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- By Anil Tirunagari
His remarkable attribute was a smoldering affinity for directness and sincerity. This is personified in the classic telugu film "Manavooru Pandavulu". Murali Mohan, though neither too macho nor heroic, however commanded his own sizable fanfare, especially the womenfolk.
Yes, this simplicity sets this man apart and surprisingly beneath this humble exterior resides a man of remarkable achievement in his career both as a matinee idol as well as an entrepreneur business man. An interlude with cinema actor, producer turned real estate businessman, Murali Mohan.
Anil: What is your feeling about cinema today?
MM: Things have vastly changed. One thing I can right away say that the present acting breed are a lot more confident and articulate than we were those days. The same can be said about directorial debutants-these first time filmmakers are so seasoned in their output! It is indeed worthy of appreciation. Secondly, everything is so streamlined now. Though Hyderabad is our capital, the true cinema capital all the while had been Madras. Some of the stars did migrate over to Hyderabad due to the unfailing efforts of NTR, but all the technicians, the musicians, the fighters, the dancers, the choreographers; in fact all those auxiliary people who are so instrumental in film making were to be found in Chennai only. It is only recently that Hyderabad has growingly become self reliant in nearly all the departments of film making. With abundant young talent music is today homegrown and is no longer outsourced. The same applies to technicians. Only fighters and dancers are still procured from Chennai. That is still a department where we lack in resources.Lastly, with young blood infusion, we have created a new genre: Youth Centric movies. We have successfully strayed away from the beaten track of the sentimental sagas, the trampled-women storylines and are doing something new. That is a good sign.
Anil: Any movies as a producer?
MM: We have two new projects that are still in the conceptual stage.
Anil: Now, Sir, can you tell our readers about the Part II of your career:The Real Estate entrepreneur.
MM: I started Jayabheri ten (10) years back in 1992. Though many people baulked at my choice of industry, I went ahead because I knew that Real Estate was a very growth prospective industry and that it is the current set of players who have spoilt the reputation.I preferred not to get into the rat race. I stayed away from bad practices and bad boys, in the event I created a niche for myself. My name and goodwill will never permit me to err yet at the same time it demands that I use this goodwill to improve the scenario, it gives me a chance to clean up the muck! My current venture--Silicon County--is a mega project of over 150 luxury apartments near Hitec City with its own clubhouse & pool, and an array of facilities that are first of its kind. Now, that is what I believe is important--set bench marks, new standards wherever you go, whatever you do.
Anil: Sir, as an active participant in today's society, what do you think of Tourism in AP?
MM: Our CM has seen to it that people reckon our state as a tourist destination. Once the awareness has set in, we must focus on building the infrastructure to bring in the world tourist. I am surprised by the number of initiatives that the government has taken in the past three years. This is commendable and I'm firm in the belief that tourism is the next big thing to AP after Information Technology.
Anil: Lastly, what has been your inspiration, your guiding principle throughout your life?
MM: There is nothing too ornamental about my principles except that I am staunch believer in hard work. I do not like to sit idle. Never!
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