HYDERABAD: Recalling his association with MS Reddy, actor Rajasekhar said he had acted in four very successful movies made under MS Reddy’s banner, starting with 'Talambralu'.
“When I saw Reddy garu for the first time at an airport, he was in a pancha and stood out from the crowd. I thought he was probably a farmer or someone like that. I came to know later who he was and was astonished that a man of his standing in the industry dressed so humbly.”
In the later period Rajasekhar was approached by Reddy’s son, Shyam Prasad, also a producer, to star in 'Talambralu' but in a negative role. After the movie’s success, Reddy and Rajasekhar went on to work together for 'Ahuti', 'Ankusam' and 'Agraham', all super hits.
“He was a keen observer of human nature and had the knack of bringing out an actor’s inherent strengths. An extremely frank and bold person, he lived his life with an air of confidence that was very admirable. I happened to meet my wife on the sets of 'Talambralu' and till his death Reddy garu had been very supportive of the two of us.”
Actress Jeevitha, Rajasekhar’s wife, was introduced to Telugu cinema by MS Reddy.
“Shyam Prasad came to me and said they wanted to cast me as the heroine but I had to meet his father first. When I met him in Chennai, he was very impressed that I could read Telugu.”
MS Reddy was known for his fondness for the Telugu language, which he expressed through his collection of works titled 'Mallemala Ramayanam' and his autobiography 'Idi Naa Katha', besides the many lyrics he penned for his movies.
“He was very passionate about Telugu literature and always wanted to contribute something to it.
We have lost a very talented man who was always so spirited and yet disciplined, strong-minded and principled.
I am happy that he was able to see the wedding of his granddaughter (Shyam Prasad’s daughter),” she said.
Commenting on the controversy that Reddy’s autobiography created, Rajasekhar said, “I heard that he had written a few uncomplimentary lines with reference to me. I hold nothing against him for that but I felt bad that since he knew me so closely and personally he could have broached the matter with me personally because he was such a frank person.”
Rajasekhar apparently asked for a hike in remuneration after the fourth successful film but MS Reddy refused.
“That could have probably been the reason for his anger. Nevertheless, looking at how things went, within the industry we decided to be more open about these issues and not carry any ill feelings without addressing them. It was a lesson to all of us,” he said.