In an exclusive interview, Ultimate Star Ajith opens up to CT on Aegan and matters close to his heart…

SRINIVASA RAMANUJAM

You would think that the concept of the six-pack is a youngster’s craze, with Vishal and Surya being the latest ones to flaunt it. After doing 48 different films and being showered with oodles of adulation and criticism, Ajith is still very excited when you mention this new trend. “It’s no joke,” he points out. “It requires a lot of dedication and I’m happy that these actors have done that.” But will he ever flaunt it all and work towards such a body, keeping in mind the injuries he’s undergone while racing? “Despite my spinal injuries, if the script demands it, I will surely work towards it. I know I can do it.”

Confidence is perhaps Ajith Kumar’s middle name and it has, over the years, developed into a certain maturity that steers the system into the practical realms of life.

His Aegan is due to hit the screens this Diwali and the Ultimate Star is as confident as ever. “Aegan is an actioncomedy film. Many people might have wondered why I look overweight. It was intentional and the director wanted that l o o k . When you w at ch the film you will understand that the role requires the extra pounds.”

Does it bother him that his last two films — Aegan and Billa — are both remakes? “There is a market for remakes. Beyond that, it’s up to the audience to decide,” he says.

When it comes to people watching the film, it’s his tremendous fan base which has made him an actor to reckon with. “I owe everything to my fans. They have always been my motivating factor,” he says.

While there has been overwhelming support on one side, there have also been groups trying to put him down. How does he deal with criticism? “There are two kinds of criticism — constructive and criticism for the sake of it. I’m open to constructive criticism and work on aspects that need improvement. But when it comes to the latter, I just ignore it.”

His wife, Shalini has always been by his side even as he waded through criticism and accolades. It’s been quite sometime since their Amarkalam tryst happened — does he still remember those lost-in-love days? “Love, actually every relationship, is like a plant. You need to water it and take care of it regularly. Relationships, like plants, need to be nourished.”

What about reports, in many sections of the media, about Billa 2 and Soundarya’s Ocher Studios being a major part of it? “I wouldn’t think about crossing a bridge till I get to it,” he says. So, what’s his motto in life? “Live for the moment,” he states, almost like a typical punch dialogue, “If you want to do something, ‘now’ is the best time to do it!”

FORTHCOMING PROJECT

Gautham Menon will be directing my next film and it will be an action-packed movie. I’m glad that he has said that he will keep in mind my fans’ expectations. I need to lose almost 25 kilos for my look in the film. I’m currently working on my look

ON THE SRI LANKAN ISSUE

I’m an Indian citizen and believe that our leaders are very informed and knowledgeable. I trust them to find a proper solution to the issue. My heart goes out to all the people who are being subjected to terror everywhere in the world.

Source: Times of India