Telugu superstar Jr NTR has made it clear that he has no intention of pushing his sons, Abhay Ram and Bhargav Ram, into the film industry simply because they belong to a celebrated cinematic lineage. The actor, who began his own screen journey at the age of eight in the 1991 film 'Brahmarshi Viswamitra', revealed that fatherhood profoundly transformed him and reshaped his perspective on work, legacy, and the choices he envisions for his children.
Jr NTR on fatherhood and his sons
In an interview with Esquire India, Jr NTR shared that the birth of his elder son, Abhay Ram, brought a quiet yet significant change within him. He noted that becoming a father also influenced the kind of roles he began to seek. "I started searching for naiveness in my work. I did not want it to be easy anymore. I wanted roles that pushed me, where there was something to learn or earn through effort," he explained.
The actor emphasized his desire to offer his children freedom rather than burden them with expectations. Jr NTR stated that he does not wish to become the sort of parent who dictates their children's future. "I do not want to be one of those fathers who says: Tumko bhi actor banna hai (You need to be an actor too). I don't believe in that; I want to be a bridge rather than a barrier, someone who gives them exposure to the world and other cultures. I want to give them the opportunity to go out and experience it for themselves," he said.
Jr NTR film legacy and upcoming movies
Jr NTR hails from one of India's most prominent film families. His grandfather, NT Rama Rao, remains an iconic figure in Telugu cinema. His father, Harikrishna, was also an actor. His uncle Mohan Krishna works as a cinematographer, while his youngest uncle, Nandamuri Balakrishna, is among Telugu cinema's most successful stars. His cousins Kalyan Ram and Nara Rohit are also active in the film industry. When asked about carrying forward the family legacy, Jr NTR admitted he "doesn't know what's going to happen," but expressed a desire to be remembered for "telling stories that resonate."
On the professional front, Jr NTR is set to make his Hindi debut with Ayan Mukerji's 'War 2', co-starring Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani. The film, part of the YRF Spy Universe, is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 14. He is also working on Prasanth Neel's untitled project and will reunite with Koratala Siva for the sequel to 'Devara'.
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