Akkineni Venkat, the lesser-known brother of the renowned actor Nagarjuna, recently opened up about his life, family, and connection to the film industry in an interview. While his brother found fame on screen, Venkat has quietly carved a successful career as a producer, backing many of Nagarjuna's films.
Venkat revealed that their father, the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao, deliberately kept them away from the industry, focusing on their education. He emphasized that his father's ambition was for them to excel in their studies. This, in part, explains why only Nagarjuna actively pursued a career in acting. Venkat shared a charming anecdote of how Nagarjuna's foray into films was a serendipitous occurrence, a chance encounter that led to his acting career.
He then delved into the genesis of Annapurna Studios, a landmark in the Telugu film industry. The idea, he said, was entirely his father's, born from a desire to create a thriving film hub in Hyderabad. He shared a humorous story of how Nagarjuna's initial involvement in the studio's first film was a misunderstanding, with everyone assuming it would star his brother. However, Venkat eventually convinced his father to go ahead with the project, which proved to be a successful venture.
Venkat also addressed the widely discussed rivalry between his father and NTR, revealing that their professional disagreements never extended to their personal lives. He emphasized that NTR was a frequent visitor to their home, where he was treated as family. He described a heartwarming image of their grandmother, the matriarch of the Akkineni family, showering NTR with affection and respect as "the eldest son of our house." Venkat underlined that despite their differences in the industry, the two men remained close friends and brothers at heart.
Akkineni Venkat's interview offered a glimpse into the personal lives of the Akkineni family, revealing a dynamic interplay between the brothers, their father's vision, and the intricate relationships within the Telugu film industry. It humanized these iconic figures, showcasing a side of them often overlooked in the public eye.