I don’t chase comparisons: Naga Chaitanya on his father Nagarjuna’s legacy
Naga Chaitanya discusses his father’s legacy, the fear of repetition and balancing his approach to script selection while preparing for his 25th film Vrishkarma.
Being born into one of the most famous families of Telugu cinema comes with inevitable expectations, but Naga Chaitanya says he has never seen that weight as a burden. As he approaches his 25th film, the actor opens up about carrying the legacy forward, resisting repetition and constantly shaping a career that reflects his own instincts rather than inheriting comparisons.
In a recent interview with Hindustan TimesChaitanya reveals how he looks at the vast legacy of his father, superstar Nagarjuna, with clarity and calmness. “I look at my father’s legacy as an inspiration, not a benchmark,” he said, adding that his focus has always been on carving an individual path. “My journey is about telling stories that feel true to me and creating an identity of my own.”
Chaitanya made his debut with Josh in 2009 and has worked in several films Ye Maiya Chesave, 100% Love, Tadakha, Manam, Majili, Venky Mama, Love Story And bangaraju. In 2023, she expanded her repertoire with her digital debut in the web series liarSignals a willingness to explore new formats and storytelling spaces.
Looking back, the actor stressed love story as a defining moment in his career. “It was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects I have ever done,” he said. “It moved me emotionally and changed the way I look at relationships and resilience.”
Chaitanya says that if there is one concern that constantly drives him, it is the fear of repetition. The actor believes that complacency can be the biggest threat to longevity. “Experimenting with different roles keeps me evolving – not just as an actor, but as a person,” he said, outlining why selecting scripts remains a meticulous and instinct-driven process for him.
what will happen next
Chaitanya’s next project, VrishakarmaWill be directed by Clax, best known for bedurlanka. The film is presented by Zee Studios, produced by Annapurna Studios and co-produced by Bunny Vas Works. Pre-production is currently underway, with shooting expected to begin later this summer.