Jeetendra, who has worked in several Hindi remakes of Telugu films, explained how he owes his career to Telugu filmmakers. The actor’s popular films – from Himmatwala, Judge Chaudhury to Tohfa – were directed by K Raghavendra Rao, a popular southern filmmaker. On the occasion of his 79th birthday, we revisit an old interview in which the actor explained how he owed his career to the Southern film industry.
“Telugu is a very beautiful word for me. I owe a lot to the Telugu because my first big success was with legendary filmmaker LV Prasad, ”he said, adding“ LV Prasad is my guru. If I call anyone my father after mine, it’s him.
“I have a lot of love from the Telugu. In my worst crisis, these people came to my aid. So I am indebted to them, ”continued Jeetendra on K Raghavendra Rao’s talk show called Soundarya Lahiri.
The actor, who has collaborated with the filmmaker on more than 11 films, called him “the best person I have met.” Even the director praised the actor and said how his combination with Jeetendra was the most popular after his films with legendary actors NT Rama Rao and Chiranjeevi.
As the video progresses, Jeetendra recalls how he worked on a movie called Deedar-E-Yaar, which took five years to complete, but when it came out it was a huge flop. “He bombed so violently. I lost Rs 2.5 crore at that time, ”recalls Jeetendra. However, around the same time, the actor was filming for Himmatwala with Raghuvendra Rao in Rajahmundary. The film, which was shot in just 42 days, became the biggest hit of Jeetendra’s career.
“With the release of Himmatwala, I bounced back. I made so much money. I forget my loss. And life went on. Two things – Raghavendra Rao and Telugu brought me back to life. Himmatwala was a resounding success, ”said the Kaamyab actor.
He also recalled how he felt when Raghuvendra Rao announced that he would be sharing screen space in Himmatwala with Sridevi, who was then the best actress in the Southern film industry.
“I was so happy when he said Sridevi was going to play next to me. I called Sridevi and Jaya Prada after my bread and butter, ”said the actor who went on to collaborate with Sridevi and Jaya in several films.
Jeetendra starred in several films with Sridevi. (Photo: express archives)
An image from Jeetendra and Jaya Prada’s Thanedaar movie. (Photo: express archives)
Jeetendra ended the conversation by stating that he would be happy to be featured in a Telugu movie if Raghuvendra Rao ever made a movie with Mahesh Babu.