Shatrughan shaves moustache after 35 years

Shatrughan Sinha is playing the late Telugu superstar and politician NT Rama Rao in Rakta Charitra. And he has shaved off his trademark mouche for the role. For the first time in his 36-year career Shotgun will be seen without it.

It proved to be an ordeal for Sinha. He says, "I have shaved off my moustache for the first time since I joined films. I miss it sometimes but it has given me a very new look. The impact of his subject and the dynamism of the role convinced me to shave it off. Even more than my wife Poonam, I was terrified of my daughter Sonakshi to reaction to my new look. Finally, when Sonakshi said yes, I rushed to the bathroom and shaved it myself before she could change her mind. Now finally she's convinced about it as her momma has told her it will bring lots of good luck."

Sinha has met NT Rama Rao — the character whom he plays. "I met NT Rama Rao years ago and was very fond of him. It's a challenge for any actor to play him. NTR was a great man and a popular mass leader who had caliber, style and charisma."

Initially, Sinha was hesitant to sign Rakta Charitra as he didn't have time. "Ramu kept chasing me for months as he felt only I could do justice to the role. It's quite a big thing for Ramu to take and confine me for this film in a hideout far away from the seats of power to the art world with such a subject. It's certainly a treat." Ironically Vivek Oberoi, will sport a mooch for the first time in the same film.