Apart from star heroes, comedians plays significant role in movie success. Around 80 percent of the films in Tollywood including big budget commercial films are out and out comedy entertainers. Many actors like Brahmanandam, Ali, Raghu Babu, Vennela Kishore takes the center stage for movie success with their comedy punches. Few actors became star comedians.
Naveen Neni, an upcoming comedian has made his entry in Krishna Vamsi's 'Sasirekha Parinayam' in 2009 but became popular with hero Nani's 'Pilla Zamindar' in 2011. His typical hijra (Gay) acting style made him instant popular in Tollywood and given him new life. After 'Pilla Zamindar', he continued his journey as comedian doing back to back films. ‘Routine Love Story’, ‘Autonagar Surya’, ‘Kumari 21F’, ‘Nannaku Prematho’, ‘Malli Maali Ide Rani Roju’, ‘Dwaraka’, ‘Manamantha’ and ‘Nene Raju Nene Mantri’ are few super hit films in his kitty.
Naveen Neni is very happy for sharing screen space with Rana Daggubati for super hit 'Nene Raju Nene Mantri'. He is also very gleeful to play hilarious role in Mega Power Star Ram Charan's 'Rangasthalam'. Sukumar is directing this out of the box film.
Here is Naveen Neni's exclusive Interview:
Tell us about born and brought?
I was born and brought up in Amalapuram (Mother's village). I completed hotel Management degree.
How films happened?
From my childhood, I love watching films. After watching the films, I use to reprise the same roles in front of my friends. Everyone appreciated me for my skills. I also took part in dancing competition and won first prize in local cable channel. Many recognized me after that dance competition. My friends encouraged to do films and I landed in Hyderabad without knowing anyone. After struggling for some time, I got an opportunity in Krishna Vamsi's 'Sasirekha Parinayam' in 2009. Later I got an opportunity in Nani's 'Pilla Zamindar'. I did typical Hijra character in that film and I got lot of appreciation for that role. After Pilla Zamindar, I continued my journey acting in many films.
Did you struggled in beginning of your career?
I don't know anyone from the Industry and I am new to Hyderabad. I struggled a lot for opportunities. Dance master Shubash encouraged me and suggested me to go to auditions for Krishna Vamsi's 'Sasirekha Parinayam'. Luckily I got the offer in that film. Even after that film, I struggled for offers. I use to go to every office but nothing worked out. Later I created Actors Union page in facebook and I use to update movie offers and office addresses in that page. The page was very useful for many at that time. After many struggles, I got an offer in Naga Chaitanya's '100 Percent Love'. Director Sukumar sir has given very good character in that film. I got good name in that film. After this film I did 'Pilla Zamindar'. I did Hijra kind of role and that film became biggest pillar in my career. Hero Nani encouraged me a lot.
After doing Hijra kind of role in Pilla Zamindar, You did same kind of roles in many films. Why?
After Pilla Zamindar, I got many offers with same kind of roles. I did some as the character excited me. After doing couple of films, I was little confused as I was getting same kind of Hijra roles in every film. At that time, I got an offer for '1000 Abaddalu'. It's an out and out comedy character. After this film, I did full length Comedy role in Auto Nagar Surya.
Apart from Comedy roles, did you get any different kind roles in any films?
‘Autonagar Surya’ is one of the different role in my career, I did as comedian in first half but my character in second half is very emotional. I did as comedy Villain in Routine Love Story. ‘Kumari 21F’ is biggest break in my career. I thank Sukumar Sir for giving such kind of role for me. The film has taken me to next level. I did different role in ‘Malli Malli Ide Rani Roju’.
Favourite actor?
Yesteryear actor Raja Babu and Ali are my favourite actors.
Tell us about doing Jabardasth Show in TV?
I did around 28 episodes in Jabardasth. But as I am getting continue offers in Films, I left doing Jabardasth.
You did a different role in Nene Raju Nene Mantri. How is your experience in this film?
I got an opportunity to play two different shades in Nene Raju Nene Mantri film. I play Navadeep's brother role. My character is hilarious in first half but second half is completely different. I play a negative role role in second half and it is very new experience for me. I thank Director Teja and Rana for such different role.
What are your upcoming films?
I am doing Ram Charan's Rangasthalam and one more film with Sudheer Babu. I play a village guy in Rangasthalam. My character will be very hilarious. This is my first film along with Ram Charan and I am so glad to share screen space with him. Ram Charan is very down to earth person and I feel that I am working with Today's Mega Star.
Many comedians like Sunil, Dhanraj, Srinivas Reddy, Vennela Kishore are turning Hero. Did you get any offer as hero?
I am doing a Telugu, Tamil bilingual film. Like Vedam, the film is being cooked up with four different stories. I am doing as lead in one of the story. I play a young Lover boy role in that film. Narayanan is directing this film.
