“A Hug I’ll Never Forget”: Actor Lathish on His Breakthrough

The film Thimmarajupalli TV has emerged as a notable success, introducing nearly 50 new artists and technicians under the initiative of Kiran Abbavaram. Among them, actor Lathish, who played the antagonist Siddaiah, has earned strong recognition. Reflecting on his first major success, Lathish opened up about his journey, struggles, and the moments that defined his career so far.
Coming from an underprivileged agricultural family in Nagari, Lathish recalls a childhood marked by hardship. “There were days when we didn’t even have food, and we had to steal salt to survive,” he said. Despite financial struggles, his parents and elder brother ensured that he received an education. However, his decision to enter films initially created distance between him and his brother. “He stopped talking to me when I chose cinema. But after watching this film and my performance, he finally spoke to me again,” he shared. He credits his sister Chamundeshwari and brother-in-law Koteshwara Rao as his strongest support system throughout his journey.
Lathish’s path into cinema was far from easy. After a brief stint working in Bengaluru, he moved to Hyderabad in 2017 with hopes of becoming an actor. “Everyone appreciated my acting, but no one gave me an opportunity,” he said. He later worked as an associate director for filmmaker Mahipal Reddy on the film Poster. The pandemic caused a major setback, but he used that time to create and act in a short film for YouTube, before returning to work in the direction department.
The journey came with significant challenges. “I had to ask my family for money just to buy a camera for my short film. No one was willing to invest in me,” he explained. Without industry backing or association membership, he even had to register his story under another director’s name. “At one point, even a producer asked me to pay money,” he added. Determined to improve, he later trained under Dr. Shaik John Bashir, which proved to be a turning point.
His time at B Studio played a crucial role in shaping his career. “They initially asked for one lakh rupees for personal training. I questioned if acting was only for those who could afford it,” Lathish recalled. Impressed by his dedication, the institute waived the fee and trained him free of cost. He went on to perform in several stage plays, where he was eventually spotted by the associate directors of Thimmarajupalli TV and auditioned on the spot.
Taking up the role of a villain was a conscious choice. “Many actors who started as villains went on to become big heroes. I saw this as an opportunity,” he said. To fit the role of Siddaiah, Lathish underwent a physical transformation, gaining nearly 30 kilograms. “I worked very hard for this character. When people ask if it was really me on screen, it gives me immense satisfaction,” he added.
The appreciation he received after the film’s release remains one of his most cherished experiences. “Kiran Abbavaram appreciated the entire team and especially praised me and Pradeep. He was surprised at how different I appeared on screen compared to my real personality,” Lathish said. Actor Naresh Agastya also commended his performance. However, the most emotional moment came from his mentor. “When I visited the institute, my teacher spoke about me in front of others and hugged me. I can never forget that moment,” he said.
Currently, Lathish is working part-time at B Studio while exploring new opportunities. “I’m getting calls and listening to several scripts, but nothing is finalized yet. I believe things will fall into place soon,” he said with optimism.
With a story rooted in struggle, persistence, and passion, Lathish’s journey reflects the reality of many aspiring actors—where resilience often paves the way to recognition.
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