Perseverance pays

By M Rajesh

“I have visited many countries and cities around the world, but have never seen a country like this. A country with a combination of a calm sea, high mountains like walls of a fort, and a desert is very rare,” said Dr Murali Mohan, legendary actor, industrialist and philanthropist, who was in Muscat to take part in ‘Sankranti Sambaralu’ celebrations organised by Oman Telugu Community and Chiru Mega Youth Force (CMYF).

He took time off and spoke on varied subjects. Speaking of films, Dr Murali Mohan, who has acted in more than 350 films, said: "When we started our career in films in 70s, the market was limited to a particular state and today we see our movies making big on the world stage." Citing the winning of Oscars for a song from Telugu film 'RRR', he said this has given our movies a place in the hearts of world audiences. A thing which was unthinkable in the past has been achieved with dedication and teamwork. "I was expecting the film to win Oscars in other categories also as the direction and technical aspects of the movie are simply superb."

After the success of ‘RRR’ even the Bollywood actors are lining up for roles in Telugu movies. The credit goes to Rajmouli, the director of the film. Even our actors and directors are going global, and getting chances in Hollywood also. In 1973, Dr Murali Mohan debuted in 'Jagame Maya', produced by Atluri Poornachandra Rao and gained recognition with the 1974 film Tirupati, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao.

Talking about his entry into films, Dr Murali Mohan said "after finishing my schooling in my village, I went to Eluru for higher education, but failed. So I shifted gears in 1963 and started my own business dealing in electrical motors and oil engines. Also, as a hobby, I acted in stage dramas in Vijayawada." In 1973, Dr Murali Mohan debuted in films as a leading man for a producer, Poornachandra Rao Atluri, who was looking for a fresh face. Even though the film 'Jagame Maya' received positive response, Dr Murali Mohan continued to struggle for another break, until director Dasari Narayana Rao cast him in the film 'Tirupati'. Dasari cast him in 40 more films later.

In 1975, Dr Murali Mohan wrapped up his business and shifted to Madras (Chennai) to concentrate fully on films. He said that the period between 1975 and 1985 was his best phase in his film career. He is the first person to act in television serials from the Telugu film industry. In 1980 he formed his own production company with his brother Kishore titled Jayabheri Productions, and his first movie as producer was 'Varala Abbay'. Dr Murali Mohan, who has served a term in Lok Sabha, representing Rajahmundry constituency from Andhra Pradesh, said thanks to the efforts of the government of the Sultanate of Oman the tourism sector is flourishing, and we can see destination weddings happening here and surprisingly many of them are from India. The beautiful landscape, beaches and the desert have unique value to tourists.

"Currently India and the rest of the world is facing acute food shortage, and this is because of the crisis hitting the agriculture sector, " said Dr Murali Mohan. Acute shortage of farm labour has affected agricultural activities and this has led to inflation across the world. Currently India is also in the grip of labour shortage and small farmers are finding it difficult to employ machines for cultivation. Cooperative farming alone offers farmers to tide over the crisis. Pollution and lack of rainfall has also affected the farming community, he added.

Dr Murali Mohan said that he has earmarked a portion of his earnings to help poor students and encourage them towards a better life. Since its inception 'Murali Mohan Charitable Trust' has adopted many students to pursue higher studies. As a successful entrepreneur, Dr Murali Mohan advises the current generation to develop perseverance and pursue their goals with dedication. Don't be in a hurry to get success... if one has patience success is assured.