Source: Kumudham 27-July-2011 and Ajithfans.com
Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts
I m not Confused - Ajithkumar
‘I’M NOT CONFUSED’
…says Ajith, stating that issues relating to Mankatha’s release in Tamil Nadu will be sorted out soon
Srinivasa Ramanujam
His upcoming flick Mankatha is described as ‘a Venkat Prabhu game’. And, the current film he’s shooting for — Billa 2 — will be a sort of game for actor Ajith as well. A game he’s played before, and won. Known to be an actor who speaks up for issues close to his heart, Thala — as he’s fondly referred to by his fans — opens up to Chennai Times in a freewheeling chat about his films, the change of guard in the state and more.
• How has Mankatha shaped up?
Going by the post production reports, I’m feeling positive and upbeat about the project.
• How did you arrive on the salt-and-pepper look in the film and how do you expect audiences to react to it?
After hearing the story, it was a unanimous decision by everyone concerned with the project that I retain my natural look. As far as audience reaction is concerned, it’s up to them to answer once they have watched the movie.
• Would you say that Mankatha is a fitting 50th film for your fans? What are its highlights?
Yes, it is my 50th film and it’s a proud moment in my life. Firstly, the film has a good star cast and great music by Yuvan. It boasts of a promising director like Venkat Prabhu and has some very well-choreographed action sequences. Last, but not the least, the presence of Arjun in the film is a big advantage.
• Are you in a state of confusion with regard to Mankatha’s release now that there is a change in government and that the film is produced by Dhayanidhi Alagiri?
I’m not at all confused. I’m a professional and have fulfilled my professional obligations. The film’s producer, Dhayanidhi Alagiri, has conducted himself in a very professional manner. I’m sure he will sort out the issues relating to the release of the film. I’m not worried about the change in government; it’s the troublemakers within the industry I’m worried about.
• How do you see the new rule by Jayalalithaa in the state and its repercussions on the film industry?
As a common man, apart from our basic rights, law and order is of primary concern. I’m sure those matters are being looked into by the new rule. I strongly believe that there’ll be no political interferences as far as the film industry is concerned.
• How is Billa 2 shaping up and are you doing anything specific for your look in the film?
We’re into the second week of filming Billa 2. As on date, all is well and proceeding smoothly. It’s too early to divulge any other details about my role or the film.
• There have been instances in the last few months of you taking to the bike again; you took Venkat Prabhu on a bike ride and rode to Tirupathi with Chakri Toleti. How much of a biker are you?
I’m still very much a biker at heart. But, it’s practically impossible to indulge in it. It is only during moments like filming that I enjoy such luxuries.
• What next after Billa 2?
I don’t know what’ll happen post Billa 2. I’ll leave the future to destiny.
Quiz Ajith if he’s missing director Vishnuvardhan, who helmed Billa, and he says, “The success of Billa was a team effort. As and when time permits, I’m sure that Vishnu and I will work again.
CHAKRI TOLETI On his new director for Billa 2, the actor says, “I’m amazed at Chakri’s talent and am sure that he has it in him to live up to the expectations of fans and film buffs.”
‘I have survived a difficult journey’ - Ajith Interview
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Actor Ajith, who has completed over 15 years in Tamil cinema and is all set to roll out his golden jubilee film later next month, has categorically stated that he is here to stay and here to act. These assurances from the actor’s lips may sound clichéd. But for his die-hard fans and devoted followers, the words carry greater significance. For till now, the actor has been precariously juggling his film career with his passion for motor sports.
It was inevitable that one of the two had to take a beating. His recent releases got a drubbing at the box office. Since the actor had found the lure of the race track hard to resist, it meant that he could do just one film a year. But now sources close to the actor say, “He has made his intentions clear. Now that he has decided to stay away from car racing, the actor is planning to do movies one after another and work with the who’s who of Kollywood, which would also serve his avowed purpose of encouraging fresh talent.”
This may have been prompted by the fact that though his recent films were made on a lavish budget and featured the best technicians, the desired results could not be accomplished at the turnstiles.
But now that Ajith’s back to films with full focus and no distractions, his admirers are confident that his run of flops will stop.
