed dating... - Well...
I don't date and I don't give dates, sir.
He does only one movie at a time. No distractions whatsoever.
He's like a horse with blinkers.
As you just said a while ago. I've noticed it as well, Nandini.
You never approached me without a reason.
You came to me only when there was a real need. - Yes...
You're not the kind who will use anybody.
That's why there is this understanding. - Yes...
Okay... - Right. Thank you.
Thank you very much. - It was lovely meeting you.
Thanks, sister. Thanks for coming.
"Baby! Oh, baby! Oh, baby!"
"Oh, baby! Oh, baby!"
Just a minute, sir.
I'll go check if someone else is there. - No...
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I ask everyone this question, Teja.
Teja, well, everyone knows that you were a child artist.
And you are rocking as a hero. We are witnessing that as well.
But there's something that no one knows about.
Your love life.
Shall we talk about that?
This segment is brought to you by Telugumatrimony.com.
Every story begins with a connection.
At this stage of life, what does love mean to you?
I don't know what to say.
What did you say? - I mean it.
Maybe I shouldn't talk about it.
I don't know anything about my love life either.
Life is all about realising what you don't know.
People claim that they do,
perhaps, they don't have a clue.
You've been in a relationship for five years now. What's her name?
It has been going on for about three years now, sir.
Karthik Gattamneni, Vishwa Prasad.
I was in a relationship
with Prashanth Verma for five years before that.
Sir, if I really have a girlfriend, would I be sitting here with you
two days after the release of my film, sir?
I mean, these people are taking up all my time.
Most people look at marriage as a big step in life.
What's your opinion on it?
No opinion, sir. Because I'm not married.
I mean, what do you think of marriage?
How can I comment on that? I know nothing, sir.
Wow... - Well...
I'm a very committed artist, sir. Am I not?
Are you saying you are going to act well even in married life?
That's what everyone does eventually, right, sir?
Tell me about 'Zombie Reddy'.
I waited for long to work in a film like that, sir.
But when we were about to start the shoot,
we had Covid and then, it went out of control.
I really tried very hard for a role like this one after 'Oh! Baby'.
I was a bit scared about the whole situation.
But the director of the film, Prashanth's support was rock-solid.
He said, 'It doesn't matter. Let's start shooting.'
'Everybody, wear masks and gloves.' He started shooting the film.
I think we were the first to shoot during Covid in Tollywood.
Not even a person was affected.
We take pride in it. Every day, in the mornings
and evenings, we dedicated two hours to everyone's safety.
We took extreme care. And not even a person was affected.
Very good. That's an achievement.
Tell us about 'Hanu-Man'.
Tell us all about your struggles during the shoot.
When you are attempting to make an ambitious film, you will run into
a lot of challenges. Physical, financial challenges.
First of all, you have to persuade the producers into making the film.
You'll be under a lot of pressure, sir.
There's a worse kind of pressure. Nothing beats this, sir.
Having people around you, who don't believe in you.
Their words affect you adversely.
So, when people were talking either about me,
or Mr Prashanth, or the producers...
The producers were first-timers.
And they were doing a film with me, who was a relative newcomer.
There was a lot of chaos...
I didn't let that affect my performance, sir.
"You are destined to win."
I was mentally prepared. So I shut the world around.
I couldn't hear what they were saying. I was focused on work.
When there's God's grace, no one can stop you, sir.
You are a supernatural power. No one can stop you.
Sir, we gave our hundred and ten percent.
We didn't care about our health. We lost track of time and space.
We didn't count the days, you see. We were fixated on the output.
A while ago, you asked me what my girlfriend's name was, right?
This is my honest answer to that.
For the kind of films that we are trying to do
with the limitations we have,
I really didn't have time to speak with
my parents during the shoot, sir.
You know well how difficult it is to survive here.
And how difficult it is to survive here as a lead actor.
So, as a lead actor,
when I'm doing such a big-budget film, it's a lot of pressure!
You'll not have any mental space.
But yes, as you said...
The audience from all over India welcomed it with open hearts.
God was there with us. And our hard work paid off, sir.
You're a grown-up now. It's a good thing.
You didn't go up. You are still with us.
You acted with me as a kid. Then we acted in 'Mirai'.
Did you feel any difference? I mean, in me.
