The evil king of Mahishmati is blind in one eye.
Yes, Rana Daggubati, who played the character of Bhallaladeva and won accolades for his physique and performance, has no vision in his right eye.
Though the revelation came to many in the two Telugu states through a TV show Memu Saitham (We too) an year ago, a video of which is now doing the rounds on the social media has surprised many across the country now, especially after the phenomenal success of the movie franchise Bahubali.
Speaking to Outlook, Rana confirmed the defect in his eye. “It was a corneal defect from birth. I had it operated with a donor eye over 10 years back but still the problem persists due to some technical issue. Except colour, I cannot figure what is what with my right eye.”
Rana, short for Rama Naidu, is named after his grandfather and legendary producer, Dada Saheb Phalke awardee Daggubati Ramanaidu, who gained a name in the Guinness Book of World Records for producing over 150 films in 13 Indian languages many of them in Telugu and Hindi.
“But I have no problems as such. Please also write that I am very much fit and fine,” Rana, who is soaking in the success of Bahubali2-The Conclusion, says with a chuckle.
The Telugu TV show hosted by actress Manchu Lakshmi has a celebrity coming to the aid of a family in need of financial support, in each episode. The celebrities take up odd jobs like tea vendors, bus conductors to go amidst the public and accept the donations given to them to be used for the family’s benefit. The celebrities also match the money collected with a generous contribution from their side.
Rana worked as a coolie at a vegetable market to help a poor lady blind in one eye.
While trying to cheer up her teenage sons, Rana had said, “You know what? I also don’t have one eye. I cannot see from one eye. If I close my left eye, I cannot see any of you.”
“God gives such difficulties to people who are strong enough to overcome them. You should not be discouraged, you should study well and make your mom happy,” an emotional Rana told them on the show.
