'Telugu industry is very professional'

Milind Gunaji is a multi-faceted personality—model, actor, photographer, writer, poet, television show host. He was also the brand ambassador for forest and wildlife of the Government of Maharashtra 2008-2009.

This handsome man, once the face of Digjam suiting, has done films in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and English.

Now Milind is re-entering Telugu films after a decade, in Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (KVJ), directed by Krish (Radhakrishna Jagarlamudi).

The film is slated for release on November 9.

Milind gives us a peek into his role in the film and working with Rana and Krish.

How did you sign Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum?

I got a mail from Rajeev Reddy one day. He introduced himself and narrated the basic script. He said, 'we have seen your work, we like it. We want you for this film'.

The dates matched so I told Rajeev that I would love to do it. It happened immediately.

Had you heard of Krish and his work?

I did one Kannada film, Savari (the remake of Telugu film Gamyam), where I played the role of a naxalite. In the original Gamyam, he played the same role.

I came to know about that later. At that time I heard that Krish was a very good director and that Gamyam was a big hit.

This is your first Telugu film as the main villain...

I had done a film with Pawan Kalyan earlier but I spoke Hindi in the film. Yes, I'm playing a full-fledged villain in KVJ.

Did you find the role challenging?

Yes, very much. There are a lot of shades to the character. He is gruesome sometimes, very sophisticated and very elegant at times, but also cruel.

He has a certain aura around him and a persona. He has bodyguards and is filthy rich. He's the kind of guy who can buy anything on earth.

So, in a sense you are making a comeback in Telugu cinema?

It's not a comeback. The earlier film I did was 10 years back and it was not a big role. So, this one is as good as my first film.

How did you cope with the language?

I take prompting. I understand the meaning of the scene, situation and wherever possible I deliver in Telugu.

But when there are lengthy dialogues, I take prompting. That I do with all other languages. I've done Punjabi and Bangla too.

How was it working with Krish?

He's an excellent director. There's no compromise on his sets.

If he wants a certain kind of music, even if it means more days, he will wait.

Whatever is in his mind, whatever he has visualised, he wants it on screen. He likes subtlety in acting also.

How was it acting with Rana?

Very nice. There is an age difference between us. Because of him I started making my physique better as he has a tremendous physique (laughs).

I have hardly met a hero equal in terms of height. I was very happy to be beaten up by such a good hero (laughs).

Did you do any homework for your role?

I never prepare for my roles. I only did for Papeeha. Sai Paranjpe made me do it because she was very worried whether I would deliver or not.

I am on switch-on, switch-off mode. I feel whatever we absorb in our regular life is imprinted on our sub-conscious and how to bring it out is your skill as an actor.

So, you relied on Krish and his directions then?

Yes, finally the director knows what he wants.

How was the experience of doing this film compared to what you did 10 years ago?

This industry is so professional. I'm doing Marathi films being a Maharashtrian and I'm also producing one.

Our industry is still not as professional as Telugu. Time wise, money wise, the Telugu industry is very professional.

I did a Hollywood film—Singularity. Though it was a small role, I had the Hollywood experience. I could actually compare it with the South film industry.

If you see the promos of KVJ, anyone will say it's a Hollywood film.

I also must say Vijayan master is a great fight master. Fantastic results.

Stamina- wise, how did you manage considering your age and Rana being much younger than you?

I get very tired. But I pushed on. Finally you will see the results. It was tough.

Are you open to doing more Telugu films?

Yes, of course. I'm waiting for the results of this film. I'm sure it will do well.

Why did it take so long for you to work in a Telugu film?

I don't know. I was doing so many things at one time so working in films was not my first priority. Whatever came to me first, I used to give it my first priority.