While addressing the gathering, Jagapati
Babu said: "I couldn’t believe
myself when I was asked by Ashwini Dutt
to do a film with Rajinikanth as my costar.
I thank Rajnikanth, Ashwini Dutt and Vasu
for their belief in me"
Speaking on this occasion, Rajinikanth said
that he felt immensely joyful to be part
of Tollywood industry after several years.
"I love Telugu people and I love the
Telugu language. The launch of Pedarayudu
was graced and blessed by ANR and NTR. The
film went on to become a hit. Now too, I
find good people here who have come to bless
us. I am sure Kucheludu will become a super
hit". Rajinikanth then went on to narrate
a few incidents in a lighthearted vein referring
to Mohan Babu. "At one time in the
past”, he said, “when I was
in a dilemma whether to continue in Telugu
or Tamil, my dear friend Mohan Babu suggested
I continue in Tamil because there was a
lot of politics in Tollywood. Later, I realized
he was just securing his position.
Also, I was offered 1 1/2 acre land in Jubilee
hills as remuneration for a film. My friend
once again advised me not to fall for that
and instead suggested I stick with cash.
Now every time I drive through Jubilee Hills,
I feel bad looking at that spot of land
because all of you here know how much 1
1/2 acres of land can cost today in Jubilee
hills!” Tongue in cheek, Rajinikanth
attributed his stardom in Tamil to Mohan
Babu - because it is on his advice that
he stayed with the Tamil film industry.
After the Superstar had spoken, Chiranjeevi
noted: "Everybody knows Rajinikanth
is the superstar. He is now an international
figure with his influence felt even in Japan.
We are all proud of him. When I felt personally
disturbed in the recent past, Rajinikanth
asked me to come to Chennai. He personally
spent long hours with me. He is a philosopher.
He is a guide. His positive energy is amazing.
This happened during the Deepawali celebrations
last year. Rajini gave me a lot of moral
and psychological support. It is my luck
to have a friend like Rajini. I wish the
Vyjayanti Movies team all good luck."
Then it was TDP Chandrababu Naidu’s
turn, and he heaped praise on Chiranjeevi
and Rajnikanth. "I am happy to be here
in the world of glamour. This film with
Rajinikanth is a great contribution. Director
P. Vasu has the capacity to do great films.
The positive energy of Rajinikanth is great.
Though he looks so simple, he holds extraordinary
powers as a noble human being."
Dasari Narayana Rao then said: " Kucheludu
has the rare combination of Rajinikanth
and Jagapati Babu. I know Rajnikanth for
nearly 35 years – from Day One of
his industry entry. What he was then is
the same today. His manners and his respect
for others remain the same. This is a rare
phenomenon in the film industry. His positive
energy is incredible. The same brought him
universal recognition. I am sure P. Vasu
will make a great film with Kucheludu. Shooting
for this movie will begin from March 16th
to March 23rd at Ramoji Film City.
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