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 He's off to England to take part in the Formula-3
races there. Shuttling between acting and racing,
Ajith has a lot to speak of these days. And it's
mostly about motor racing. Some quotable quotes from
the actor:
"In two years it's going to be a very very big sport
in Asia!"
"The sport needs sponsors badly. It's not just a
sport today. During the race, tourism develops, we
can generate crores of income. It's a very big sport
waiting to be tapped."
"Narain Karthikeyan couldn't afford the expenses,
otherwise he would surely have driven the Ferrari-1.
If I had Rs 20 crore, I would have definitely
sponsored him!"
"Winning is different, participating is the main
thing. A sport-race driver abroad gets the respect a
film star gets here."
"The government can abolish or reduce duties on
imported race cars. If about 10 cars are brought
into the country, people will get to have a look at
them and be familiar with them."
"I'm representing a country of 100 crore people. Out
of a 100 crore, only five people till date have
driven the Formula-3 in Britain."
"Last year, I participated in about 13 races."
"I need support from corporates. Let them come
forward and sponsor. I will surely not be a disaster!"
"I need the support of the press. Not as an
individual but as a representative of this country."
"I have no doubt at all where my acting career is
concerned. I know exactly where I will be in 2005.
Then my range will be different!"
"Films today get support from corporates who
advertise their products. 'Castaway' had a courier
company well advertised in it. Five years ago, it
wasn't possible."
"I have my principles in life and I follow them. Two
years ago, some companies approached me to endorse
their products and act in commercials. But I refused.
I'll use only the products I like. I'll never
compromise whatever money they offer me. I'm clear
about this. I get enough from films to support my
family."
"Sachin, Schumacher, Ganguly all endorse products
and act in commercials. I too need the money. But
I'll never do a commercial!"
"I may lose or win but I never give up till I
achieve my goal!"
Malini Mannath
Published on 7th April, 2004
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