Actor Adivi Sesh is known for choosing unconventional scripts, but his journey into the Telugu film industry wasn’t exactly smooth. In a candid chat with Screen, the actor reflected on feeling like an outsider and even joked that India is a “nepo country” — though he believes talent ultimately decides who stays.
With Dacoit and G2 lined up, Sesh is now in a comfortable space professionally. But getting there? That was a different story.
“Too Indian for America, Too American for India”
Sesh, who grew up in San Francisco before shifting focus to Telugu cinema, recalled how he was judged during early auditions.
While auditioning for a Ram Gopal Varma serial in Mumbai, he was told his Hindi carried an “American accent.” The next week, when he claimed to be from Hyderabad, he was informed that his Hindi had a “South Indian twang.”
His takeaway? He felt caught between identities.
In his own words, he joked that he was “too Indian for America, too American for India, too North Indian for South India, and too South Indian for North India.” The irony wasn’t lost on him — but the struggle was real.
“We’re a Nepo Country”
When asked whether breaking into the Telugu industry was difficult, Sesh didn’t dodge the nepotism debate.
He admitted that India, culturally, tends to operate on generational professions — comparing it to how a doctor’s son often becomes a doctor. Calling the country a “nepo country” with a laugh, he clarified that audiences ultimately care about one thing: originality.
According to him, respect matters more than lineage.
And that respect, he says, came from some of the biggest names in the industry.
Superstar Mahesh Babu backed Major as producer. Annapurna Studios, owned by Nagarjuna’s family, is producing Dacoit. Actor Nani produced HIT: The Second Case.
For Sesh, those collaborations weren’t about favoritism — they were about mutual professional regard.
What’s Next for Adivi Sesh?
Sesh will next be seen in Dacoit, directed by Shaneil Deo and co-starring Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyap. The film is being shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi, signaling broader ambitions beyond regional cinema.
He also headlines G2, a Telugu action drama featuring Emraan Hashmi and Wamiqa Gabbi. Directed by Vinay Kumar Sirigineedi, the film is slated for theatrical release on May 1, 2026.
Over the years, Sesh has carved a niche for himself through thrillers and content-driven films — from Kshanam to Major. His filmography reflects calculated risks rather than safe choices.
Final Words
Adivi Sesh’s “nepo country” remark might spark conversation, but his broader point is clear: access may open doors, but audiences decide who remains inside.
From being told his accent didn’t fit anywhere to earning backing from industry heavyweights, Sesh’s journey has been anything but typical. And with two ambitious projects on the horizon, he seems more focused on proving his versatility than participating in the nepotism debate.
Sometimes, the loudest statement isn’t what you say — it’s the work you put out next.
