Prabhas faced the camera for the first time on June 28, 2002. His debut movie, 'Easwar', began its shoot today. As his uncle, Krishnam Raju was there on set to give his nephew moral support. Back then, the Rebel Star didn't imagine that Prabhas would not only take forward his legacy but also grow up to be a pan-India superstar in less than 15 years.
On Tuesday, Krishnam Raju and the fans associations dedicated to Prabhas celebrated the matchless achievements of the 'Baahubali' star at the former's Hyderabad residence.
Speaking on the occasion, Krishnam Raju said that he had never imagined that Prabhas would become a pan-India superstar. The event was attended by fans from both the Telugu States. JSR Sahstry from Guntur presided over the event in his capacity as the President of Prabhas' fans associations. Jayant C Paranje and Ashok Kumar, the director and producer respectively of 'Easwar', were also present.
Krishnam Raju said, "These 20 years have passed like a breeze. Actually, I wanted to introduce Prabhas through a film produced on my banner. When Jayant and Ashok Kumar came to me and requested to give them the opportunity to introduce him, I gave a go-ahead. I listened to the story and liked it. I knew that the mass elements will be liked by the audience. The director and producer felt responsible and 'Easwar' turned out to be a good experience. Ashok Kumar played a bad-natured father in it. I liked his guts to play such a character despite being the film's producer. After watching the movie, we all were convinced that Prabhas will surely become a big star. But we never imagined this sort of superstardom."
He added that Prabhas is not only a good actor but also a kind-natured human being.
Jayant C Paranje said, "I am proud that an actor I had introduced is now a pan-India superstar. Prabhas is a great human being. I happened to meet him recently. He is the same person he was 20 years ago. I will always cherish the memories of spending time with Prabhas during the making of 'Easwar'. I mooted a number of actors for the protagonist's role in 'Easwar'. But when I accidentally came across Prabhas at a coffee shop, I told my producer that I would like to cast him. The producer immediately approached Krishnam Raju garu, whom I today thank for letting us introduce his nephew."
Producer Ashok Kumar said, "After the story of 'Easwar' was finalized, I wanted to introduce my song as a hero with the movie. But since he was still studying, I didn't want him to get into films. Prabhas' attitude is great. I can't believe that it has been 20 years since the movie was released."
Shyamala, the wife of Krishnam Raju, said, "I remember the day when 'Easwar' was launched at the Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad. Too many people thronged the place to watch the event. So much so that roads were blocked by vehicular traffic. I am a fan of Prabhas.
