Arjun Reddy Actor Vijay Deverakonda: “If I Don’t Do Love Stories, Who Would?”

Actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rakul Preet Singh spoke to senior journalist Sudhir Sreenivasan at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa where they discussed their journey, films and love for cinema and other things.

When asked if her journey in films was planned Rakul said, “I planned but I didn’t know how it would happen.”

How was the shift from south to Hindi Film Industry?

She said, “I was at ease from day 1…I was a very confident child maybe because of my army background…we grew up in many cities so it was never uncomfortable.”

When did Vijay Deverakonda decide to become an actor?

“Everybody wants to be an actor or a cricketer at some point in their lives…I started a theatre in college and it started giving me adrenaline rush…sometimes it was money, sometimes women sometimes something else…I hate waking up early but I realised I didn’t mind waking up early for acting and that made me realise my love for cinema.”

How do you deal with failures?

“firstly I dissociate myself with the success after I stop shooting for the film. It’s okay if everyone doesn’t like your film. I don’t regret. I celebrate every Friday. At least I am living my dream. Don’t bother about everything, just enjoy the journey.” Said Rakul.

“I m a revengeful person…when people don’t like my film, I completely sit and like to know real feedback. A little girl came to me and said she loved the first half of Dear Comrade but didn’t like second half at all. But I liked that criticism. I came to the cinema thinking I will do whatever I want to do, I don’t care what people say but sometimes it becomes about numbers…unfortunately. I wish it wasn’t like that.” Vijay said.

“I think Vijay Devarakonda only makes good films. Good films that people like or good films that some people didn’t like. But when the film doesn’t do well I say okay next film I’ll show you.” Vijay added.

Now have you ever come to that stage where you didn’t feel like waking up again? “A month or so ago it has started feeling like that…so I took a break for two months…didn’t shoot at all. Now again I feel renewed love and passion for work.” Vijay said.