Veteran actor Rajendra Prasad opens up about his upcoming film Shashtipoorthi, his 48-year journey in cinema, working with Archana after 39 years, and why today’s films lack good comedy
Suresh Kavirayani
sureshkavirayani@gmail.com
Veteran actor Rajendra Prasad is all set to return to the silver screen with his upcoming film Shashtipoorthi, which will be released this Friday. Directed by Pavan Prabha, the film stars fellow senior actress Archana opposite him. “I’ve completed 48 years as an actor, and I have always received good roles. Getting characters that suit my age is truly my fortune,” says Rajendra Prasad.
Speaking highly of Shashtipoorthi, the actor shares, “It’s a movie that gave me deep satisfaction.” He adds that the film’s producer Rupeysh, a cousin of RB Choudary, also plays an acting role in the film. “We initially planned to hold the film’s first event in Amaravati, but due to lack of facilities, we shifted the trailer launch to Vijayawada,” he reveals, noting that the film will resonate with all age groups and reflect Telugu culture and values.
Having also donned the producer’s hat in the past, Rajendra Prasad notes the significant changes in filmmaking. “We didn’t have the kind of technology that’s available now. But at the same time, we also didn’t face today’s levels of distraction. Even now, I never look at the monitor after a shot — that’s not my habit. It’s the director’s job to say ‘once more.’ We should focus on our responsibilities,” he says, adding that Telugu cinema has now reached a global level.
On the latest controversy surrounding cinema theatres shutting down, the senior actor comments, “The decision to shut down theaters isn’t something one person can make. It has to be a collective decision. Unfortunately, the issue was communicated poorly. That’s why Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan took it seriously and ordered an inquiry.”
Rajendra Prasad also mentioned his work in the English-language film Quick Gun Murugan, which has been featured on Emirates flights. “Three parts are planned and the second part is starting soon. Some scenes will use AI technology. For three scenes, they asked me to act in a standalone film. If my presence adds value to a role, I’ll definitely do it,” he says. He further shared that Allu Aravind appreciated his performance in Single, saying, “After watching my role, he called and congratulated me.”
Speaking about Shashtipoorthi, he notes, “This is my fifth generation in film, and to still be offered roles like in Shashtipoorthi is a blessing. Children may not witness their parents’ wedding, but they can witness their 60th wedding anniversary. That’s why Shashtipoorthi is such an important story. Films and characters like this should never be missed.”
The veteran actor reflects deeply on his passion for acting. “Art is like an ocean. Can we drink the whole ocean? Can we swim across it? Just like that, art is endless. I will always be hungry and thirsty for it. I still want to play many more roles,” he says. “We showed three different age spans in this movie, and it felt very challenging to me.”
Praising the film’s music, Rajendra Prasad lauds Ilayaraja’s contribution. “Ilayaraja didn’t just compose music — he competed with himself to give us his best,” he remarks.
The actor recalls the moment that defined his path in cinema. “It was the legendary NTR who inspired me to enter the industry. When I was new, there were many iconic actors. NTR once asked me, ‘What’s your uniqueness?’ That question completely blanked my mind. I thought about it for a whole week. Around that time, the Charlie Chaplin Film Festival was happening. Watching those films gave me clarity. Everyone has their own identity — romantic hero, action hero — so why not a comedy hero? I decided to pursue roles that emphasize comedy and carve out that identity. After Ladies Tailor, I never had to look back.”
Despite highs and lows, Rajendra Prasad holds no regrets. “I did 12 films a year and earned a lot. But I lost all that money too. Still, I never worried about money. The work I did, the characters I played — that’s what gave me fulfillment. For 48 years, I’ve never been without work. Right now, I have 11 projects on hand and four more under discussion.”
In Shashtipoorthi, he reunites with actress Archana, with whom he shared screen space in Ladies Tailor back in 1986. “After 39 years, we are together again. I don’t know why such a long gap happened or why we couldn’t work together earlier. She moved into different genres like Daasi and Nireekshana and I continued in my comedy space. Working with her again in this film feels like destiny. I hadn’t even met her during this gap,” says Rajendra Prasad.
Known for his impeccable comic timing, Rajendra Prasad laments the lack of humor in today’s films. “Today’s films lack comedy. The main reason is the writing. In our time, writers delivered outstanding comedy. I made everyone laugh through healthy humour. But now I don’t see that kind of timing or writing,” he concludes.
