19 years of ‘Rajakumarudu’: Here’s a look at some interesting facts about the film

‘Raja Kumarudu’ is every film buff's probable favourite film. The 1999 film managed to etch an indelible mark on people's hearts and minds. The film not only manages to evoke a myriad of emotions but also cemented Mahesh Babu as an actor to look out for. Also starring Preity Zinta, Krishna, Prakash Raj, Jaya Prakash Reddy, Sumalatha, Asrani, Brahmanandam, MS Narayana, Srihari, Mousumi Saha, director K Raghavendra Rao’s ‘Rajakumarudu’ released on July 30, 1999. As the film completes 19 years, here is a look at some interesting facts about the film.

As ‘Rajakumarudu’ 19 years, Preity Zinta, who essayed the leading lady in the film, recalled her enriching shooting experiences, working with the protagonist Mahesh Babu and the powerful impact the film made on audiences. The Bollywood actress wrote: “Can you believe its #19yearsForRajakumarudu ... So much fun working with @urstrulyMahesh even though I had sleepless nights learning #Telugu, In the end, it was worth it. Thank you #RRaogaaru #ting #Telugumovie”.

The success Preity Zinta received from the film was simply overwhelming. In another tweet, she recalled how she would stay up every night to learn Telugu sincerely.

“Seriously taking a photo on the sets of #Rajakumarudu #19yearsForRajakumarudu ... #Throwback #@urstrulyMahesh #Telugumovie #RRaogaaru #Ting”.

Can you believe it’s #19yearsForRajakumarudu ... So much fun working with @urstrulyMahesh even though I had sleepless nights learning #Telugu In the end it was worth it . Thank you #RRaogaaru#ting #Telugumovie

The movie ran for over 100 days in 44 centres, leaving a deep impression on the Indian box-office. The success of ‘Rajakumarudu’ didn't lie solely on one individual. It was neither the director nor the mainstream debut of Mahesh Babu, but a team effort. It goes without saying that ‘Rajakumarudu’ was special for every actor who was part of the project. The film changed the course of the actors' careers forever.

The filming of ‘Rajakumarudu’ was like going to an acting film school for Mahesh as he made his adult lead debut with this film. He became an overnight star after he played Raja, a happy go lucky college student, in the film. He reportedly learnt so much about cinema and acting from K Raghavendra Rao and several other senior artists and all the talented technicians at that time. It was a great learning experience for him, a commercial project to work and a wonderful response and got him huge recognition. It was an acclaimed debut performance by an actor who was already a top child actor.

Even after 19 years of its official release, the film and its music composed by maverick Mani Sharma continues to hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the audience. There are six songs in the film and one of the favourite songs of every fan is 'Enduke Praayamu'. The songs from the album still find a place in Telugu cinema fans' playlists. ‘Rajakumarudu’ is 19 years old, yet its impact endures.