Months after I stopped blogging thanks to my laziness, I decided to write again.The motivation was Pawan Kalyan's 'Panjaa' audio launch.
Before you could conclude me as Pawan Kalyan fan, let me disclaim:I have been a biggest critique of Pawan until what I sawat the audio launch of his film 'Puli'.
I remember driving down to HICC Convention centre in Madhapur tocover the audio launch.It was a lazy day.I wasn't too excited but was curious to see Pawan Kalyan. A kilometre before HICC, I saw a huge group of youngsters walking.
As I reached closer to HICC, the groups started getting bigger.By the time my car reached the main gate of the venue, the crowd size was unbelievable.I wondered who they were and why they all walked and where to.
The first major shock hit me when a few of them peeped into every car that passed by.A lot of them were not allowed to enter the main gate. Cops pushed them away to make way for cars entering the venue. After the security check, I parked my car and walked towards the main entrance.What I saw then was unforgettable.Thousands of youngsters stood in the line to get into HICC.I boast myself as a journalist who covered hundreds of events.I have never ever seen something like this.
Public relations head Mr.B A Raju spotted me looking at the crowd bewildered.He escorted me in.I was still dazed and wide eyed unwilling to believe that so many people could come for a hero who hasn't had a big hit for a long time.A youngster found press pass in my hand and came up to me.He requested me to give him the pass.I explained that it was no more valid because I am already inside.He said he wants to go back to his hometown Vizianagaram and flaunt it in his village.I asked him if he really came from Vizianagaram for this audio launch.He nodded and there was no need for him to lie to a stranger like me.Bang, secondshock!
As I entered the hall, I was in thirdstage of Power shock.The auditorium was full.A R Rahman had just arrived.When his arrival was announced, the crowd cheered and that sound strolled me back to reality from the shock.The then Chief Minister Rosaiah was to be the chief guest for that event.
Even as the compere was struggling to find space between the screams of the audience to announce something, the LED screens in the hall showed PawanKalyan's entry.
What followed then blew my mindoff.For the next ten minutes, I could only hear 'Power star... Power star'' and something that sounded like a wave.I looked backat the crowd and found most of them standing on their seats trying their luck to find Pawan Kalyan walking in.
Minutes later Chief Minister Rosaiah came in.After the usual 'oh this is a great movie' lines, CM Rosaiah said, 'I am a fan of Chiranjeevi'.Fo r the next few minutes CM couldn't talk.We only heard a massive wave sound again.This was an experience to experience.I looked at other journalists and raised my eyebrows.
Pawan Kalyan spoke and there I was armed with pen and notepad scribbling every line he said.His speech had honesty, something I never found in most actors in Tollywood.
I found him genuine and realistic.There was no pretence, no fake words, no arrogance, no deceit, no false praise.It was straight from the heart.For someone who was sick of stereotypical film speeches praising themselves and their unbearable films, his speech came as a pleasant surprise.He left the venue.I walked back to my car and as I drove towards the main gate of HICC, I found people peeping into my car.I realised whom they were looking for.
For most other stars, box office success matters because they are rated on those parameters.For Pawan, it doesn't. Audience like him for something beyond his cinema.I guess it is honesty, sincierity in his eloquence and truth in his voice that most actors lack.He is one of the fewest stars who don't take stardom seriously.This attitude is perhaps a style statement in itself.
Puli came and went.It was a disaster.I ripped it apart. Months passed and then came Theenmaar.I went to Prasads to review the movie on the first day.
Nothing changed.The crowd, the cheers, the screams and the fans from across the state.Though I liked the film, I am told it was an average performer at the box office.Months passed...
And now as I see Pawan Kalyan at the audio launch of Panjaa I flash back to music launch of Puli.Nothing changed.The crowd, the cheer, his speech, the honesty,eloquence...
For me and many more journalistswho track the lives of celebrities from close, Pawan Kalyan is and will remain an enigma, a riddle and an unsolved puzzle for long years to come....
As I ready myself to post this on my blog, I can hear Pawan Kalyan's voice.It is my roommate here in Washington DC glued to youtube video of Panjaa's audio launch...An enigma indeed!
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