Shed 6 kilos to play Army officer in Sarileru Nekevaru: Mahesh Babu

Hyderabad: It is unbelievable that Mahesh Babu and Anil Ravipudi have wrapped up Sarileru Nekevaru in five months. After Business Man, this is the only film which Mahesh has completed shooting so fast. Sarileru Nekevaru is all set to hit the screens on January 11 and expectations are high on this film as it has actress VIjayashanti in a key role.

Ahead of the release of the film, Mahesh Babu spoke to the media and revealed some interesting aspects from the film. He plays Ajay Krishna, an Army officer and to step into the shoes of a Major, the actor shed 6 kilos at the gym and followed a strict diet to become and look fit just like a soldier.

“It is very rare that I have to cut down my weight for a role. But for this one, I had to. Post the release of Maharshi, I took a break for a couple of months before joining the sets of Sarileru Nekevaru. That’s when I worked out, followed a proper diet. It felt nice but,” said the actor.

Mahesh has been doing some serious and message-oriented films in recent times and he thinks that has become too much for his fans. So the actor decided to be part of films which are commercial entertainers, with a mix of out and out entertainment.

“That was the feedback I received. So when Anil narrated the script to me, I just couldn’t wait to begin shooting. I am a big fan of his films and F2 was amazing. So when he brought me such an entertaining script, where he has designed my character based on the films I have done till now, I blindly went for it. Also, now, I believe that it is one of the best decisions I have made in life,” added the actor who is sure about bagging a hit with this film.

The Bharat Ane Nenu actor has joined hands with Vijayashanti after thirty long years and he said that the moment of reuniting with her after three decades was nostalgic. “She is a very sweet person. Having her on the sets was such a good feeling. Didn’t even know how those three decades even passed. She is the life of the script and I don’t think anyone else would have done justice to the role she has played,” he added.

Artistes like Bandla Ganesh and Sangeetha are also making a comeback with this film after a long break and when asked about whose choice was it to have them for the film, Mahesh said that it was Anil Ravipudi who wanted to have those actors on board and has managed to persuade them to say ‘yes’ to the roles.