Sri Rapaka aka Sweety created a sensation of sorts with her latest film, ‘Nagnam’ which was directed by controversial filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. She previously starred in a film titled ‘Valayam’ and also worked as a fashion designer. She raised the temperatures with sizzling promos and gained a whole lot of attention with ‘Nagnam’. Here’s an exclusive interview of the much-talked about the actress.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My hometown is Devarapalli, West Godavari district and interest towards the film industry dragged me towards fashion designing. I worked as a fashion designer for ‘Desamuduru’ and it was my first film. I later worked as costume designer for many successful films and due to unavoidable circumstances, I had to act in ‘Valayam’. I have friends in Tamil and Kannada film industries as well. I even acted in a Tamil film but it did not see the limelight.
How did you bag the opportunity to act in ‘Nagnam’?
I got the lead role in ‘Nagnam’ through an assistant director. I jumped in joy after coming to know I got the opportunity to work with Ram Gopal Varma. Many people speak bad of him, but I have a huge response towards him. We worked together for just 2 days, but my respect towards him increased. We spoke only about the film.
Did anyone question you for acting in a bold film like this?
Yes, there were a few people who questioned me, but I know who I am. Not only me, many actresses look glamorous on screen. I did complete justice to my role and that is what matters to me. After watching the film, many people appreciated me and I felt elated. A few say I attained overnight stardom much like ‘Arjun Reddy’ fame Vijay Deverakonda.
Many people say Varma is mad about women, what do you say about it?
Varma is mad. Yes, he is mad about his work. All he focuses on is his work, that is cinema. His understanding of cinema is mesmerizing. The talk about him giving opportunities only if actresses give commitment is baseless. He even worked with legendary Sri Devi and that speaks for itself. A section of people who don’t like hin spread false rumors on him. Varma is a true gentleman.
Is is true that there is a sequel to ‘Nagnam’?
I have no idea about it. As far as I know, there is no sequel to ‘Nagnam’. You should ask Varma about it.
It is said Varma will do anything for money, is it true?
Varma has passion for films and that is the reason why he is into filmmaking. If making money is his only desire, he would have worked with stars. He made films even during the lockdown period and that is not an easy thing to do.
We heard Varma is selling the furniture in his office to make some money, is it true?
These are baseless speculations. His property which includes the land in which he built his office is worth crores. He doesn’t need more money. His sole focus is on films. Do you know that he sleeps only 4 hours a day and spends the remaining time on films. He is so very dedicated.
There was no possibility of pirating ‘Nagnam’, how do you feel about it?
Piracy is a big threat to the film industry and luckily for us, ‘Nagnam’ was safe from piracy. The producers took necessary measures to avoid the same. The film industry will prosper only if the producers are safe from piracy.
Did you accept ‘Nagnam’ just for the sake of money?
I entered the film industry as a fashion designer. I can make a living on my own. In the initial days of my career, I used to stay at Green Park hotel. I have earned enough money to lead a satisfactory life. My passion for acting made me act in ‘Nagnam’. Saying I did it for money is not right.
There is a talk going on about ‘Commitment’ in Telugu film industry, did you face this situation?
Whether or not to give commitment is a personal thing. If you decide against it, not a single person can pressurise you. No body has the guts to ask my commitment.
It was said that you had your differences with a few heroes and heroines?
I do what I feel is right. I question the wrongdoings of many. If anyone is offended by it, then so be it. I don’t have any differences with any hero or heroine.
What about the negative comments on social media?
Many people appreciated me for my performance. Likewise, there will be a section of jobless individuals who pass bad comments on everything and I don’t care about them. ‘Nagnam’ is a super hit and Ram Gopal Varma deserves all the credit.
Do you have any projects in the pipeline?
I am presently shooting for a film. I have two other films in my kitty. I have a few offers in Tamil cinema industry as well.
Who is behind the victory that you are enjoying now?
I strongly feel I can’t do anything without the encouragement from my family members. When I said I would enter the film industry, a few hesitated at first but no one opposed me. My family members know that I do something only if I feel it is right for me.