Actor Jr NTR opened up about the transformative experience of fatherhood and how it has altered his views on his career and legacy. Remarkably, he articulated his intention to give his sons, Abhay Ram and Bhargav Ram, the autonomy to carve out their identities, rather than forgoing their choices in deference to his family’s cinema history.

Jr NTR has said he does not want to push his sons, Abhay Ram and Bhargav Ram, into acting just because they belong to a famous film family. The actor, who made his screen debut at the age of eight in the 1991 film ‘Brahmarshi Viswamitra’, said fatherhood changed him deeply and also shaped the way he looks at work, legacy, and the choices he wants his children to make.

Jr NTR on fatherhood and his sons

In an interview with Esquire India, Jr NTR said the birth of his elder son, Abhay Ram, brought a quiet change in him. He said fatherhood also changed the roles he wanted to take up. “I started searching for naiveness in my work. I did not want it to be easy anymore. I wanted roles that pushed me, where there was something to learn or earn through effort,” he said. The actor said he wants to give his children freedom, not pressure. Jr NTR added that he does not want to become the kind of parent who decides their future for them.“I do not want to be one of those fathers who says: Tumko bhi actor banna hai (You need to be an actor too). I don’t believe in that; I want to be a bridge rather than a barrier, someone who gives them exposure to the world and other cultures. I want to give them the opportunity to go out and experience it for themselves,” he said.

Jr NTR film legacy and upcoming movies

Jr NTR belongs to one of India’s most prominent film families. His grandfather, NT Rama Rao, remains one of the most respected names in Telugu cinema. His father, Harikrishna, was also an actor. His uncle Mohan Krishna works as a cinematographer, while his youngest uncle, Nandamuri Balakrishna, is among Telugu cinema’s successful stars. His cousins Kalyan Ram and Nara Rohit are also part of the film industry.When asked about carrying the family legacy, Jr NTR said he “doesn’t know what’s going to happen,” but wants people to remember him for “telling stories that resonate.”On the work front, Jr NTR will make his Hindi debut with Ayan Mukerji’s ‘War 2’, co-starring Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani. The film, part of the YRF Spy Universe, will release in theaters on August 14. He is also working on Prasanth Neel’s untitled film and will reunite with Koratala Siva for the sequel to ‘Devara’.