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Akkineni Nagarjuna,son of the superstar of the Telugu screen Akkineni Nageshwar Rao, is an actor with enough superhits to his credit to rank among the very topmost stars of the south Indian film firmament. But guess what the most frequently asked question is, by scribes and fans on meeting the soft-spoken star? 'Who is the newest lady-love in your life?'!!

"Can you stop people from talking?" laughs the outspoken 36-year-old mechanical engineer-turned-superstar, whose westernised upbringing and modern outlook has set him apart from most of his peers in the industry, even as his penchant for giving straight answers has made him the delight of the media.

"It is true that I am easy, relaxed, with the beautiful girls I act with, but that does not mean I am having relationships with them," he shrugs, even as he flips through the latest issue of a film glossy front-paging rumours of his 'affair' with no less than Manisha Koirala.

"Come on yaar, let's talk of sensible stuff," says the six foot tall marquee icon, as he settles down to field questions. Excerpts from the interview with M S Shanker:

Unlike your famous father, you are rated a star, not an actor. Why is that?

It's true that I am a star, not an actor. And that is fine - it is foolish to even compare me with my father. He (Nageswara Rao) is a living legend, I am content to be what I am. See, my decision to remain a star is prompted by many reasons - the main one being that cinegoers' attitudes have changed dramatically. Earlier they revered matinee idols, these days we are merely commodities, consumer products. Knowing that, accepting it, I do not aspire to be anything more.

Unlike your peers Chiranjeevi and Krishna, you are reputed to be very picky about your roles. Why is that?

It is not that I am 'picky' as such, it is just that I prefer to accept only those roles to which I feel I can do justice.

After Siva, you appeared headed to take over the angry young man mantle of Amitabh Bachchan. Did this bother you?

No, no, I am not at all happy with that image. My fans may prefer me in such roles, but my own preference is for more family-oriented drama films, which really entertain the audience. That's why I am doing this film Ninne Pelladutha,a real entertainer about falling in love with the girl next door. Tabu is my heroine in this film.

Siva made you hot property even in Bollywood, didn't the flops of your succeeding films pose a threat to your career?

It is true that as many as seven of my films did badly at the box office after the success of Siva. But that is part of the game, and now I am back where I belong, and ready to churn out hits again.

As of now, you are rated number two in the Telugu industry - when do you suppose you will move on to the top slot?

Hey, thanks for the information that I am number two...(laughing). Now tell me, why should I try to occupy the top slot? Once you get there, there is no place to go further, so let me be content with what I am...

Earlier, all your films were being produced under your home banner Annapoorna Studios(named after his mother). But now you appear more willing to do films for outside producers - why is this?

That perception is not quite true - the only film I have made under a different banner is Chichindri (a children's film). This was done for the benefit of Blue Cross, my wife Amala's voluntary organisation. All my other films continue to be produced under the Annapoorna banner, including the one I am now doing with Tabu.

In your book, who is the best co-star, the best director and best producer to work with?

That's a tough one. I can confidently say that I am comfortable with all the directors, co-star and producers with whom I have worked, there have been absolutely no tensions. See, every director, every producer has his own style of functioning, comparisons therefore become pretty pointless. As for co-stars, well, I am a great fan of Amitabh Bachchan. I was feeling a bit nervous to work with him in Khuda Gawah. But he put me at ease in no time...

Who do you rate as the best male, and best female, artists in Bollywood?

Can anyone disagree with me when I rate Amitji the best male, and Sridevi the best female, star in Bollywood today? I am their greatest fan, they are quite simply superb.

Your private life provides lots of grist to the film press, the stories of your flirting with the Nagmas, Manishas and Soundaryas are legion. Any comment?

You see, I am very comfortable with my female co-stars, I guess it comes from my upbringing. On the set you will see me walking with an arm around Tabu's shoulder - if someone presumes, from this, that we are having an 'affair', all I can say is it is their foolishness. A strange world, this...

Vulgarity seems to be on the rise in Telugu films - what are your views on this?

You are right, there is increasing doses of vulgarity today. It is something individual film-makers need to address themselves to, and attempt to check in their own films. As far as our productions are concerned, we ensure that the films we produce are tasteful, and not in the least bit vulgar...

Repute has it that you are pretty much a 'mama's boy', consulting her on every single thing you do. How true is this?

Not true at all. I don't consult anyone - not my mother, not my father, anyone - about my work. And I must add that neither dad nor mom interfere in my work. Frankly, I love my independence too much to give it up.

You father is a living legend in the Telugu film industry. Do you dream of stepping into his shoes?

No, never. That would take a miracle, and I don't see that happening.

Your fans, and fan clubs, are legion - do you have any message you would like to address to them?

Just this - don't get too involved, don't get into problems because of me. As far as you are concerned, I am merely a vehicle for entertainment, nothing more. Enjoy the films I do, get entertained, get your money's worth, and when you leave the theatre, leave it all behind!