26 June 2014
Hyderabad
Nagarjuna’s Meelo Evaru Koteeswarludu (MEK) - a Telugu version of highly successful Kaun Banega Karodpati (KBC) was debuted on MAA TV on 9 of June and generated excellent TRPs. Over 1.31 crore people have watched this program so far. MEK has reached over 61% of Telugu market so far. Idlebrain.com has met Nagarjuna at the sets of MEK (Annapurna 7 acres) for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts -
When were you approached to do MEK (Meelo Evaru Kotiswarudu)?
I was approached in the February of this year. I have accepted to do MEK and things started rolling. This is the model that is a huge success all over the world. Unlike in international programs, we have stars hosting the show in India. I am very happy and privileged to be the host of MEK.
How are you enjoying hosting the show?
I am having a new experience. There is a backstory for each and every participant. And the money they win matters a lot to their lives. It gives me a lot of pleasure in helping them win their money so that they use that money to fulfil some of their dreams. It gives me an opportunity to understand people and learn their problems. It also gives me a moment to be part of their lives and triumph. It gives me courage to come over failures. People live their life day by day despite being in so much of financial and other stress. We film stars don’t take a failure so easily and we get disturbed. Our disturbances are nothing in front of the problems most of the people have today.
We had participants like a lady rickshaw driver from Guntur and another man whose house in washed away in floods. Watching MEK show inspires and motivates people. The participants backstories give more hope.
How did your family like it?
Every night when I go home after finishing MEK shoot, Amala asks me with a lot of curiosity about participants on that day. My kids are loving it. They are realising about hardships and are getting inspired.
MEK is beyond stardom!
If I have to sum it up for MEK, I would say it’s beyond stardom. When I did Annamayya and Manam, the results I have got are beyond stardom and monetary measurements. Likewise, MEK is so dear and inspiring to me.
You have become cautious after Manam?
No. If I were cautious I wouldn’t have done Bhai film. I did Bhai film as Manam’s script was getting delayed by Vikram. I am the same guy who decided to do Bhai after accepting Manam script. But, I am consciously trying to do films with good content from now onwards.
Tell us about NTR multistarrer?
Me and NTR listened to the script narrated by Vamsi Paidipally for 30 minutes together. He is going to give narration of the final script by end of the month. We will listen to it together.
Akhil has stolen the show in climax of Manam?
Yes. He should thank me and Naga Chaitanya for giving him space and for allowing him to take the limelight!
When is Akhil debuting?
He is being really focussed and he knows his responsibility. He will come up with an option soon. But, the final word about his debut film as hero will be mine!