Though I acted with you as a kid, I remember watching your films
and interviews more. I'd like to talk about that experience.
As of now, you are very calm, composed and silent.
And you're trying to support other people.
You are ready to do anything to support someone's vision.
I think that's the space you are in right now.
You want to support others now. It's not about you anymore.
I think you are working for others' success now.
Correct me if I'm wrong, sir.
No, you're right. Hundred percent...
I trust directors with my life.
But, the point was, Teja. I didn't want you to praise me or something.
We were talking about the business of 'Mirai'
throughout the shoot. Do you remember? - Yes.
I knew it was going to be a very hit. - Yes!
You kept pushing me from day one. You said,
'Teju, it's going to be a big blockbuster.'
'Please relax and be peaceful.' That's what you said to me.
And also, you've got nothing
new to prove to the audience.
Despite that you put on make-up for two hours every day.
You couldn't even eat or drink something.
You used straw to drink liquids.
You went through it selflessly for our sake.
You did that role for us. There's nothing more to it, sir.
Well, it helped me a lot. I mean, the character...
The director designed that look beautifully.
'Mirai' helped everybody. In fact, it helped the industry.
Thank you, sir. - We used to chat about the film's business.
I was pretty confident. As a hero, there was more burden on you,
so you couldn't think the way I thought. - Yeah!
That kind of responsibility wasn't on my shoulders,
though I loved the film and everything about it.
But whenever the producer, Vishwa Prasad at the shoot,
you used to pester me to tell him about the film.
But why?
Because I didn't want him to think we were wasting his money.
And since you liked the way the film was progressing...
Forget it. Let's not talk about this.
What if he watches this episode? - No...
But I told him about it. - I know, sir.
I can only talk if it comes from my heart.
Because Mr Vishwa makes lots of films...
I just wanted him to know what exactly we were doing...
We were talking about you. - I mean, yes...
He does a lot of films, really. Are you trying to get me killed?
I didn't want him to think we were purposely stretching the schedule.
He tried to rope me into trapping you, sir.
No... I didn't do that.
I requested you to talk to him about our diligence.
I have to tell you this, sir.
There was no need for any recommendations.
Because he had full faith in this film. - I know.
The total credit goes to Vishwagaru and Karthikgaru.
It's hard to imagine the level of confidence he had in the film.
'Teju, this film is going to be a big blockbuster.'
Very, very thankful, sir.
In the beginning, he asked me if I had seen the visuals.
When I expressed my doubts about the film,
he asked me to watch the visuals.
He was pretty confident from day one.
As far as I know, he was completely focused on work.
There was no worry of any sort. He never overthinks. - True.
There's one more thing. I really respect him a lot for this.
He's the only producer to whom I said, 'I'm your production artist.'
I work for your production.
"You are destined to win."
In those days, my dad had a production house.
There were Jagapathi Artists.
I'm a People's Media Artist.
Superb...
I was pretty confident as far as 'Mirai' was concerned.
The same goes with Goodachari. I was confident about these two films.
I always said this. This movie is going to be a hit in Telugu states.
I even said it'll do well in North America. We are profitable.
Awesome. Superb!
There's a lot to talk about. Please have a seat.
For this film particularly... I mean, considering its budget...
There are computer graphics throughout the movie.
The CG quality is amazing. It's perfect.
Every reviewer is highlighting this point in the film.
So, that is a special compliment to you all.
Thank you.
You are doing 'Rajasaab' CG, right?
We have outsourced about 30 percent.
Seventy percent in house.
I told you that painful days are behind you the last time we met.
'Rajasaab' is going to be a hit.
You're going to experience only pleasure. - Thank you, sir.
Can you please give us an update on Rajasaab?
January 9th, we are releasing, sir, as planned.
Any releases on Prabhas's birthday?
We are releasing first single on his birthday...
How can you answer all his questions like that, sir?
You have to hesitate a bit and dodge the questions.
You're ruining the anticipation of the fans.
He is a different person, you see.
Let's talk about 'Mirai'.
How did you two meet Karthik Gattamneni?
How did he impress you two and how did it come through?
Was he a friend?
No, through work, sir. Karthikgaru had made
a few films. That's how I know him.
He shared an idea for an adventurous film. I was very excited.
We didn't meet or speak for a long time.
In the year 2021 or 2022,
we connected over a phone call. It was a courtesy call, you see.