The actor is just as optimistic. Looking back at his journey in tinsel town he says, “I am in my 50th film. As I glance back, I see the journey as a difficult one. To have survived in such a volatile industry is no easy task. I have been walking a tightrope.”
The actor acknowledges that it has been the support and encouragement from his die-hard fans that has kept him going. They have always given his films grand openings, which were often the envy of many of his contemporaries in the industry.
Having set his priorities, Ajith is showing that he means business. He will soon commence shooting for Mangaatha (present title) to be directed by Venkat Prabhu, which co-stars him with Nagarjuna.
Impressed after watching Madarasapattinam, Ajith, who worked with director Vijay in Kireedom earlier, readily agreed to do a movie with him early next year.
In addition to all this, the actor is ready to team up with director Vishnuvardhan once again to do a sequel to Billa. The movie, inspired by the Rajinikanth cult classic was a milestone in the actor’s career. Ajith has also committed to doing a film with Gautham Vasudev Menon.
Sources close to the actor say that he is keen to repay his fans for their loyal support and patronage by giving them some outstanding entertainment.
Having firmly set his priorities, the actor continues to scout for creative filmmakers to ensure that his attempt to revive his flagging box-office fortunes, clicks in a big way. “I am here to stay. Ready and eager to run the extra mile!” he says with a determined lilt in his voice.
Source: Deccan Chronicle 29-July-2010
Venkat Prabhu- Mr.Nice Guy
There was a time in Venkat Prabhu’s career when things looked bleak and he seemed to be walking a very stony path. It wasn’t so long ago that he and his family went through some very bad times financially and he felt that nothing was stable.
“When I returned home to India after eight years in the UK I decided to star in my father’s film Pooncholai. Unfortunately, that film did not even release and I began to sense that others were loosing faith in me and that I was beginning to be considered unlucky,” he recalls.“It wasn’t until after I got married that I started to take my responsibilities seriously. I even started a band and played at weddings and functions to make ends meet and tried to launch a film magazine, which again did not take off.“My father started a television company which was a flop and we actually lost our houses,” he reveals. “I came to know a lot about life and all it’s ups and downs. I worked on all sorts of projects and took acting roles as second-lead and even worked in Tamil TV serials.“I tried all kinds of things and for me the turning point was a video project that I did for a company in Singapore. This got the notice of some people and when I asked SP Charan to produce and Yuvan Shankar Raja to do the music for what was to become Chennai 28, they immediately supported me.”Since then, Venkat Prabhu has earned a name for himself as a cutting-edge film maker who has his finger on the pulse of ‘Generation Next’ with hit films such as Goa and Saroja.“When I was at school I really wanted to become a singer and then later, I guess because of my strong interest in films, I decided to try to become a film maker,” he reflects. “I even looked into studying at the British Film Institute but it was way too expensive and after lengthy discussions with my father, I realised that direction is not necessarily something you needed to be formally trained in.“A lot of people don’t realise this about the film-world but if you can manage your people and your budgets carefully, you have won half the battle. Thankfully, people always had the confidence in me even when I wasn’t too sure of myself. People have always believed in me.” …. That’s probably because you seem like such a nice guy I thought to myself and isn’t it great when one meets an exception to the rule that nice-guys always finish last. Source: Express Buzz 17-July-2010
Ajith: I had a perfect race this time
Indian Actor-Racer Ajith Kumar had an eventful Race 1 at Monza for the Round 5 of the F2 Championship on May 22. Qualifying at P20 out of 21 drivers, Ajith Kumar completed the race in 14th position with his personal best lap time of 1:46.500.Says Ajith, "I feel proud and privileged to race amongst some of the best drivers in the championship, especially our own country's Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaran. I am thrilled to be racing on this excellent circuit in Monza, Italy and am happy that I have completed the race in 14th Position. I hope to do better in Round 6 which will happen tomorrow (May 23)."
In Race 2 on May 23, Ajith Kumar started at P20 and finished the race at 15th place with a personal best lap time of 1:46.211. Says Ajith, "I had a perfect race this time without getting involved in any incidents. I maintained my pace throughout the race and managed to not get lapped. At the end of this weekend, I can say that the overall exercise was very productive and I am confident of doing much better in the forthcoming rounds."
