Chennai, July 13 (IANS): Actor Harish Uthaman, who plays the baddie in upcoming Telugu family drama "Srimanthudu", says he was totally taken aback when he heard superstar Mahesh Babu speak fluent Tamil on the sets.

"It was my first day on the set. We were going to shoot an action sequence. I met Mahesh and we exchanged pleasantries. After the shot, Mahesh sat near the monitor and I joined him. Suddenly he started talking in Tamil, and I was totally awestruck," Harish told IANS.

"When I asked him how he knew Tamil, he said he did his college in Chennai. And that it was only after he started acting that he moved base to Hyderabad," he said.

Harish says Mahesh is a very "friendly" co-star with no airs.

"He's very helpful. Since I had a language barrier, there were a few shots that required multiple takes. He asked me not to worry and said that he's even willing to give 50 takes, if required. He's very considerate," he said.

Directed by Koratala Siva, the film features Shruti Haasan in the lead.

"I think this project will boost my career in Telugu filmdom. Mahesh and I feature in an amazing action sequence at the interval block," he added.

The film also features Rajendra Prasad, Jagapathi Babu, Sampath Raj, Sukanya and Mukesh Rishi in important roles.

"This is the third time Sampath and I are working together in Telugu," said Harish.

In Telugu, Harish is currently working in "Express Raja".

He also has "Paayum Puli", "Vil Ambu" and "Paisal" in Tamil.