JD, as he popularly known to the world, also as we dearly call him Chakri alis Chakravarthy.
Chakri is the first person I met in Hyderabad at Annapurna studios 27 years back when I initially came from Chennai (then Madras) to Hyderabad to assist a new “ERA” called RGV, for SHIVA.
We started bonding during the workshop for Shiva. He introduced me to Hyderabad roads, traffic, Hyderabadi culture, Hyderabad “Galli” fights, pubs, cinema theatres, Hyderabad races (he himself is a pro at racing bikes. Remember the bike song in GULABI? Without Chakri, that song would not have been possible) Hyderabadi Biryani, Old city. Thanks to him, I became a true Hyderabadi. He taught me how to drive a car in his very own car. He is the only guy who used to own a car in those days.
We started growing up in films together. He became JD-The Star, and my first 2 and half films as a director are with him. Money Money- unofficial direction, a quarter part of “Anaganaga Oka Roju” and “Gulabi” -my first official direction. Gulabis’ Chandu character is HIM. It was conceived, designed and executed totally around him. That is how he is, still…Good or bad, we both are connected emotionally. We like it or not, we are bonded for life.
After 20 years, again in “NAKSHATRAM,”I needed some “POWER” for a small character. Thought a lot of names though, but none gave me that kick, then rang a bell suddenly… Why not Chakri? I immediately called him, without even listening anything he said YES instantly. Though the character is neither upto his caliber, potential nor upto his image, he came forward and gave life to that character. I am so thankful to him.
I felt as if time travelled back to 20 years when I was recording shots of him- very Nostalgic. He is still the same- same to same energy, same “VIGOUR” and same “POGAR”!!!
After the shoot, it reminded an old saying “OLD HABITS DIE HARD”. He has been a HABIT to me.
JD The RDX……GOD BLESS RAAA!!!!!!
