Actor-producer Mohan Babu, who was conferred the Padma Sri on the eve of Republic Day, speaks about his film career so far and the Padma Sri.

Born in Modugula (a small village between Tirupathi and Sri Kalahasthi) into an agricultural family, Mohan Babu, originally named Bhakta Vatsalam, graduated from the VMC (Vellore Medical College) physical education training institute, Madras. His first job was as a drillmaster in a school.

"I got the job with the help of B.R.Reddy. People of various castes were working in that school and it so happened that one of my colleagues had me leave the job because of the differences in our caste. That is when I thought that one day I will start an educational institution where caste and religion will become a barrier to one's education and earning. After many years I was able to realize that dream when I started my Sri Vidya Niketan model school. The school now houses 6000 students, studying between first class and engineering and 965 staff. 25% of those students receive free education".

Mohan Babu's dream of becoming an actor was realized when actor Tyagaraju introduced him to director Lakshmi Deepak. "When I joined the film industry it was not as an actor but as an apprentice in the directorial department of director Lakshmi Deepak's film Kuthuru Kodalu. For 10 years, out of my 42 years in this industry, I worked in the direction department and did small itsy bitsy roles along the way".

"Then in 1975 my mentor and guru Dasari Narayan Rao, changed my name to Mohan Babu and gave me a break as an actor. Before doing main lead roles I have acted in many films as a villain and character actor with many producers and directors".

"In 1982, my annagaru, the late NTR launched my production house Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures. My first film with my home banner, Pratigna, was a roaring success and since then I have produced many films. My next big step was again paved by the late NTR when he introduced me into politics as a Rajyasabha MP. I am indebted to him. I feel sad that he is not here today to see our Telugu Film industry's vajrotsavalu. His last film Major Chandrakanth was made by my production house".

On being conferred the Padma Sri, Mohan Babu, who acted in 510 films and produced 47 films so far, said "My work is my god. I have always given my best to anything that I have ever done and left the rest to god. He has been kind to me. I am happy that this honor (Padma Sri) is coinciding with the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Telugu film industry. This award has increased my responsibility as an actor and as a human being. I would like to thank all those people who have been a part of my journey so far and have helped me reach the stage where I am today".

Mohan Babu is presently working in director S.S.Rajamouli's Yama Donga film that has NTR doing the lead role. He is also producing his actor son's next film in the direction of Surya Kiran. Mohan Babu will also be seen in director Muthyala Subbaiah's next. On the social front, Mohan Babu is planning to create awarness about Dengue and HIV.