Families that work together

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These days, it is not only matinee idols who pave the way for sons and daughters into the film industry. Even those who work behind the camera rope in their kin into the showbiz.

Rajamouli is a top example. While his father Vijayendra Prasad is a writer and director, wife Rama is a costume designer. Cousin M.M. Keeravani is a music composer whose wife Sri Valli is a line-producer. Keeravani’s two brothers, Kalyani Koduri and Kanchi, are music composer and story writer respectively. Keeravani and Rajamouli’s another cousin, M.M. Sri Lekha, is also a music composer.

This applies to Sreenu Vaitla as well. His wife Roopa is a costume designer. The list of such families also includes director Neelakanta,  actor Rajasekhar, director Jeevitha Rajasekhar and so on.

The Rajamoulis:

Rama Rajamouli has now become an integral part of a Rajamouli production. “My husband is a workaholic and he never takes care of himself. I was concerned about his health so I started visiting his shooting locations,” she had said in an earlier interview. She added: “During the making of Jr NTR’s 'Simhadri', I was hanging around the sets when he had some issues with costume designing, which I promptly resolved. He was very happy with my suggestions and encouraged me further.”

Kanchi Koduri, who had co-penned Rajamouli’s hit flick 'Maryada Ramanna', says, “We grew up watching films and it’s not an accident that we all choose to work together. As a family, we can always discuss things openly.”

The family package - According to reports, Rajamouli’s salary from Bahubali hovers somewhere around Rs 10 crore. That package is, however, divided amongst his family. For the producer, the method seems fair, especially when the film’s budget itself is being pegged at Rs 160 crore.

Sreenu & Roopa Vaitla:

Roopa Vaitla shares, “I’ve been passionate about fashion and interior designing, although I’m an engineering graduate. Fortunately, I got an opportunity to practice my passion during 'Dookudu'. Things weren’t working out for Sreenu and he wanted me to give it a shot. He just gave me one week. I did a photo shoot for Samantha and designed her costumes which Sreenu liked immediately. That’s how our journey began. It continued for Jr NTR’s 'Baadshah' as well...”

Neelakanta & Rama Devi:

Rama Devi, who works with the younger brother of her husband, director Neelakanta, says, “I started as an associate to Neelakanta. Working with family members always has an edge. Indeed, it’s a stress buster. Since there are many myths about the film industry, it’s a blessing for women to work with family members.”

The trend of roping in family members, however, is not just limited to big directors. Debutante filmmakers too are following this “family first” policy. Director-Maruthi roped in his family in the industry. Maruthi’s cousin Satish looks after production while his wife Spandana recently turned costume designer.

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