Ajith had always been the center of some controversy
or the other. We thought it would be a good idea to
speak to him. And, we got a chance while he was
shooting for 'Ji' at Coimbatore.
After some formal talks, we got into a serious
discussion.
"Did you see 'Anjaneya'?" we asked.
"I did. I rushed to the theatres to see the film
straight from the airport. I was so tired that I felt
asleep half way through."
There is a talk that your unnecessary breaks is the
reason why your film quality suffers. What do you
feel?
Did you see what happens when I don't interfere? I had
worked continuously for more than 40 days to complete
the film before I went away to take part in the races.
The director said that the film is turning out very
well and that it will be a superhit. It's only these
words that make us sign up films. Usually, in my
films, they show me the rushes and ask my opinions. I
give my suggestions. They consider them sometimes and
the films have done very well. But, the new director
didn't want to be that open with me. He always said,
"Don't worry Sir. The film will be a superhit." Only
when I was doing the film's dubbing did I realize the
quality of the film. I have got into such muddles due
to relying solely on the directors. 'Citizen' was an
average grosser. 'Red' was a flop. I have learnt my
lesson. I'm not going to rely on anybody completely.
Has your interest in car rallies got something to do
with your flops?
I don't think so. Races and films are totally
different. If I'm an actor, my fame would extend to
only all over India. I want to be a world famous
personality. That's why I participate in races.
Recently your statement that you are a superstar too
had created huge controversy.
I'm a great fan of Rajinikanth and I'm one of the
people who believe that superstardom is going to end
with Rajini and Amitabh Bachchan. Rajini himself had
recently said, "Superstar is like a posting. If people
like an actor, he becomes a super start. The position
is a temporary one." He didn't say this when 'Baasha'
was released. He himself had said this only now. If
it's just a post, then I want it someday. My film 'Anjaneya'
is an application for the post. Maybe the film didn't
do anything favorably for my claim today. It will,
someday. When Amitabh Bachchan started ABCL and got
himself in a debt of Rs 90 Crores, everybody thought
that he was finished. But, look at him. He is back!
Failure is temporary. Success is a matter of self
confidence. Ajith, as a person and Ajith as a star
have it. I want to be the 'Undisputed Superstar' some
day. Only then will I rest.
But, there is a talk that you are history…
(Reddens) Let them say. Let them trample me. This is
exactly my motivation. I'm like the phoenix. I shall
prove them all wrong. Money is not my motivation. If
it was, I would be doing five films a year. I just do
two films and spend the rest of my time in car racing.
Let me tell you something else too- there is a group
here. They come after me for my dates. If I'm not able
to give them my dates, they say that I'm over the hill
and that my time is finished. Are they trying to
destroy me? If so, I'm ready to tackle them.
We wish you all the best for this battle.
Thank you.
You used to always encourage new directors. What
happened now?
Amnesia.
To whom?
To some people. Many have forgotten that I did 'Vaali'
and 'Amarkalam'. Some part of the media too has
forgotten this
Isn't racing a dangerous risk?
Everything has risks. I'm spending my money. This
year, I had spent 1 Crore for my races. Next year, I
might have to spend 3 Crores. Here, we have so many
sponsors for Cricket, but none for racing. Time will
change some day.
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