We decided to meet in person.
He pitched an idea in that meeting.
I enquired about the previous idea. He said, 'It's ready...'
'But there's a million obstacles.'
And he kept giving me reasons to say no to that.
'We need to visit a lot of countries.'
'And we need to work in dire situations.'
'We have to do everything on our own. We need to create a creature.'
I mean, he tried his best to make me say no to that project.
I said, 'That is what we should be doing.'
'We have to offer such experiences to the audience.'
We jumped into it. And I'm extremely happy...
He's a supremely talented craftsman.
The film is hugely successful and has been praised everywhere
because of Karthik Gattamneni. He's the main man behind the film.
I really like him a lot.
I met him on the sets. I didn't know till then.
He's a personification of simplicity.
There's nothing simple about him. He's a serious man.
I mean...
Please come over here, sir. You're a part of the film.
I'm good... - You aren't a host now...
Of course, I'm in the film. - Say cheese!
I don't know anyone as shy as Karthikgaru.
Well, he started his career as a cinematographer, right?
If you put a camera in front of him, he'll turn around and walk away.
He hates to be in front of the camera.
And in the entire shoot, you know, we shot for so many days.
He never ever used a mic.
We had a problem with that. - Yes!
I mean, it was so frustrating.
We will be ready. But we won't hear from them.
They will be busy on walkie... - That's right.
'Are you ready?', 'No'. We were sort of kept in the dark.
We made such a shy person dance the other day.
I want him to dance here as well. He'll do it if you ask him.
"You have got a vibe, baby."
"You can make the world dance with your vibe."
Before talking about Karthik and before talking to him, Teja,
let's watch a making video.
Brothers!
Mirai is taking us around the world.
Are we going to fight here? - Yes.
'Fight rehearsals.'
Hello, master. How are you?
Good morning, master. - Good morning.
We worked very hard for this. It's not a CG shot.
It's certainly not.
Cut... Turn it off.
'How is it going?'
Please don't talk to me for a while.
'Come on, bro.'
The director lured me into making this film saying
it'd be a blockbuster.
Now he's making me go through hell.
What's the temperature? - Minus 13 degrees.
Minus 13 degrees? - My expression!
Teja, we both have worked with Karthik in this film.
Humility and humbleness are the two qualities I like in him.
As actors, we talk to both directors and DOPs, right?
I used to look for the DOP while leaving the set to say bye.
I realised later he was the DOP. I didn't know.
As you said, he places the cameras somewhere
and vanishes. - Yes.
And whenever we uttered his name,
he would appear from nowhere.
He used to come running from a distance, you know.
And then, we stopped calling his name. - Yes...
There's one more thing I like about him. I heard it from someone.
He's a very confident man. But doesn't come across like one.
His team mostly consists
of those, who are looking for work. I mean, camera assistants.
He kind of hand-picks such people.
Because he cares about their livelihood.
It's a very nice gesture.
I never saw him lose his cool.
Well, I saw him lose his cool.
Really? When did this happen?
I mean, nothing serious though.
And that is also needed, sir, to control a set of that size,
and scale. - I never did...
Without getting angry one can't handle situations at locations.
It's normal. It happens all the time. - Yeah.
"You are destined to win."
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Along with applause, there will be trolls too on social media. - Right.
Has any troll hurt you?
There's no specific troll per se, sir.
Well, when someone tries to accuse me of, you know,
saying something wrong, you see...
They take a picture of you and write something under it!
Millions of people believe it.
They also clip a small portion of a video and upload it.
The viewers will not know what you said before of after. - Yes.
I kind of jabs a bit.
But I don't get hurt now, sir.
I've come out of that phase. - Very good.
'Zombie Reddy' was super hit!
Please be honest.
Did you ever feel that the critics were worse than zombies?
Come on, tell me.
Well, when you see thumbnails on YouTube...
Since it's a very big platform,
it doesn't matter whether it's an artist, actor,
celebrity, or politician...
When you see a thumbnail about anyone,
please don't believe it. It's all false!
Absolutely false. - Yes!
Who do you think is your competitor in the industry?
Own lane, own pace, own race.
There's no competition. It happens at the lower level.
At the higher level, there's only collaboration.
I'm ready to collaborate if I get a chance to work in others' film.
I'm more than happy to do it.
