Bollywood once felt unreachable: Allu Arjun

Telugu icon Allu Arjun has recently reflected on his journey into Bollywood, sharing that he once believed making a mark in the Hindi film industry was beyond reach. However, with the upcoming release of “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” scheduled to hit theatres on December 5, 2024, his dream of connecting with audiences nationwide is steadily becoming a reality.

The first instalment, “Pushpa: The Rise,” (2021), was simultaneously launched in Telugu along with dubbed versions in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. The film became a sensational hit, particularly in the Hindi-speaking regions, solidifying its place as a pan-India blockbuster.

During a promotional event in Mumbai, Allu Arjun expressed his hopes that “Pushpa 2: The Rule” would replicate the phenomenal success of its predecessor, potentially cementing its place as one of the Telugu industry’s all-time blockbusters. The actor also shared a personal anecdote involving a conversation with renowned music composer Devi Sri Prasad.

“I often told him that breaking into Bollywood seemed impossible for me, but as a music composer, it would be much easier for him to work in Hindi cinema. I encouraged him, saying, ‘Why don’t you pursue it?’ To this, he replied, ‘Why don’t you do a Hindi film? If you do, I’ll join you.’ At that time, I was convinced that entering Bollywood was far too challenging,” Arjun revealed while addressing the media.

Allu Arjun reflected on how distant the idea of doing a Hindi film once seemed to him. “The thought of working in Bollywood felt like an unattainable dream. We used to think, ‘Maybe, if we’re lucky, we’ll get to do one Hindi film in our lifetime.’ That’s how far it felt for us. Standing here today, on this stage, is an incredible milestone for me,” the actor shared.

He further expressed his gratitude to the Telugu audience, stating, “The people of Telugu cinema have supported me for two decades and shaped my career as an actor. This was my chance to make them proud on a national level. With “Pushpa,” I wanted to showcase the strength of Telugu cinema to the entire country and make it a success.”

Directed by Sukumar, “Pushpa 2: The Rule” continues the legacy of the franchise, with Rashmika Mandanna reprising her role as Srivalli and Fahadh Faasil returning as the formidable SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.

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