Ram Charan in New York City: A recap of his stint on Good Morning America

Fans screamed as they caught a glimpse of their favourite star, Ram Charan, getting out of a blacked-out vehicle. The crescendo just went an octave higher when he waved at them, accepted flowers, signed autographs and even clicked selfies. We’re not talking of Telangana or AP; this was the scene in New York City, USA, on Thursday when the actor went to Times Square to appear on the popular chat show GMA3: What You Need To Know.

In the US till March to promote SS Rajamouli’s RRR in its Oscar run, what with Naatu Naatu being nominated in the Best Original Song category, the actor has a busy schedule lined up. But before that, he opened up about Telugu cinema, reaching a wider audience, becoming a father and more on the chat show. Excerpts:

SS Rajamouli is the Steven Spielberg for India
RRR is the story of great friendship, brotherhood, camaraderie and a relationship between two characters (Sitaramaraju and Bheem). I think it’s one of the finest writings of my director Rajamouli. He’s known as the Steven Spielberg of India; everybody calls him that. I hope he makes his way to the global cinema soon with his next film.

Naatu Naatu being recognised is an honour for India
This is the first time The Academy, Golden Globes and several critics awards have recognised a song produced in India; it’s an honour. This is a win not just for RRR but for Indian cinema as a whole, apart from our technicians. And just when we thought we had achieved it all in India and moved on to other projects, man…west showed us it’s just the beginning.

I am excited to be a father, but I’m so busy

While it’s exciting I’m having a baby, all these years when we didn’t plan (on having a baby), I was pretty available for my wife (Upasana Konidela). But right now, I’m just packing and unpacking so much.

Another feather in their cap While Ram Charan tours the US, RRR has been nominated for Best Action Movie, and Jr NTR and Ram Charan in Best Actor in an Action Movie categories at the Critics Choice Super Awards that celebrate fictional work in action, superhero, horror, science fiction, fantasy and animation. RRR will compete against Bullet Train, Top Gun: Maverick, The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent and The Woman King. Tarak and RC will compete against Nicolas Cage, Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.