Actor Vishnu opens up in this candid conversation, sharing unseen glimpses of his childhood, the unexpected way acting entered his life, and the people who shaped his journey. From mischievous school-day stories to personal inspirations, friendships, and future dreams — this interview brings you closer to the man behind the performances.
(1) Vishnu, can you share a bit about your early life and what inspired you to pursue acting?
I grew up in the older part of the city and spent my childhood playing cricket in my spare time and watched cartoons. I never really tried to be an actor. Like all good things in life,acting came out of nowhere.
(2) Can you share a memorable incident from your school or college days that still makes you smile?
We once gatecrashed a wedding because we couldn’t get tickets for a morning show movie. We were 8th graders looking for every chance to be mischievous. I think it was the movie ‘Happy’ by Karunakaran.
(3) Childhood dream profession?
When I was really young I wanted to become a cricketer and later on a chef because I thought that would let me eat anything I wanted. I wish life was so simple sometimes.
(4) Who has been your biggest inspiration in life, and why?
I’d say multiple people. Right from my parents and siblings to some of my favourite cricketers like Saurav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar & MS Dhoni. They’ve driven me to work hard and deal with life as it comes. My biggest inspiration in the acting industry would be Mr Kota Srinivas Rao garu,sadly I’ve never gotten an opportunity to work with him. But his body of work is truly remarkable and that will keep inspiring.
(5) Can you tell us about your friendship with Vijay? Did you know him back in school or college days?
Vijay Devarakonda? Vijay is my super senior from college. His energy is contagious,I’m very glad to have worked on my feature film with him.We are so proud of what he has achieved in such a short span. Really rooting for his movie with Ravi Kiran Kola.
(6) If you weren’t an actor, what profession do you think you’d be in?
I have no clue at all. All the things that I did till now came to me by chance. I studied commerce and started shooting weddings due to my inclination towards photography. Photography introduced me to lot of creative people and further expanded my circle,which led me to find my footing in the film industry. So,to finally answer your question, I have no idea what I would’ve been doing if not acting. Auto driver maybe.
(7) How do you balance the demands of your acting career with personal time?
I try to be very disciplined with my lifestyle on most days even when we are not shooting. It makes it a bit easier to plan out things in advance and divide time between family,friends and work.
(8) Can you describe your character in Mithra Mandali and what makes him unique?
I play a character called Sathvik who is an odd ball and very honest with his intentions at the same time. Which makes it a funny combination for the screen.
(9) Working with a diverse cast, including Priyadarshi and Niharika NM, must have been an enriching experience. Can you share a memorable moment from the set?
We’ve shot the movie for so long it felt like we’ve been around each other for an entire academic year. By the end of the production we were like school buddies graduating to college. Darshi is such an inspiring actor to work with,he has so much dedication to work in tandem with the director’s vision sometimes I question myself if I can ever be that. Niharika is a sweet heart to work with,we’ve bonded over everything cinema and have a very good friendship off screen now. We had one particular song ‘Swecha you didn’t took stand’ which was filmed in the streets of Gun Foundry,it was such a full circle for me. I spend a lot of time in and around Abids on a normal day and here we were running around in funny clothes behind a woman on a scooty. It will always be a very special one for me.
(10) If you could switch lives with any character you’ve played, who would it be?
Sikandar, solely because I love the world he lives in.
(11) Your favorite character you’ve played so far?
Galeez from Tharun Bhaskar’s short, Sainma. He loves beer and gives free advice all night. Perfect combination.
(12) Your favorite co-actor to work with?
I loved my time with Nitya Menen, she was so lovely and I had so much fun working with her on Skylab.
(13) What’s next – any clue about your upcoming projects?
I’m actually working on about 5 films right now. A few of them are ready to release and a few have just wrapped up production. There’s a lot of new work that’s coming out early next year and more projects are in the pipeline.
(14) First movie you watched in a theater?
Intlo illalu vantintloo priyuraalu
(15) Favorite film of all time?
Aaha na pellanta
(16) A role you regret not taking?
None till now
(17) Your go-to comfort food?
Pappu annam
(18) A book or movie that changed your perspective on life?
Intuition by Osho
