Harish Rao hails Priyadarshi for KCR-inspired role in The Paradise

Priyadarshi's turn as MLA Shankar in the Nani-starrer The Paradise has won praise from senior BRS leader and former Telangana minister T Harish Rao. Many viewers see the character as a nod to former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao. The actor's take on his mannerisms, dialect and look has kept the performance in the conversation.

Harish Rao invited Priyadarshi to his home and honoured him for the role. The meeting reportedly took place on Tuesday, and the two are said to have talked about the actor's film journey and his upcoming projects. Harish Rao later shared a video from the visit and called the actor's screen presence remarkable.

The BRS leader said Priyadarshi had caught the KCR-inspired figure's mannerisms and dialect with real skill. Reports say he also singled out the walk and the speech, calling the performance natural and impactful. He reportedly felt the film did well to capture the spirit of the fight for identity and self-respect.

Harish Rao also looked back at Priyadarshi's earlier work, naming Balagam and Mallesham as highlights of his career. According to reports, he credited the actor with taking the Telangana dialect and village stories to a much wider audience. He is also said to have called the actor's rise without a background in the industry a point of pride for the State.

Priyadarshi reportedly thanked Harish Rao and spoke warmly of his public service and his bond with ordinary people. The former minister congratulated director Srikanth Odela, lead actor Nani and the whole team of The Paradise. He closed by wishing Priyadarshi many more memorable films and bigger success in the years ahead.