Anand Deverakonda On Vijay Deverakonda And Nepotism

Anand Deverakonda, who made his acting debut with Telugu romance Dorasaani in 2019, was recently seen in the crime thriller Highway (2022). In a conversation with Lahari Velicheti, Anand speaks about his actor-brother Vijay Deverakonda and his influence on him and his acting choices.

Anand says that he always tries to separate himself from Vijay's journey. "I'm in a sort of mixed-bag space because I didn't grow up within the industry, but I'm still a product of nepotism. When I say nepotism, I don't mean it from a grey angle, because it has been positive for me. I was away from the industry for 25 years of my life, and then the last two-three years happened. So, I've seen both worlds. A lot of negative comments make it seem like I've been sitting on the aisle waiting for my brother to become an actor. But that's not true. I've had my own different journey."

Talking about the superstardom of the Liger star and its impact on him, Anand says, "Because my brother has already become a superstar, it doesn't mean that I'm 75% there. But it's definitely nice to have someone to look up to and get advice from." But the only words of wisdom Anand often gets from his brother is to have fun, the actor says with a laugh.

The Highway actor also adds that his brother has always wanted to take his art to the largest of audiences. "Even during the time he (Vijay) was doing theatre, if he saw a few empty seats, he would feel bad on stage. So, it's the same thing here (in cinema). If he's playing to the widest audience, it gives him so much happiness. I see that in him and I'm happy for him."