Mumbai: Nani may now be inseparable from the title ‘Natural Star’, but the actor once admitted that he was far from comfortable with the name. What began as an industry description eventually became a fan given identity that he chose to embrace.
The story has resurfaced as Nani’s latest release, The Paradise, continues to make headlines. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the film arrived in theatres on September 24 and recorded Nani’s biggest opening yet, collecting rs 76.90 crore worldwide on its opening day, according to trade tracking figures cited in reports. The film earned rs 54.90 crore in India and rs 22 crore overseas.
But long before The Paradise, Nani’s association with the “Natural Star” title developed almost accidentally.
In an interview, Nani explained that there was no single performance responsible for the nickname. Instead, it evolved from the kind of films he selected and the way audiences perceived his acting. Fans initially began calling him “Sahaja Natudu,” meaning natural actor, in Telugu.
The phrase later appeared on screen. In Janda Pai Kapiraju, the actor was introduced with the title “Natural Actor Nani.” Then came Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, the 2015 comedy that became a major success.
According to Nani, the film’s director wanted to use “Natural Star” for him. Nani initially thought the filmmaker was joking and did not want the title included. Since it was a comedy, he eventually agreed, assuming audiences might take it lightly.
The film’s success changed everything.
After viewers warmly received the tag, other filmmakers began using it as well. Even then, Nani said he initially felt awkward about carrying such a title.
What finally made him comfortable was not another film or a promotional campaign, but the audience itself. He recalled receiving messages from fans addressing him affectionately as their “dear Natural Star.” That emotional connection gradually changed how he viewed the name.
Today, the title has become closely associated with Nani’s public image. And with The Paradise opening at rs 76.90 crore worldwide, the actor is once again seeing that fan created identity follow him into a new chapter of his career.
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