As a child, he bunked school to watch films in the nearest cinema theatre, at Mypadu in Nellore district. His passion for movies developed further as he grew up.

When he turned 18, he could not resist the pull any more and landed in the film industry. “I actually wanted to be a hero but accepted a director’s role that came my way thinking that the desire to be in front of the camera could be fulfilled at a later stage,” recalls veteran Telugu film director A. Kodandarami Reddy.

Speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of a programme he attended in the city on Sunday, the ace film-maker shared experiences of his long association with the industry.

His first project Sandhya released in 1980 was an above average film. But he followed it up withNyayam Kaavali , a blockbuster which went to become a silver jubilee hit and was made in other languages.

After wielding the megaphone for 92 films, he took a sabbatical ‘for good’. “I earned my place in the sun which continued for many years thanks to people’s affection and support. But now I want to hit a century and I plan to direct a film sometime next year. That will be followed by seven more projects in the next few years,” he announced.

Ask him what is the most difficult part of being a director and he quips: “He is the captain of the ship and has to take care of every single aspect. A director has to be a good actor first; only then he can extract the best from his actors.”

The director, who teamed up with Chiranjeevi in 25 films most of which were super hits, idolised Akkineni Nageswara Rao since childhood. “I was exhilarated when ANR asked me to direct Sriranga Neethulu under Annapurna banner. I was nervous but ANR made me feel comfortable.”

Refusing to spell out specific names when asked about favourites among heroes, it didn’t take much prodding for the director to pronounce his choicest actress. “Sridevi was very matured and well-behaved artist. The grace and profound expressions she exhibits in a dance is rarely seen elsewhere.”

About the young crop of actors, he says they are a talented lot. “Making the best of the technological advances, the youngsters of the day grasp techniques in a jiffy,” he said. “I may feel slightly out of place while working with the present generation artists but I am sure I’ll manage the show once I am part of it,” he says with a chuckle.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by P. Sujatha Varma / Vijayawada – July 11th, 2016