Quietly shines the brother
Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY
|
Chiranjeevi's brother and actor Nagababu is a content man who lives life on his own terms.
|
Naga Babu
Despite his not-so-good career, which is dotted with only a few notable films, Naga Babu carries himself with conviction and dignity. His appeal is more understated. Tall, broad shouldered and far more good looking than most heroes around, Naga Babu is neither hungry for films nor is he angry that he hasn't delivered that one massive hit. Arriving on the sets with a confident stride of a star he says, "I have never been ambitious and there was never this drive to make it big like my brothers. Even today I'm content, the only priorities being good to people and to lead a clean life." He talks in a strong and determined yet nonchalant tone on the sets of Stalin.
The positive person that he is, there's no bitterness about being ignored for better roles, and he doesn't blame the industry. He is not at fault for being vastly underrated and luckily for him, his career is steady and he continues to give strong and believable performances.
Plain hearted guy
"I might not deliver hits but I'm happy that I get my bread and butter through these roles." Has he ever felt envious of his celebrity brothers for not getting his share of attention in the family? Nagababu flashes a smile. "My dad was in a transferable and a stressful job, my elder brother was away in the film institute and Kalyan would be in his own world. So that got me closer to my mother. Though she was more demonstrative in affection, she was a strict disciplinarian like my dad. While Kalyan was more tactful in his dealings and would get away with everything, I being a plain hearted guy would get into trouble."
Nagababu recollects his first lesson in life when his father explained to him mildly to treat a guest like god when they came home. The actor feared his father and made his friends sit outside the house. And the most memorable moment in his life is when he made notes for a blind friend in college. He says, "The pleasure in giving is something I can't explain and that is what I teach my children. Status, money, property are all transitory. The best gift you can give your children is good values."
The best relationships in the world are successful precisely because you take the rough with the smooth, and learn how to be honest with your people. Nagababu says he owes his current status to his brother and sister-in-law whom he considers as parents. About Chiranjeevi's future, the doting brother says, "My brother took his own sweet time to tell us that he was interested in getting into films and we really do not know what is on his mind today. If at all he decides to change gears, we are there for him. But as of now there is no tearing necessity. The need should come from the people. His fans are our extended family members."
Nagababu is not reliant on his looks or charisma; when you meet him you realise here's a man who's cracked by his own imagination. He feels responsible as a citizen and is an environmentalist. His Eco Friends Organisation goads youth to take up the cause.
"Few years back, I saw an advertisement where a couple walk into a thick veil of smoke leaving the child behind on a planet that is completely degraded. Ever since I read the book The Man Who Planted Trees, I have been fuelled by the ambition to plant 100 saplings."
A passionate advocate for many causes, from recycling to sustainability, conservation, and environmental justice, Nagababu is always looking for ways to leave a trail of goodness behind him.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
