Nandu Recalls Sukumar Asking Him, “Do You Think You Are Mahesh Babu?”

Actor Nandu recently shared an important life lesson he learned from director Sukumar. During a recent press meet, Nandu spoke openly about how one conversation with Sukumar completely changed his mindset and helped him understand the reality of the film industry.

A reporter asked Nandu why he appears more practical and realistic these days. Replying to the question, Nandu said that in the past he used to feel very shy and uncomfortable about meeting directors again to ask for opportunities. Even though he worked with top directors like Sukumar, Boyapati Srinu, and Deva Katta, he stayed away from them for years after completing films.

Nandu recalled his experience working in 100% Love. He said that after the movie, he did not meet Sukumar for almost seven years. Later, during the Rangasthalam event, he happened to meet the director once again. Sukumar then asked him to come and meet him the next day.

Talking about that meeting, Nandu shared Sukumar’s exact words in English. He said Sukumar told him, “Do you think you are Mahesh Babu for me to remember you automatically? I have hundreds of works and many people to meet. If you want me to think about you and remember you for a role, you should keep meeting me often. I already have a good impression about you, but only if you stay visible regularly, I will remember that there is a person called Nandu and think of giving you a character.”

Those words became a major turning point in Nandu’s life. He said he realized there is nothing wrong in asking for work honestly and promoting himself without cheating anyone. From that day, he slowly removed his hesitation and started approaching people confidently.

Nandu also said this lesson is useful not only in cinema but in every profession. According to him, success comes when people leave behind fear and hesitation and continue proving themselves again and again with confidence and hard work.