Failed to meet her, that’s the only regret -Renu Desai

Popular actress, filmmaker, writer, and activist, also Powerstar Pawan Kalyan’s Ex-wife Renu Desai discusses with media as she played the role of social activist and reformer, Late Hemalatha Lavanam in the biographical period action thriller film “Tiger Nageswara Rao”. Interacting with media, she made some interesting claims.

Q. Can you provide information about the character, please?
A. It’s truly a stroke of fate, and my good karma from a past life, that I received this opportunity. Her character will inspire countless women to stand against evil in the future.

Q. Renu Desai talks about any regrets in her life.

A. My only regret is not having had the chance to meet the remarkable woman I portray, Late Hemalatha Lavanam. I wish I could have spent time with her and learned about her strength.

Q. What aspects of the character were inspired by the real-life figure?

A. I spoke to her relatives, delved into their old memories, examined her pictures, and listened to their stories. This helped me understand how she would have behaved and carried herself.

Q. Do you feel you’ve replaced her on screen?

A. “Replace” is not the right word. I did my utmost to honor her character.

Q. When will Akira make his Tollywood debut?

A. No, he’s not interested in acting. He’s focused on learning music and film production, not acting. He did write a script for a college assignment and met K Raghavendra Rao to seek his opinion.

Q. Is he more inclined to become a director than an actor?

A. I have no clue; he might decide to become an actor tomorrow. Anything can happen. If he chooses to become an actor, I’ll be the first to know, and I’ll share it on Instagram. Until then, please respect his choices. Neither my ex-husband, Pawan Kalyan, nor I can force him to become an actor; it has to come from him.

Q. Would you like Akira to become an actor?

A. I hope Akira chooses to become a musician, playing the piano in grand venues and delighting audiences. Of course, I’d also welcome seeing him on screen. Given my background in acting, his father’s involvement, and our family’s history in the industry, it’s an intriguing thought to observe whose mannerisms he might inherit, his father’s Powerstar Pawan Kalyan’s or his uncle Megastar Chiranjeeevi’s. However, the timeline for this decision is entirely in his hands, and it could happen tomorrow or in six months.

Q. You’ve declined various roles in the past. What drew you to this one, and did you find a resonance with the character?

A. I’m not averse to any role. It’s all about the character, the story, the director, and the producer. For “Tiger Nageswara Rao,” all three elements were exceptional.

Q. Did this character satisfy you and change you?

A. It satisfied me more than 100%. Yes, definitely. It motivated me to think beyond myself. After my younger daughter, Aadhya, finishes one more year, I plan to contribute more to society, as I’ll have more free time from taking care of my kids. As you saw during COVID, I helped many people in need.

Q. You’ve worn many hats in the industry, from a model to an actor, stylist, character artist, and director. Are there more roles you plan to take on?

A. I do whatever I can. It’s not a conscious plan. I started styling during “Badri” when Pawan Kalyan suggested I could do it. It’s all situational. During COVID, friends suggested I try my hand at poetry, and I did.

Q. Why did it take you so long to return to acting?

A. I didn’t find the right roles. To accept a role, I need three key elements: a compelling character, a great story, a good director, and a good producer. For “Tiger Nageswara Rao,” all these elements aligned perfectly.

Q. What are your plans after the release of this movie?

A. Post-COVID, nothing is certain. I want to take it easy and catch up on missed TV series. Starting in January, I’ll focus on writing, something within my control. If I get good roles, I’ll do them; otherwise, I’ll enjoy my time at home and focus on writing.

Q. What’s the best compliment you’ve received from the “Tiger Nageswara Rao” team?

A. While I haven’t received any compliments from the team, my daughter Aadya’s opinion matters most to me. After watching the trailer, she told me, “I’m so proud of you, and you’re doing age-appropriate roles.” That was the most meaningful compliment.

Q. How was your experience working with Ravi Teja?

A. I have something very special prepared, which I’ll share during the pre-release discussion.

With that Renu Desai wrapped her interact with the media.

–Interviewed & Text by Lokesh Bandi