Telugu superstar Jr NTR offered heartfelt reflections on how fatherhood and legacy have shaped his life, career choices, and parenting philosophy. In a recent interview with Esquire India, the actor opened up about the transformative power of becoming a father and why he now seeks roles that demand depth and authenticity.
Best known for his dynamic screen presence and belonging to the illustrious Nandamuri family, Jr NTR shared that fatherhood especially the birth of his elder son Abhay Ram made him reassess the kind of films he wants to be a part of. “I started searching for naiveness in my work,” he said. “I didn’t want it to be easy anymore. I wanted roles that pushed me, where there was something to learn or earn through effort.”
The actor, admired for his performances in films like RRR and Janatha Garage, is known for embracing emotionally rich and high-octane characters. But now, he says, he’s chasing depth more than spectacle.
On the personal front, Jr NTR made it clear that he won’t impose the weight of his cinematic lineage on his sons. “I do not want to be one of those fathers who says, ‘Tumko bhi actor banna hai.’ I want to be a bridge rather than a barrier someone who gives them exposure to the world and different cultures,” he said.
Despite his fame, Jr NTR remains grounded about the future. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I hope to be remembered for telling stories that resonate,” he added.
Now, Jr NTR is preparing for his much-anticipated Hindi film debut in War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, where he will star alongside Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani. The film is part of YRF's expanding Spy Universe and is scheduled for release on August 14.
Beyond that, he’s working on a big-ticket action film with Prashanth Neel, the director of KGF, expected to release next year. He will also reunite with Koratala Siva for Devara 2, the sequel to their highly awaited pan-India film Devara. With his eyes set on stories that challenge and a heart grounded in fatherhood, Jr NTR is redefining what legacy means in Indian cinema not through expectation, but through inspiration.
