Allu Arjun celebrates his National Award win for Pushpa: The Rise and opens up about his Bollywood aspirations ahead of Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Allu Arjun’s National Award Journey: A Dream Come True
Telugu superstar Allu Arjun, now a National Award-winning actor, is riding high on the success of Pushpa: The Rise (2021). At a recent Mumbai press conference, Arjun shared heartfelt reflections on winning Best Actor at the National Awards, his collaboration with director Sukumar, and his evolving perspective on working in Bollywood.
The win marked a historic moment for Telugu cinema, with Arjun becoming the first Telugu actor in 69 years to receive this honor. Speaking passionately about the milestone, Arjun credited director Sukumar, calling him the backbone of Pushpa’s success. “This happened only because of one man—Sukumar Garu,” he said.
Arjun also praised Devi Sri Prasad (DSP), the film’s music director, who won the National Award for Best Music Direction. Their camaraderie, built over years of collaboration, added a personal touch to the celebratory moment.
Bollywood Aspirations: From Reluctance to Hope
While reflecting on his career, Allu Arjun revealed that he once ruled out working in Bollywood, citing the challenges of breaking into the Hindi film industry. “At that time, it was extremely hard to break into Bollywood. I said I would never do a Hindi film,” he confessed during the event.
Arjun’s perspective, however, has evolved over time. He now expresses hope of working on one or two Hindi films in the future, signaling an openness to explore pan-Indian opportunities. This shift aligns with his current stature as a pan-Indian star, thanks to the overwhelming success of Pushpa: The Rise.
Focus on Pushpa 2: The Rule
The much-anticipated sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, is set to release on December 5. Directed by Sukumar, the film delves deeper into Pushpa Raj’s rise in the smuggling underworld. Fans can expect larger-than-life action sequences, a gripping storyline, and Allu Arjun’s trademark electrifying performance.
The film reunites Arjun with co-stars Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, promising a narrative packed with intense drama, raw emotions, and action. Sukumar has reportedly pushed the creative envelope to ensure the sequel surpasses the original.
National Award: A Milestone for Telugu Cinema
Arjun’s National Award win is a testament to his dedication to his craft. The actor revealed that Sukumar had promised to create a film that would resonate with audiences and earn Arjun a National Award. This collaborative vision paid off, with Pushpa: The Rise being celebrated as a cinematic triumph.
“For me, this award is most special because, in the last 69 years, no Telugu actor has won the National Award. It’s a remarkable achievement and a personal milestone,” Arjun remarked.
Bollywood Dreams and DSP’s Influence
Arjun and DSP, both hailing from Chennai, once considered Bollywood a distant dream. However, DSP’s music has found a pan-Indian audience, and Arjun now believes that Bollywood offers opportunities to connect with a broader fan base. Their journey from regional success to national acclaim highlights their relentless pursuit of excellence.
Anticipation Builds for Pushpa 2: The Rule
The sequel, one of the most awaited films in Indian cinema, is poised to set new benchmarks. Fans are eager to witness the next chapter of Pushpa Raj’s journey, enriched by Arjun’s intense performance and Sukumar’s masterful direction.
