Rana, your name is often associated with quality cinema. How do you respond to such compliments?
It’s very nice to hear that. Our goal has always been to tell good stories and bring new voices to the audience. I feel that storytelling has remained central to everything I do, whether it’s acting, producing, or even in my business ventures. I believe the audience looks for authentic stories, and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver.

You produced Kaantha, an indie film that didn’t get as much recognition as expected. Looking back, what do you think about its reception?
We knew from the beginning that Kaantha would be a bold experiment. Our goal was to push the boundaries of independent cinema and show that mainstream actors can also be part of such projects. While we didn’t achieve the perfect balance between indie and mainstream audiences, the experience was valuable, and we will keep pushing for more such films.

There’s a perception that family entertainers are becoming rare. Do you think established actors can still lead grounded, realistic family dramas?
Family dramas in Telugu cinema have experienced a surge, especially during festivals like Sankranti. It’s clear that family stories, like father-son relationships, will always resonate with the audience. Family drama films, even if not quirky or edgy, are timeless, and I believe they will always have a strong presence in Indian cinema.

What inspired you and your team to create Loca Loka, a global tequila brand?
The idea came about a couple of years ago when a group of us, including Anirudh and Harsha, decided to venture into the tequila business. At first, it seemed like a crazy idea, especially aiming for a global market, but we made it happen. We began in places like the US and Canada, and it was a surprise to win awards like gold and silver at the California Wine and Spirits Awards. It’s been an incredible journey for us, making a global product with an Indian touch.

You, Anirudh, and Harsha come from different backgrounds. How did the collaboration for Loca Loka come together?
Harsha and I have worked together in business before, and Anirudh and I have known each other for years through the film industry. Sometimes, all it takes is a bunch of crazy people agreeing to a crazy idea, and that’s exactly what happened. Harsha came to me because I was up for it, and I went to Anirudh, and just like that, the collaboration fell into place.

You made a cameo in Parasakthi (2026). How was that experience?
It was a brief but significant role. I had the opportunity to work with director Sudha Kongara and the talented cast of Parasakthi, including Sivakarthikeyan and Ravi Mohan. It’s always a pleasure to be part of interesting projects like that, even in a short role.

You’ve had a busy career in both films and business. How do you balance both?
It’s all about managing your time well and following your passion. Acting and producing films is something I’ve always loved, but my interest in tech and business also keeps me excited. It’s about finding that balance where you can pursue your passions in different areas while staying grounded in what excites you.