In Race 2 on May 23, Ajith Kumar started at P20 and finished the race at 15th place with a personal best lap time of 1:46.211. Says Ajith, "I had a perfect race this time without getting involved in any incidents. I maintained my pace throughout the race and managed to not get lapped. At the end of this weekend, I can say that the overall exercise was very productive and I am confident of doing much better in the forthcoming rounds."
Courtesy : Motorsports India
“First Car, First Choice” - Ajith’s Exclusive Interview
I believe all of us have two choices in life — to exist or to live. I chose the latter, says actor Ajith on his return to racing in this interview with Ashok Venugopal
A right hand to capatalise on their popularity by signing a dozen odd films or join some political party or at the best become a restaurateur, actor Ajith Kumar comes as a breath of fresh air. He neither believes in the rat race nor does he want to follow the ‘accepted’ path that most actors of his ilk do. He wants to pursue his first love that is motor sports. Having touched 40, Ajith has realised it is either now or never for him as a racer. So he has resisted signing some lucrative movie deals and has in fact postponed shooting for his 50th film just to pursue his passion for cars.
Seven years ago he was part of the Formula BMW Asia tour and although the actor managed two podium finishes his sabbatical from films hampered his movie career. But with hard-work and excellent choice of scripts and under dedicated directors he once again bounced back into the limelight to the delight of his fans who affectionately call him ‘thala’ (leader).
Today, with renewed vigour and determination Ajith wants to make a mark as a racer like he has as an actor. “I’ve come back with renewed vigour as I feel the time is ripe to encourage the youth of India to take to this sport. With three Indians in F2, I feel there is a lot of encouragement and camaraderie amongst (the drivers),” he says.
“Definitely I am better prepared this time. Just to be in F2, which is a step away from F1, gives a lot of self-confidence.” Listing the support he has received from within the racing world, Ajith thanks them for their encouragement: Jonathan Palmer (a former Formula One driver whose company co-ordinates and operates the new FIA F2 Championship), Piers Hunisett (a former successful racecar driver who handles Ajith’s racing programme/career), James Gornal (the official F2 driver co-ordinator, who provides all the competitors with necessary information), Simon Melluish and Sam Tremayne (the duo that, on behalf of F2, handle all the media releases/ Driver Photo shoots etc.) The actor insists that he is serious about racing and from the way Indians are revelling in motor sports he does not like the word ‘hobby’ attached to it anymore.
Ajith, from being a lover boy has matured as an actor and has done with equitable ease comedies and action films. He shared an excellent chemistry with the Simrans and Jyothikas and has held his own against Nayanthara and Sameera Reddys who are years younger to him.
Likewise Ajith believes he can match the likes of fellow Indian F2 drivers Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaren, if not better them. He believes life not about just winning but enjoying and following what the heart tells you. “It is a combination of various factors. Upbringing, circumstances, experiences, fatherhood and others around you bring in a lot of maturity and confidence. I believe that all of us have two choices in live I chose the latter,” life -to exist or to live. latter” says the Billa star.
Ajith has fond memories of his first stint as a racer and cherishes his two podium finishes at British F3 2004 Scholarship Class. Likewise he believes his best effort in his movie career is the 1999 film `Valee’ because that film gave him recognition and he is glad he did the project.
Ajith believes he is improving with every race in his first F2 season and finds the entire package thrilling. “Most of the circuits are very demanding of both the driver and car. But, it makes the races more exciting. The cars are very powerful and close to F1 specifications. For my build, I feel the F2 cars are better suited than the F3 I have driven earlier,” says Ajith, who will next be seen at Monza, Italy . “The emphasis is to provide every driver an even playing platform to showcase his driving abilities. The Williams JPH1B F2 car was designed by the Williams F1 team and features ground effect aerodynamics and a sophisticated composite survival cell complying with the 2005 F1 safety regulations,” adds Ajith.
On whether the season has gone as expected, he said, “With three rounds already over, I have got quite used to the car. My agenda for the first few races was to finish, which I did. From the forthcoming rounds onwards it will be time to get better qualifying and finish positions.” As for his goal in his debut F2 season, he said, “My realistic goal is to try and complete every race. I will drive to the best of my abilities and as I progress into the various rounds, I hope to score some points this season. Therefore, I am working hard at understanding the car as well as learning the various tracks.” Passionate as he is about racing, does he fear his second stint at the paddock would affect his career as an actor? “I have decided to act in just one film a year. My 50th film will start when the current racing season is over. Therefore, my career as an actor will not get affected by my racing.
