Ram Charan landed in New Delhi right after attending the Oscars in Los Angeles, USA where Naatu Naatu song won the Oscars for the best original song and thus became the first Indian and first Asian song to do so.
He was accorded a grand welcome and after returning from the USA, he attended the first media conference. He became the center of attraction at India Today Conclave. Here are the highlights of his speech at the India Today conclave.
On Oscars Win
"I didn't touch down, but we touched down as a team. The whole RRR team touched down. And yes, it's been a couple of hours, two days, and we are still soaking in all the excitement,"
On not doing Naatu Naatu at Oscars
"I was ready I was 100 percent ready to get that call. But I don’t know what happened. The trope did a better job than us. We have done that for so many interviews. It is now time for us to relax."
On Naatu Naatu song shoot
My knees still wobble really. My co-star (Jr NTR) and I have done more complicated steps. It was not complicated. Both our styles had to match but how was I to see what he is doing? We did it 17 times to perfect it. That’s why we call it the beautiful torture,”
On Keeravani's Oscar acceptance speech
"I heard my composer Keeravaani's speech. At Oscars, it's all about time as they shut the mics after 45 seconds. My director Rajamouli is so particular. He made my composer rehearse that speech so it stops at 45 seconds. He made Keeravaani rehearse for 15 to 20 times." "Keeravaani is so adorable. Nobody has sung like this. And with Carpenter replying back, it was a moment,"
On Sports based film
“I would like to play anything to do with sport. It's been a long due. Maybe a sports-based film.”
On Virat Kohli
“Fantastic, he is an inspiring soul. I think given a chance, it will be fantastic as I look similar also.”
On Hollywood debut
“I don't know sir. I would leave it in LA where I said that. We're working on it. But, it's too early to say. Everything is a process. Let it happen. It will happen. My mom says nazar nahi lagna chahiye (my mother says that there should not be any evil eye). Everyone wishes to work in an industry where talent is appreciated.”
On Nepotism
I don’t really understand this. This is herd mentality. This topic is driven by a herd or rather an individual who feels like this. I am inclined towards acting. I was breathing cinema, meeting the producers. Now, if you call that getting a better chance, I don’t know. But, I was in a film school ever since I was born, so I know the art.”
I would not have sustained for 14 years if I was not doing something good for myself. My dad, maybe, was a good stepping stone, but after that we do have to continue the journey. If I was a normal person, I would not spend Rs 100 or Rs 500 outside the theatre just because he is somebody’s son.”
On Yash being the auto rickshaw driver,Ram Charan said “Talent speaks, so yes, I truly believe his talent spoke. And every other artist who is successful here, only the talent speaks.”
On Chiranjeevi's advice
“On the first day, I wished he gives that one formula to. But, he said ‘This is the first day. Take care of your team, they are always next to you. If they start talking about you, it's over for your career’."
On Salman Khan
"Even before I wanted to meet, he invited me being my dad’s [Chiranjeevi] very old friend. They’ve done ads together for a very, very long time. Mr Salman Khan, he said ‘Beta, I heard you’re in town.’ I said, ‘How come?’ He said, ‘Nothing happens in Bombay (without him knowing).’ He invited me home and that warm reception I’ll keep in my heart."
"Salman Khan is a great host but dangerous when he invites you home because the night doesn’t end till 5 am." And the actor replied, "No, Sir. He is very graceful. He lets us. If people want to stay, voluntarily they stay." When further asked, "You’re a bhai ka fan?" He replied in the affirmative and said, "Yes, sir, yes."