Renu Desai on Tiger Nageswara Rao: Playing Hemalatha Lavanam was a blessing, it changed by worldview

After a brief tryst with cinema across multiple roles — as an actress, stylist, and part-time editor — in films like Badri and Johnny, Renu Desai is returning to Telugu cinema with a biggie, Tiger Nageswara Rao. The pan-Indian actioner, based on a real-life thug, is headlined by Ravi Teja and directed by Vamsee. Renu is cast as the social reformer Hemalatha Lavanam, about which she spoke to the media recently. Here's an excerpt...

Also read: Ravi Teja: Tiger Nageswara Rao is the most exciting character I’ve heard after Vikram Rathore 

On her character in Tiger Nageswara Rao
Hemalatha Lavanam has a larger-than-life persona. Back in those days, she headed to Chambal and Bundelkhand to meet dacoits and to bring about reforms. She fought for joginis and against untouchability, and her ideas will strike a chord with audiences even today. She is an inspiration, and I’m proud to have played her on the screen. I feel blessed. Tiger Nageswara Rao is a big, special film.

Vamsee has done a fine job as a storyteller, and it was fantastic to share screen space with Ravi Teja. I was keen on returning to films after a long time, but everything needs to fall into place for a comeback: the story, character, director, and production house. With Tiger Nageswara Rao, there were no second thoughts. If I’m offered good roles, you’ll see me more on the screen.

Understanding Hemalatha Lavanam
I’d met Hemalatha’s niece Keerthi in Vijayawada for my research, and she revealed many facets of her personality. In terms of her body language, she was a picture of poise, unlike me. I played her part with honesty, and it left me satisfied. The character had an impact on my personal life too. I felt like I too had to do my bit to change the world. I don’t want any destitute children to go mealless in a day.

Apprehension before arriving on sets
All the production houses I’ve worked with have treated me well. However, unlike my earlier roles as a heroine, I am a character artiste now, and I was slightly apprehensive about how I would be received. The Abhishek Agarwal Arts team took great care of me and bonded with me like family. I was free from stress during the shoot and quite happy.

On her kids and their reaction to Tiger Nageswara Rao
My daughter, after watching Tiger Nageswara Rao’s trailer, said that I played a role that was apt for my age. I couldn’t have asked for more. My son Akira isn’t interested in acting as of now, and he has varied interests. He learned the piano, is aware of film production, and got trained in yoga, martial arts, and kickboxing. He’s a writer at heart, and he even wrote a script recently.

If Akira plans to become an actor, I’ll be the first person to confirm it. As a mother, I want to watch him on the big screen, but it’s his career choice after all. I am curious about his decision myself. He looks handsome and has all the qualities to be an actor. I am an actress, and so are his father and uncle (Pawan Kalyan and Chiranjeevi), so it’s in his genes.

Also read: Tiger Nageswara Rao | Nupur Sanon: Director Vamsee even researched how my hairband had to look like