Bigger films are possible only through collaboration.
It's all about collaboration, sir. - Very nice...
"You are destined to win."
Is there a film where someone
replaced you as a hero?
Well, some people used me, you know,
for publicity after narrating stories to me.
But they always had another actor in mind, you see.
I was a bit hurt when I came to know.
But no regrets!
All these things have made me what I'm today.
Now I feel very responsible towards
the roles that I get.
Karthik Gattamneni or Prashanth Verma?
Oh my God! - Choose one.
Karthik Gattamneni. I'm ready to lose a director.
But I can't afford to lose both a director and DOP.
That's a good one.
Very true. Very, very true.
I didn't see that coming. You are too good.
Let's begin Country Delight presents
High Five with Zee5, real answers only.
How do you incorporate a healthy diet in your daily routine?
Only one thing I follow. Two meals a day.
I don't have breakfast. I have two meals a day.
If I'm at the shoot early,
only then I have breakfast, sir.
And I eat only when I'm hungry.
Unnecessarily... - No junk food.
No, I don't... - No junk food.
Your favourite movie among the recent blockbusters. - Mirai.
Wow! That was an incredible answer...
What superpower would you like to have, Teja Sajja?
I want a superpower which ensures that I make only good films.
I may want something else tomorrow.
It's not the same every day. So, I don't know.
It sounded like RGV's reply. It was good.
But there's truth to it, sir. We want something today.
After we get that... - They wanted to know what you wanted today.
Okay...
Are you a coffee person or tea person? - Coffee, sir.
Coffee. - Coffee...
Superb.
How do you like your curd rice?
With pickle, fruit or something sweet?
I don't like curd rice, sir.
People are in awe of every character and scene.
I heard the film is extraordinary. I'm yet to watch, to be honest.
People are praising the film's interval portion to the skies.
How did you conceive it?
How did you visualise and shoot it?
And how did you perfect the CG?
If one has to acquire an weapon belonging to 'Threthaayugam',
there has to be a guardian to it.
And when we brainstormed about the guardian,
we decided to go with 'Jatayu's' brother...
His elder brother 'Sampathi'.
A bird belonging to Sampathi's lineage guarding the weapon, sir.
The hero can acquire Mirai only by defeating this bird.
The genesis came from this idea, sir.
And from genesis to execution,
it almost took three years, sir.
About 15 days before the release,
we were able to see that whole episode, sir.
I didn't know how to shoot it.
I still don't know how we did it.
Eventually, we cracked it with the team effort.
We poured our hearts into it.
When we finished shooting that sequence,
I mean, the interval portion. This is what I felt, sir.
When all the crafts come together, you know,
and make a masterful
contribution towards making cinema,
the result will be such a sequence, sir.
Karthik, first of all...
Thank you for making me look so good. - Sir...
It's an incredible look. It puts a similar idea into people's heads.
You made people realise that Jagapathi could act in such a role.
Thank you for that. - You are a very handsome man, sir.
I can't take any credit for that.
Teja, a hero acted as a villain in this movie.
But it's a very good character.
There was a healthy competition. I know...
But he's a villain in this film.
Both the characterisations were rock-solid.
I think your combination worked out. Great chemistry.
What were your first thoughts when you heard Manoj's name?
I suggested his name, sir.
All right. Okay.
Yes, I suggested his name. - I didn't know.
The director kept telling me that
we need someone who looks huge. Because there's a philosophy.
And that there's a lot of pain in his heart, you know.
Mr Manoj had called me once,
you know, after watching 'Hanu-Man' teaser or trailer.
'I'm very excited. If there is any crazy film like this in future,'
'I'd like to be a part of it.' He told me this, you see.
So, I asked the director if Manojgaru would fit the bill.
I spoke with him initially.
That's how it happened, sir.
Superb!
Making films is one thing, Teja,
but marketing them on a national level is incredible.
There was a genuine effort on your part.
You took the film to the length and breadth of the country.
And you spoke in so many languages.
Like a chameleon, you blend in very well.
That's what happened in the Kapil Show.
You outsmarted Kapil in his show.
How? Is this your passion or...
Yes, sir. As I told you before, we have to give our everything.
I kind of give one hundred and ten percent.
There was a very big responsibility on my shoulders.
We ask the audience to come to the theatres.
So, it's our job to deliver a good product.
