Naga Chaitanya, one of the most intriguing actors in Telugu cinema, joins us for an unfiltered conversation, sharing insights into his life, career, and business ventures like never before. From the reality of being a star kid to his views on party culture, film promotions, and business strategies, Chay opens up about aspects of his life that are often misunderstood. This episode goes beyond the usual promotional talks, diving deep into his personal choices, struggles, and philosophies.
Being called a star kid comes with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Chay explains why he dislikes that label and how he chooses to stay grounded despite the privileges that come with his family name. He addresses the ever-controversial topic of nepotism—does he see it as a problem, or does he believe it’s just like any other family profession being passed down? He breaks down his perspective, making an honest case for both sides of the argument.
Shifting gears from cinema to business, we dive into Chay’s food venture, Shoyu. Where did the idea come from, and why did he choose the cloud kitchen model over a traditional restaurant? He reveals how Hyderabad’s culture influenced his decision and the real meaning behind the name "Shoyu," a topic that has sparked several theories. What are the future scaling plans? With only two kitchens in Hyderabad, how does he manage deliveries efficiently? He talks about the challenges and insights that come with running a food business, especially for someone coming from the film industry.
As someone who has seen massive financial success through films, how does Chay define a “healthy profit” in business? He reflects on the importance of having a financial escape beyond films and shares what he has learned from his father, Nagarjuna, who is known for his sharp business acumen. We also discuss the common pitfalls that lead many actors' food businesses to fail, and how he managed to avoid them.
Failure is an inevitable part of any actor’s journey. But how does it feel when a film that an actor has put immense effort into fails at the box office? Chay discusses the emotional and professional toll of dealing with flops, the dilemma of hyping up a film even when its potential is questionable, and how he personally copes with setbacks.
Beyond films, Chaitanya has a well-known passion for cars. He reveals how many cars he owns, why he is so deeply connected to them, and how racing serves as a form of meditation for him. He also touches on his idea of vacations as a way to detox from work and social media pressures.
Of course, we couldn’t skip talking about his upcoming film, Thandel. He shares the concept behind the film, whether the traditional six-to-seven-song format still works, and what it’s like working with Sai Pallavi.
One of the most emotional segments of this conversation is about Manam and his legendary grandfather, ANR. Chay shares untold stories from the sets, the pressure on the family, and whether it’s true that ANR dubbed for his scenes during his last days. He explains why Manam remains such an important film in their family’s legacy.
Despite being a public figure, Chay is known for maintaining a low profile. Why doesn’t he make many public appearances? He talks about the frustratingly dumb questions interviewers ask, his strict diet (why he doesn’t consume sugar), and his approach to brand deals—how he decides what to endorse and what to avoid.
This conversation is an absolute must-watch for fans and movie buffs alike. Don’t miss this deep and raw conversation with Naga Chaitanya!
Watch the full episode now and let us know your favorite moments in the comments.