Hyderabad: As the cult Telugu film Hrudaya Kaleyam marked its 11th anniversary, director Sai Rajesh took the opportunity to reflect on his long-standing association with actor Sampoornesh Babu, who made his debut with the same film.
In a social media post shared a few days ago, Sai Rajesh praised Sampoornesh Babu as “My Hero, My Star” and posted a photo of the duo. The director also addressed a comment from a user who suggested that he had “left Sampoornesh on the road.” Responding to the remark during the trailer launch of Sodara, Sampoornesh Babu’s upcoming film, Rajesh clarified the depth of their relationship and reaffirmed their mutual support.
Rajesh recounted that at a time when no actor was willing to offer him dates, he discovered Sampoornesh and immediately felt he was the perfect fit for his script. “I had no resources and doubted whether I could even complete the film. But Sampoornesh believed in me and my story,” he said.
The director added that Sampoornesh Babu, then based in Siddipet, would travel to Hyderabad for story discussions despite the financial constraints they both faced. “On the first day, I dropped him at the bus stand and asked if he had money. He said he didn’t, so I gave him what little I had,” Rajesh recalled.
Despite early doubts, Hrudaya Kaleyam was completed and went on to become a surprise hit, catapulting Sampoornesh Babu into the limelight. Rajesh also revealed that during his own financial struggles, Sampoornesh Babu gifted him a car and helped him buy a house.
“He was there for me when no one else was. I will always be there for him,” Rajesh said.
Sampoornesh Babu’s upcoming film Sodara is scheduled to release on April 25.
