Naga Chaitanya, coming from an illustrious cinematic lineage, has managed to forge his own path in the Indian film industry, making distinct choices that emphasize his individuality rather than simply riding on the weight of his family’s legacy. Despite the expectations that come with being the son of veteran actor Nagarjuna and the grandson of the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Chaitanya has consistently chosen roles that challenge him as an artist. Currently seen in Thandel, the actor is making headlines not just for his performance but also for his insightful approach to handling both success and setbacks.
In an exclusive interview, Chaitanya reflected on the philosophy that keeps him humble and rooted despite his success. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and staying curious, which he believes allows an actor to grow and stay connected with audiences. “I just keep telling myself that I must keep learning. I have to keep staying curious, and only when we're rooted and grounded would we know what people want, what they're feeling, what their conflicts are, or what they are craving. The fewer filters and layers we have, the more we're connected to reality. I think it complements us as actors. Because at the end of the day, we must speak their language,” he said.
This down-to-earth approach has helped Chaitanya navigate the complexities of fame and social media criticism. In the age of digital engagement, where opinions are formed and shared instantly, the Love Story actor has learned to maintain a balanced perspective. He acknowledges that while social media is a valuable platform for audience interaction, it is not the only avenue to gauge feedback. He stressed that over-reliance on social media reactions can be misleading and even detrimental to an actor’s confidence.
“I don’t think social media is the only channel to get feedback. Social media is one of the tools. If you sort of invest too much into it, it can pull you down. So, with regard to social media, you definitely have to draw the line. You need to be clever enough to pick and choose what you want to take and what you want to ignore. Otherwise, you can lose balance over there,” he explained.
Chaitanya also pointed out that a vast majority of audiences are not active on social media, and their opinions are often left unheard in online spaces. “When we look for feedback on films, just looking into social media is not the right thing to do. Because there's so much of the world that's not on social media. And I feel there's so much of the world that looks at social media and consumes content, but it's not like they're commenting there. It's not like they're leaving their genuine opinions there. So, we should dig much deeper and much further from social media,” he added.
Despite his strong fan base and critical acclaim for his performances, Chaitanya has faced a few box office setbacks in recent years. However, he remains undeterred, believing that failures are necessary for growth. He sees criticism as a tool for self-improvement rather than a deterrent. “I think criticism is, firstly, very healthy. We all need criticism to keep growing. And the ups and downs, especially in life, are healthy. You need to go through those cycles. Only when you go through those cycles will you learn, pick yourself up, and come back stronger. I think it's proven, with so many actors, so many technicians. Especially in this industry, you can't write anyone off, or you can't criticise them to a point saying, ‘Okay, it's done,’ because resurrection happens all the time. So, I enjoy criticism in a healthy way. They teach me a lot,” he remarked.
With his latest release, Thandel, Chaitanya is once again stepping into a role that challenges him as a performer. The film, also starring the talented Sai Pallavi, has been generating buzz for its gripping storyline and emotional depth. As he continues his cinematic journey, Chaitanya remains focused on evolving as an actor, embracing the unpredictability of the film industry, and staying true to his artistic instincts. His approach—grounded in self-awareness, resilience, and an eagerness to learn—ensures that he remains a dynamic and relevant force in Indian cinema.
