Star comedian Brahmanandam shares his joy and happiness on getting prestigious Padma Shree award from Government of India this year. He talks to the media on Republic Day at Ramanaidu studios. Here is a brief chitchat with him.

How do you feel now?
Well, I am speechless for the great recognition for this great honour. Government of India honouring me with such a purashkaram is not a mean achievement. I am in the state of brahmanandam(smiles).

Did you expect this in life
I came from a very poor family. My only wish in the life has been to make out a good living, earn decent money to look after my family. Never did in my life desired or craved for an award or special recognition. Even when Nagarjuna University conferred doctorate and Guinness Book recognized my record, I didn’t expect them. If you keep working properly and give your 100 percent to your work, awards and rewards would automatically come. I am the perfect example for it.

Who do you owe this award?
I owe all success to my Guru Jandhyala. He gave me life-turning break in Aaha Na Pellanta. Also I owe it to the Telugu audiences. Today whatever I have achieved, it is because of their blessings. In two decades of my career, I am providing entertainment to the Telugu speaking people with all the support of my writers, directors and producers.

Do you regret not being a lead actor?
Most people ask me why I failed as lead actor. Frankly speaking, I never played hero roles although I did lead roles in couple of films. More ever, people don’t take comedians seriously. We are like monkeys. A monkey does things that it can do; it can’t do adventures like a tiger or look like a zombie. Everything that we do is for entertainment only. Even if we act like a tiger, they laugh at it. A comedian can’t be a simham.

Have you ever felt bored, doing comedian roles?
Never felt bored at all. Won’t get it too. Will make people laugh till my last breath. It is my promise.

Your retirement plans?
Acting has given me everything. Kalama Talli Seva..etc such words are meaningless when you are getting enough money and fame. See if your friend asks you wait for an hour in a particular place, you would wait for him for an hour or so and then leave if he doesn’t arrive. Where as if someone asks you to wait for an hour that he would give you two lakhs, you would wait two more hours too expecting that he would definitely come even if he comes late. Acting is like getting money for waiting. So there is no retirement for an actor as long as it gives you money and fame.

You are branded as a 'comic' actor. Comment?
People branded me as comedian though I played several roles in my careers. They conferred me an image that Brahmanandam is only for 'laughs'. Not that I am complaining, but it restricted me not experiment it.

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