Ever since the Corona effect has changed the Indian economy in a big way, many have been promoting the Be Vocal for Local campaign to support the Indian companies. In Tollywood, Allu Sirish has been leading upfront and is doing his bit. So, on this occasion, we caught up with him for an exclusive interview and spoke about his life, the campaign, and future projects as well. Here is the transcript.

How did the whole lockdown affect you?

Things have been really tough on everyone but I did my bit and donated to the various relief funds in whichever way I could. During this break, I focused on my fitness, stayed home but work did not stop.

You have been living on your own. How was the whole experience?

This is not the first time I was alone. Even when I was in Mumbai for my training, I stayed alone. But yes, I have my own bachelor pad now and have been living alone all though this lockdown. Previously, I had so much help, but during this lockdown, I did things on my own and lead a busy life

What did you mostly do during the lockdown?

Before the lockdown, I was supposed to announce two of my films. But the lockdown happened and those films have kept me busy. The story and music sittings of these films have been on in full swing in the last few months and once shoots start, I will be busy with multiple projects.

You have been promoting the Be Vocal For Local. What made you do that?

Not many know but I have had this nationalist streak in me for a long time. The moment I knew about this Vocal For Local, it hit me hard. Also, after seeing Piyush Goyal’s approach towards this, even I felt I should support this cause and help the Indian economy a bit through my contribution.

That means have you completely abolished foreign products?

I need to clarify this first. The moment I start supporting Indian brands, that does not mean I am only using them. I am an actor and there are certain foreign products which I need to use for my makeup or for my films or lifestyle. My whole intention is to decrease the use of foreign brands as much as you can and be vocal about the Indian brands so that they would help our Indian companies grow and indirectly help the economy.

A section of people on Social media is making fun of your initiative. How do you feel?

Frankly, when we take up such things, there will surely be repercussions from outside but I have learned to ignore it. The moment I started this Be Vocal thing, many of my friends started making fun of me when I told them I am using this toothpaste and that Indian product. But when I met them after a while, they too started talking about these Indian products seriously. We are so used to foreign products that we are not aware that India also produces some of the best goods.

Allu Arjun also tweeted about the products you sent him. What is his reaction?

Bunny is a person who does not tweet that much and thinks twice to make any statements. Actually, the basket was sent to my Vadina Sneha but he got really attracted to the cause and what I was supporting and hence tweeted about them and encouraged me.

How are you planning to take Be Vocal for Local thing forward?

I want to say that I am not associated with any Indian products that I am gifting or being vocal about. The point is to let people understand that India is going through a crisis and being the citizens of the country if we are a bit responsible and support the Indian companies, others will follow and support us in the days to come.

Finally, will your films ever release on AHA directly?

My family is into AHA and I have no connection with it. The two films I am doing will have a proper theatrical release. OTT is a different ball game and as of now, I am thinking about that.

With that, we ended our interview with Sirish and wished him well for his films and the Be Vocal For Local campaign.

Interviewed by Avad

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