Jr NTR recalls how Fahadh Faasil became a household name during Covid

Speaking at the pre-release event of Don't Trouble the Trouble, actor Jr NTR said Fahadh Faasil became a familiar presence in homes during the Covid-19 pandemic. His remarks also turned personal as he spoke about producer SS Karthikeya's support and confirmed Dragon remains on schedule.

In Short

• Jr NTR praised Fahadh Faasil's rise during Covid pandemic
• The RRR actor called Fahadh a major inspiration and brother
• He gave an emotional speech about Karthikeya and his bond with Rajamouli's family bond

Actor Jr NTR has recalled how Fahadh Faasil's films introduced the Malayalam actor to audiences across the country during the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking at the pre-release event of the Don't Trouble the Trouble, where Fahadh is making his Telugu debut as a lead actor, Jr NTR opened up about his bond with Fahadh and showered praise on him.

“During Covid, we all faced so many difficulties. It was the toughest time, and so many people lost their loved ones. During that big calamity, there was one talent slowly entering our homes, and that was none other than Fahadh sir,” said Jr NTR.

Jr NTR recalled watching Fahadh's films during the pandemic and said his admiration for the actor began with Bangalore Days. “I watched his film Bangalore Days, and since then, my journey of watching Fahadh sir’s acting started. There are only a few actors whom I really like, and Fahadh sir is the first actor on that list. I am honoured to share the stage with you,” he said.

Calling Fahadh a major inspiration, Jr NTR added, “I look up to you as an actor and as my brother. I am happy that I am standing alongside you, and you are one of the proudest actors that India has today.”

Jr NTR also said Don't Trouble the Trouble would be a memorable project for Fahadh as he makes his Telugu debut as a lead actor. “This is going to be a memorable one for him, and I pray to God that this film will be a huge success,” he said.

Jr NTR's emotional tribute to Karthikeya

The event also became emotional when Jr NTR spoke about his long-standing association with the Rajamouli family, particularly the producer and son of the RRR director, SS Karthikeya. His association with the family goes back nearly 25 years to SS Rajamouli's directorial debut, Student No. 1, which featured Jr NTR in the lead.

Jr NTR recalled that he first met Karthikeya when the latter was a child during the making of Student No. 1. “I was 17 when I did Student No. 1, and Karthikeya was around nine. He has always been my younger brother. If I have a brother, it is Karthikeya, and no one else gets a chance,” he said.

He then went back further, recalling the loneliness he felt during the opening ceremony of his debut film Ninnu Choodalani. Jr NTR said his mother did not attend the event and his father had told him that he would have to learn to stand on his own if he ever fell.

“That day, I felt a bit sad because I thought I was alone. There was no one to encourage me or say a few strong words to me. Maybe God and nature listened to my words and gave me Jakkanna (SS Rajamouli) and the Keeravani garu family. From there, many people became a part of my family,” he said.

Jr NTR also spoke about how Karthikeya supported him during a difficult phase of his career. “At one point, my films were not doing well, and I didn’t know what to do. Like all of you, Karthikeya also stood by me and supported me. He is behind my smiles, and whenever I got emotional, he stood by me,” he said.

He added that Karthikeya has also been an important pillar of strength for Rajamouli on films including RRR and Baahubali.

Jr NTR praises director Sashank Eleti

Jr NTR also praised director Sashank Eleti, revealing that he had worked as an associate director with his father, filmmaker Chandu Yeleti.

“Generally, people keep changing their paths when they don’t get what they want. But Sashank wanted to become a director from the beginning, and today he has become a director. He has clarity and passion for cinema, and one can see that through Don’t Trouble the Trouble. I wish all of you to support him and this film,” he said.

Jr NTR also recalled being part of Student No. 1 and said he never imagined that Karthikeya would eventually become a producer.

“When we did Student No. 1, I never imagined that Karthikeya would become a producer. But today, he has turned producer with Don’t Trouble the Trouble. Just as you all supported me, please support my brother Karthikeya,” he said.

Jr NTR gives Dragon update

The actor also gave an update on his upcoming film Dragon with director Prashanth Neel of KGF and Salaar fame. Jr NTR recently underwent shoulder surgery and had taken a break from shooting. He said he has recovered and will soon return to the sets.

“I recovered well and I will start shooting soon for Dragon. The film will release as we announced, and there are no delays in the release,” said Jr NTR.

Don't Trouble the Trouble stars Fahadh Faasil and marks his Telugu debut as a lead actor. The film is directed by Sashank Eleti and produced by Karthikeya.

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