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 If ever there is a
non-conformist in Tamil filmdom, it is Ajith Kumar.
There is hardly anything predictable about him. When
he has a flourishing career in films, he has chosen to
concentrate side-by-side in racing. It is a decision
that only the truly determined can take. Ajith is
certainly one such person. A person who likes to do
things on his own terms, irrespective of what others
may say about it. In that sense, he is different from
the seemingly typecast actors of Kollywood. Excerpts
from a quick chat with the actor:
Q: Why such a big
gap after 'Villain'?
Ajith: 'Villain' was a big hit, thanks to
director K S Ravikumar. I have various other
commitments too. I am happy that people are asking me
why I am not acting, rather than 'why are you acting?'
My forthcoming movie is 'Anchaneya'. The movie is
being produced by NIC Arts and directed by Maharajan.
The movie is expected to release this Deepavali.
Q: How do you balance both acting and racing?
Ajith: Acting is my profession while racing is
my passion. However, I want to achieve to my fullest
possible capabilities in both my ventures. Basically,
I love to take more risks which has prompted me to
take to racing. I certainly find time to balance both
acting and racing.
 Q:
What are your views on the entry of several newcomers
into the industry?
Ajith: It is good that lots of newcomers are
coming to the Tamil film industry. But for their
survival, talent and dedication are the pre-requisites.
Anybody can take up acting and it is not restricted
only to a few.
Q: Your take on the hero-centric trend in Tamil
film industry today?
Ajith: Who said Tamil industry is hero-centric?
When compared to Telugu filmdom, the hero worship and
the hero-dominated movies are much less here. I accept
that I did make a mistake in my movies like 'Citizen'
and 'Red', where the hero was greatly glorified.
However, 'Villain' was just a commercial entertainer
which people accepted.
Q: Your comments on reports that you have fallen
out of South Indian Film Artistes Association?
Ajith: No, I don't want to discuss petty
politics.
 Q:
What are your views on 'star sons' entering film
industry?
Ajith: I don't find anything wrong in star sons
entering the film industry. Can you go and ask
Gavaskar why his son chose to play cricket or Ambani
or Tata's sons why they took to business? I feel it is
needless to comment about it. But if you are genuinely
talented, you can come up even without any backing.
Take my case, I did not have any backing when I
entered this industry. But people were kind enough to
support me in all my ventures.
Q: Which of the two do you relish the most - acting
before the cameras or racing on the tracks?
Ajith: I relish acting. It is acting which has
brought me more name and fame. Thanks to acting, I
ventured into motor racing. Whatever little I have
achieved in racing is wholly due to my career in
acting.
Q: Any plans to
churn out a movie on motor racing?
Ajith: Not in the near future. Aamir Khan's 'Lagaan'
( based on cricket) was a big hit because people knew
the game well and it had a huge following. Motorsports,
on the other hand, is yet to gain popularity here and
is far behind when compared to other sports. Hence,
once the game gets popular and reaches the common man,
perhaps I can think about a movie on motor racing.
Compiled by Malini Mannath
Published on 24th Aug 2003
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