In this special episode of Raw Talks, we sit down with the legendary comedian and actor, Brahmanandam, to uncover the lesser-known aspects of his life, philosophy, and career. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and record-breaking contributions to Indian cinema, Brahmanandam sir shares deeply personal stories, his thoughts on life, and the values that have shaped him into the person he is today.

A devout believer in Venkateshwara Swamy, Brahmanandam sir opens up about his spiritual side and the lessons he has learned through faith. He speaks passionately about poverty, an experience that shaped his worldview and his approach to success. Recalling his early days as a lorry painter, he reflects on what it truly means to be poor, his father’s wisdom, and why he does not believe in the rigid distinction between the rich and the poor. His insights into money, materialism, and contentment offer a fresh perspective, reminding us that wealth is not just about financial gain but also about one’s mindset and values. He shares powerful anecdotes like the fruit basket example and how he learned the importance of self-reliance, refusing to seek help even in dire circumstances. His deep belief in karma and his acts of kindness, such as helping 23 women get married, further highlight his compassionate nature.

The conversation takes a reflective turn as Brahmanandam sir discusses how people perceive him differently outside the industry. He shares how financial realities dictate professional relationships and why no one truly works for free. One of the most compelling stories he narrates is the boat incident and his mantra on handling loss and gain. His thoughts on life’s unpredictability and the importance of staying grounded serve as powerful lessons.

The discussion extends to the fate of comedians, drawing parallels between legends like Rajababu, Jandhyala, and even Hollywood comedians, who often hide deep struggles behind their laughter. He delves into the pain behind comedy and why most comedians have a sad past. With profound reflections on gratitude, he talks about his deep respect for Jandhyala and Sunnam Anjaneyulu, highlighting how divine intervention often comes in the form of human connections. He recalls an interesting chapter from his life titled "Brahmanandam Ratri Antha Taagesi" and shares his thoughts on adjustment, a concept he finds dangerous.

The conversation then shifts to his unexpected status as a ‘Meme God.’ While he appreciates the humor, he feels the title does not fully capture the depth of his journey. He acknowledges the efforts of meme creators but also reminds us of the larger picture—the unpredictable nature of success and luck.

The conversation also explores the depth of emotional performances by comedians. He explains why their rare serious roles resonate deeply with audiences, referencing the works of AVS and M.S. Narayana. With wisdom drawn from biographies and life experiences, he highlights the human tendency to find fault in others and how people often misunderstand intentions. His statement, "Mana gurinchi evaranna mana venaka matladithe, vallu venaka manam mundhu unnattu," leaves a lasting impression.

As the interview progresses, we move into lighter topics, including his role as a grandfather in his latest project and how his son Goutham reacted to calling him ‘Tatha’ on screen. Brahmanandam sir humorously addresses industry rumors, including whether the film would have been halted without his presence. Goutham shares insights into the filmmaking process, the order in which scenes are shot, and the importance of knowing the story beforehand. A fun segment follows where they discuss memes, social media, and Brahmanandam sir’s Instagram debut.

This episode is a deep dive into the life and philosophy of one of India’s most beloved comedians. It is filled with laughter, wisdom, and heartwarming moments that will leave you inspired.