Actor, director, producer, politician and above all a humanitarian, Dasari Narayana Rao remains one of cinema’s most enduring icons. From a purely populist perspective we might conclude that the man is a blessed figure in the film industry but the truth is after four decades in films, he is the most visible producer working to inspire passionate filmmakers and continues steadily through it all.
Whatever one’s opinion of the man’s output, his sheer dedication to his art form is reason enough to take a closer look at a varied career. One fascinating in its complexity, themes, and obsessions. The man himself, however, claims to be mystified by his continuing popularity, not just with the public but also with his critics.
“I’m blessed to be loved by so many people and I just wish to remain immortal in their memories for a long time,” says the 60-year-old Minister for Coal and Mines, Dasari Narayana Rao. Dasari is in Hyderabad on weekends and balances his time perfectly between films and family.
“Moving around constantly on the sets, I’m finding it bit difficult sitting at one place going through files and other things. For a creative person, all this takes time to fall in place. Given a choice between the Centre and the state I would always choose Telugu cinema. My heart lies here but duty is my first calling.”
Recalling his salad days, he says, “My life is a perfect example of how a man without any support can fight against the odds and come up in life. There is no short cut to success. I did have the zeal to act, write and make something of myself but all of that couldn’t have been possible without effort. There is no scope for luck anywhere. You just need to have confidence that you can do it.”
Dasari had introduced over 200 technicians and 100 actors to the industry but sadly when it came to his own family, he admits things didn’t work out. He adds, “It’s unfortunate that my children couldn’t make use of the resources – intellectual and financial – that was within their reach. I have given them so much freedom and they misused it. It’s not too late, I’ll help them if they are willing to work hard.”
About the ups and downs in his life, the minister recollects, “At one time when I gave a series of hits, I had 30 or 40 cars at the airport to receive me. And then there were two flops and I didn’t have even one car to pick me up. I have seen all of this but one should never remember these to settle scores; one should utilise experiences in a positive way, to inspire you to reclaim your position in society. Respect is not for sale. I demand respect today because I’ve worked for it and give it to those who deserve it.”
The producer laments the condition of local talent. “I’m asking people to be a bit discreet. The government has given subsidies for the survival of small films but they are dumping all the money on dubbed films. We are always encouraging talent but in the guise of versatility it’s unfair to ignore our technicians and directors. Take 50 per cent from other states and the rest from us, but on the whole it’s unfair to ignore our brethren.”
When Dasari is back from Delhi, he hardly finds time to unwind and continues to work for 18 hours a day and says the only time he spends with his wife is at the dinner table.
He adds, “She’s been there for me through thick and thin and has been a reason for my success in life. She’s been active as a social worker but of late hasn’t been keeping well. I make it a point to have dinner with her whenever except the food she makes. Even while shooting at Mahabalipura she would send home made food for me.” While time marches on and the world keeps spinning, Dasari has a surprising underlying optimistic message that life is not about what we’ve lost, but what we have left…
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