Kids don't know that they are 'acting'; they don't have stage fear: Eminent filmmaker SV Krishna Reddy on judging Drama Juniors 5, its talent and more

SV Krishna Reddy, one of the most revered filmmakers of Telugu cinema, has turned 60 today (June 1). This 60^th birthday is indeed special for him and his fans as the celebrated filmmaker forayed into TV this year with Drama Juniors season 5 as one of the three judges. In a candid chat with ETimes TV, SV Krishna Reddy shared his thoughts about his TV debut, on the show's talent, shooting amid the pandemic and much more...
I can find some fine talent in the show
I love the concept of the show.We can encourage, extract and showcase the talent of many kids. As a filmmaker, I can find some fine talent for my films, too. I've already selected someone which I can't disclose now.
What fascinates me the most in them...
They are innocent and the most fascinating thing about them is that they don't know that they are acting, they don't have stage fear. They don't know that they are presenting to a large group of audiences. To them, there is no difference between a rehearsal and final performance. What I found in the first session is that none has any problem remembering their dialogues in these sketches. They are doing a fab job especially the kid who performed the role of Balakrishna in one of those sketches. I love his spontaneity.
We look at many aspects in their performance
I look at the overall performance first with special attention to many aspects like their diction, involvement in the character, energy levels and mistakes in their act. All the kids on the show are very bright.
I'm happy with the content
I'm happy with the content of the show so far. The makers of the show and the channel are also taking great care to ensure some exceptional content is coming out in every episode.
Today's comedy is different
I've touched upon most forms of healthy comedy in my films. Comedy has to have a logic. If there's no logic, you need to tell the audience first. Making people laugh is always a good thing. I never went for vulgarity. From a 5-year-old kid to a 50-year-old man, I believe our cinema should entertain everyone. Maybe it's my nature or style of making. But today's comedy is different.
About working with Renu Desai and Sunitha
It's a delight to share the judging panel with Renu Desai garu and Sunitha garu. They come with their own experiences. I have known Sunitha for 25 years now. I first saw her when she was 13 or 14. She came to my home to audition for a song in one of my films. A very shy yet talented girl. She's like my daughter. It's good to associate with her after so long. Renu and Sunitha are doing a great job on the show.
I got vaccinated too
I'm following all the precautionary measures to keep myself healthy and fit. I consume hot water mixed with turmeric, salt, and lemon and do steaming regularly. I check my saturation levels, breathing capacity regularly. I got vaccinated also. I urge everyone to follow every precaution religiously.
Pandemic has taught us basic things
It's ironic that this pandemic has reminded us about some basic things like personal hygiene that we've ignored long back. This is an eye-opener indeed. Hope and wish mankind learns from their mistakes.