The Beginning: I have always been interested in theatre, acting and art, but was not very fond of the kind of Telugu films that are usually made. However, once I saw the film 'Aithe' in 2003, directed by Chandra Sekhar Yeleti, it inspired me so much that I went to the director and he offered me a job as an art assistant director. Even though I primarily wanted to get into acting, I wanted to venture into other aspects of the film industry as well.
'Avakai Biryani': Post this, I got an opportunity to assist in a film titled 'Chatrapathi' and also ended up playing a small role in that film. But, the turning point in my career was when filmmaker Sekhar Kammula cast me as the second lead in his critically acclaimed and commercially successful film 'Godavari'. And then came my big break as a protagonist — a film titled 'Avakai Biryani'.
Theatre experience: While I was working in Tollywood, I was offered to be a part of a broadway titled 'Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf' that was staged in Hyderabad in October 2011. And I thought that it was a great opportunity to explore the avenues of theatre. As an actor, I would always love to re-visit and explore my capabilities and creativity. So, despite the fact that working on the play took away a lot of time, I loved the overall experience.
Art for a cause: I am ardent lover of art and for me art doesn’t simply mean painting on a canvas. Currently I am working on my first solo exhibition titled My name is Minnu (on from January 7 in Hyderabad). The exhibition talks about this character I have developed named Minnu. Minnu comes from me and you. It is about girl child issues — the problems faced by a girl child in the society. It is about women in India — how they motivate us. Through my art, I am trying to do a social cause. I know that since I am an actor, it is easier for my voice to be heard and my actions to be seen. So, I want to take advantage and make the best out of it.The proceeds from my art exhibition will go to a foundation called the CAP foundation, which works towards underprivileged children. Post the art show, I will start shooting for my next Telugu film, which is an action, pulp-fiction film.
Architect on a personal level: Even though I have a degree in architecture, I will continue with it only as a hobby — on a personal level. At the end of the day, I would want people to know Kamal Kamaraju as a person who loves art and works for art.
(Kamaraju is a Telugu actor)