Nag Ashwin reveals Dulquer Salmaan initially hesitated to make his Telugu debut in ‘Mahanati’

Filmmaker Nag Ashwin recently opened up about Dulquer Salmaan’s initial reluctance to make his Telugu debut in the critically acclaimed film ‘Mahanati’ (2018). In an interview, Ashwin shared how the actor, despite being a popular star in Malayalam cinema, was initially unsure about stepping into the Telugu film industry.

‘Mahanati,’ which was a biographical drama based on the life of legendary actress Savitri, required a strong ensemble cast, and Dulquer was approached to play the role of Gemini Ganesan, a prominent actor and Savitri’s husband. However, according to Ashwin, Dulquer had reservations about working in a Telugu film at the time.

Ashwin recalled, “Dulquer was initially hesitant when I approached him for ‘Mahanati’ because he had not done a Telugu film before. But after discussing the character and the story with him, he agreed to take the plunge.” The filmmaker praised Dulquer’s willingness to take on a challenging role in a new language and context, which ultimately proved to be a successful decision for both the actor and the film.

Today, Dulquer Salmaan is one of the most beloved actors in Telugu cinema. His performance in ‘Mahanati’ was widely appreciated, and he received praise for bringing Gemini Ganesan to life on screen with charm and depth. His success in the Telugu film industry has been a testament to his versatility and dedication as an actor, marking him as one of the standout stars of the industry.

In the years since ‘Mahanati’, Dulquer has not only cemented his place in Telugu cinema but has also starred in other successful projects, proving his stature as a true pan-Indian actor. Ashwin expressed how proud he was of Dulquer’s journey, noting that the actor, who once hesitated to make his Telugu debut, is now considered one of the top stars of the industry.