Chennai, Jan 20 (IANS): Director Y.V.S. Chaudhary has rubbished rumours that it was on superstar Pawan Kalyan's personal request that he roped in his nephew Sai Dharam Tej for forthcoming Telugu musical drama "Rey".

Sai Dharam Tej is yet another actor from the Chiranjeevi clan to enter the industry. Others include Ram Charan Teja, Allu Arjun and Allu Sirish.

"It is true that I approached Pawan Kalyan to seek his permission to work with his nephew. He told me that he need not ask him for permission and that I should approach Sai instead. He never recommended Sai for the film," Chaudhary told IANS.

"He didn't even vouch for Sai. When Sai approached him (Pawan Kalyan) for advice, he directed him to some acting schools. He doesn't like to give advice and urged Sai not to use their family name as a medium to earn recognition," he added.

At the recent audio launch of "Rey", Pawan Kalyan said that his family doesn't own the industry and anyone is welcome to be part of it.

Also starring Saiyami Kher, Shraddha Das and Shubra Aiyappa in important roles, "Rey" features Tanikella Bharani, Brahmanandam, Jayaprakash Reddy and M.S. Narayana in important roles.