'I Was Too Indian, Too American, Too North, Too South': Adivi Sesh On Breaking Into A ‘Nepo Country’

Actor Adivi Sesh recently described India as a 'nepo country' while opening up about the struggles he faced before establishing himself in the Telugu film industry. In a candid conversation with Screen, the actor spoke about the challenges of being an outsider and how difficult it was to break into the industry without strong connections. Adivi also expressed gratitude towards actors Mahesh Babu and Nani, crediting them for extending support during his early days in Telugu cinema. Their encouragement, he said, played a key role in helping him find his footing in the industry.

Having grown up in San Francisco before pursuing a career in Indian films, Adivi was asked if he ever felt like an outsider. Responding to this, he recalled his journey to Mumbai, where he had travelled to audition for Ram Gopal Varma’s serial, highlighting the uncertainty and perseverance that marked the beginning of his acting career.

Adivi Sesh said, "So, after reading the lines in the audition, they asked, 'Where are you from?' When I said San Francisco, they said, 'Yes, there’s an American accent in your Hindi.' The next week, I went for an audition to the same place, I told them I’m from Hyderabad. So they said, 'Oh ya, that’s why there’s a South Indian twang to your Hindi' (laughs). So, I was too Indian for America, too American for India, too North Indian for South India, and too South Indian for North India."

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