Nagarjuna: I’m 59, but I think like I’m 30

Despite his last release Officer bombing at the box-office, Nagarjuna is unfazed and confident as he awaits the release of his next, Devadas, which is set to hit the theatres this Friday. He is certain this film will turn things around. Although he insists that this film is all about Das (Nani) rather than about his role, his stardom and charm sure will catch people’s eye. In a chat with the actor ahead of the film's release, Nagarjuna shares details about his character and a little bit about how he manages to stay young. 

Your character in the film, Deva, seems to be a don. It’s been a while since you have done something like that...

Yes, it has been quite some time since I played a mobster. But the character doesn’t do anything that a don does. There’s no dealings or violence. It is based more on the friendship between the characters played by Nani and me. And of course, there is a little romance as well. 

Tell us about Deva's love track in the film. 

His is a peculiar love story. Deva loves this newsreader who he's watched on TV since he was in his younger years. Das finds her, makes them meet, and thus it leads to a love story. 

Looks like Das has a lot of influence over Deva’s life. 

Nani plays a doctor in the film and I am his patient. That’s how we meet. Now Deva is a gangster who has no friends because everybody is afraid of him. He loves drinking but has no company. So, he threatens Das to be his friend and his drinking companion although the latter doesn’t drink. (laughs)

Deva and Das clearly had to get along. How did you get along with Nani?

I frankly do not know Nani well outside of work. But on set and on screen, he is wonderful. Moreover, he is easy to work with. I was extremely comfortable.

Are multistarrers your way to go now?

When you are my age, solo stories aren’t easy to come by. Multistarrers are easier too. I am doing a multistarrer with Dhanush in Telugu and Tamil as well. And Brahmastra in Hindi. 

Speaking of age, it must be hard to keep up this energy at this age. 

My age is 59, but I think like I'm 30. Everything is in the mind. Thinking this way makes my day better and keeps my energy high. The minute you start thinking about age, you feel the lethargy creeping in. I am very aware of my age. But, I refuse to believe I’m old. I am younger than Chay in my head.

What can the audience expect from your next outing?

Well, for the fans, there’s a lot of dance, fights and laughs from my end. They will enjoy that. Besides that, it has a very Munna Bhai MBBS, Raju Hirani vibe. It’s all entertainment.