And at the same time, the producer and director
should get more projects in future.
So marketing the film was my responsibility, too.
Well, I know the answer. But I'm going to ask it anyway.
Were there any breaks due to Mr Vishwa Prasad?
Absolutely not!
Absolutely not. Not even... - That's what I wanted...
I'd like to say something, sir. I'm very happy...
I said this even at the success meet.
I just had to send a message or make a phone call.
Most of the time, there won't be any message or a phone call.
If one of his staff members went up to him and said, 'This is what'
'Teja wants', then consider it's done.
He trusted this film and my efforts with his life.
He had blind faith in me.
His attitude was, 'If Teja wants to take care of something, let him.'
I badly wanted this cinema to do well.
Because I wanted his trust in me win, you see.
I'm extremely happy today!
Biggest takeaway I think...
Here are my top three takeaways from this film.
One takeaway is making Vishwa sir happy.
After, you know, what he went through...
That's one of the biggest takeaways I have, sir.
I have a question for all three. Is there 'Mirai 2' and am I in it?
There is 'Mirai 2' and of course, you'll be in it.
Wow! Superb!
What's your next movie, Teja?
Right after this, I'm doing an out-and-out entertainer.
It is a work in progress, sir. - Superb.
The script work is done.
An effort to make a full-filled film from the beginning to end.
The script work... - It's a very good change.
Very good choice.
After that, definitely 'Mirai 2'.
'Mirai the Jaithraya', and then...
I'm going to make one sequel after another due to God's grace.
It's going to take about three years to do them.
And then, you know...
Is there Zombie Reddy 2? - Yes, sir.
All sequels.
One isn't enough for you.
I wish this success streak continues forever!
"You are destined to win."
You must be wondering what this stick is doing in my hand.
Sir, I know what's on your mind.
Well, is this a clone of Mirai stick?
Am I right? - Yes.
Anything is possible in films.
There's CG in every other film these days.
The audience may have thought it's CG. Prove them wrong.
And I'll give you gift hampers if you do it.
Superb! Sounds great.
I love the offer.
I would like to share something.
This is what I've been hearing about Jaggu sir
from my childhood.
He's royalty.
And that he's a very generous person.
This is what I've been hearing...
Give me a minute, sir. I grew up hearing this.
Since he offered a gift hamper, I'm going to do it!
"You are destined to win."
I did it, sir. That was me.
Yes, that was you. You proved them wrong.
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I'll give you one. - I'm waiting for it!
Yes! I can't wait to give you that hamper.
Thank you. I love you. - You deserve it.
You've earned it. - Thank you, sir.
Teja worked with star heroes as a child artist.
But now, he himself is a star hero.
Would you like to know this star's style secret?
Shall we step into the Oaksmith style studio?
Okay. - Go ahead.
Which hero in the industry
is your style icon and why?
Allu Arjun sir and Nag sir.
In real life, does Teja prefer simple outfits,
or something with a filmy touch?
Very, very simple, sir.
You know what? I buy about four black and four white t-shirts.
I wear them and go around.
Do you like boy-next-door style, or mass hero style?
Boy-next-door. - Boy-next-door.
Did you ever try to copy a hero's hairstyle? - Yes.
If so, who and describe the situation.
You know, after watching, 'Desamuduru'...
Everybody kind of followed Mr Allu Arjun's hairstyle.
I wasn't an exception. And then...
In the movie, 'Khaleja', Mr Mahesh's hairstyle...
I tried that hairstyle. Yes, I did.
You followed many.
Do you remember the situation?
Sir, you always walk into the saloon with
full confidence because of the hairstyle.
That's how you walk into a saloon.
But when you walk out, it won't be anywhere near it.
You would be utterly dissatisfied. He would have done it correctly.
But we would look different.
You know what I mean. It suits only certain faces.
If I ask for Teja Sajja signature style pose, what would you do?
I can do it with a filmy touch. - Yes, of course!
It's the superhero landing.
Yeah. This pose. - Whoa!
Lovely.
Okay. Great. - See you, sir.
One last... - Thank you. Thank you for having us, sir.
Congrats to you too, sir. Congrats. - Thank you.
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I hope you all enjoyed this episode with
our superhero, Teja.
Next week, we are going to see you all
with another superhero.
Can't wait to see you again! Have fun!
"You are destined to win."