Allari Naresh’s films used to release on a regular basis without gaps, but now the actor has cut back on his projects. “I am being selective. It’s a conscious decision as audiences aren’t watching loud comedy these days,” he says, adding that he completely avoids slapstick comedies and spoofs now.

Talking about why he made the switch, he explains, “When I look back on my career, films like Sambo Siva Sambho, Nenu and Gamyam gave me a good name as an actor. Those were serious roles, so now I have become more selective about scripts. Also, earlier, people watched loud and animated comedy, now we have to do it subtly. My upcoming film, Meda Meeda Abbay’ is on those lines.”

Allari Naresh’s daughter, Ayana Evika is now nine-months old and the actor feels this is the best time to be with her. “After shoot, I head straight home to spend time with her. This is a big change after my daughter was born,” he says. Naresh adds that his wife doesn’t know much about films, so she never talks about it at home. “She has watched only three of my films and she likes Gamyam the most. In fact, she likes me to do serious roles rather than comedy,” he reveals.

There are reports that Naresh is doing an important role in Mahesh Babu’s upcoming film, but when asked about it, the actor says, “It’s too early to comment. We discussed it and there has been no development. I will make an announcement if it is final.”

The actor is celebrating his birthday on Friday and wants to dedicate the entire day to his daughter. “My wife planned a trip to Goa and this year, I am spending the whole day with the two of them,” he reveals.