Motor racing is a parallel career option I am seriously pursuing. My family, friends and fans are a tremendous support,” says Ajith firmly.
He has great regard for friend and guide Narain Karthikeyan and shares the ace driver’s fitness trainer Ramji Srinivasan. Ajith is keen to improve the health of motor sports in India and has spoken to the Tamil Nadu Government to give more importance for motor sports.
“The day is not far,” he says, “when three Indians will be in F1.”
Source: The New Indian Express 23rd May 2010
Racing Mania: Ajith interview to TOI
By SRINIVASA RAMANUJAMAjith has been experiencing a radically different life in the past few months. For, it’s been quite a while since the actor has been busy facing the camera! Instead, he’s been on the racing track, enjoying every minute with the machines that he loves so much. This year, Ajith will not be in town to celebrate his birthday much to the disappointment of his fans. CT got talking to the actor to gauge his passion for the sport and life beyond the camera a few hours before he left for the F-2 races in Morocco.
• Back on the track after a long time… how are you getting used to the machines?
Everything is going as planned. It’s a learning phase for me now, as I’m getting used to my car and its speed and setup. When it comes to racing, the more time you put in, the more you benefit. That’s exactly what I’m doing at the moment.
• Has your passion for racing increased?
Well, it’s always been there. I believe that there’s a time for everything. And, everything happens for a reason. I hate it when people say that racing is my hobby. It isn’t. It’s much more than that.
• But some people say that you’re not good enough as a racer…
I’ve come back to racing after six years; you obviously cannot expect a podium finish so soon! The least I can do is participate and give my best while racing. I could have easily given 200 days of my life to a producer and made money, but I’ve learnt that life isn’t about winning or losing; it’s about following your heart and living your dreams. I’m hoping that my participation will promote the sport and for that, I’m looking for like-minded people to collaborate with. Now that the cricket craze has died down post the IPL, I hope people will come forward to promote motorsport too. A sponsor, I feel, needs to have an emotional connect with the team and the racer.
• What plans do you have for your birthday and what’s your message to fans?
I’ll be racing in Morocco on my birthday. I just want to tell my fans to live their lives to the fullest. Pursue what your heart tells you and don’t be worried about failure.
SHALINI AND ANUSHKA MUST BE MISSING YOU ON THE HOME FRONT…
YES, THEY ARE. MY DAUGHTER IS VERY YOUNG AND SHE’S NOT USED TO SEEING ME DISAPPEAR FROM HOME FOR SO LONG. I’M TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT I COME HOME BETWEEN RACES, EVEN IF IT IS JUST FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. AND, ON THOSE DAYS, I ALWAYS SPEND TIME PLAYING WITH ANUSHKA.
WHEN IS THE GAUTHAM MENON FILM HAPPENING?
I’M IN TOUCH WITH GAUTHAM AND THE PRODUCER. IT’S GOING TO BE MUCH MORE THAN JUST MY 50TH FILM; WE’RE LOOKING AT MAKING A MOVIE THAT’LL BE A WIN-WIN FOR EVERYONE. I’M PLANNING TO SHOOT ONLY ONE FILM PER YEAR AND GIVE THE AUDIENCE A QUALITY PRODUCT. GAUTHAM AND I WILL START SHOOTING FROM OCTOBER. SO, TILL THEN, IT’S GOING TO BE MOTORSPORT.
Source: Times of India (Dated: 30-4-2010)
Ananda Vikatan:cinema vendam Arasiyaluku Varatta- Ajith
Courtesy:Ajithfans.Com
Spreading cheer - Actor Prabhu
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
Prabhu’s soon-to-be-released Asal is a much-expected film of the year. malathi rangarajan talks to the veteran actor-producer
I f you need lessons in being casual and cautious at the same time, Prabhu is the best pedagogue you can find! Sprinkling the exchange with oodles of cheer he also ensures that he gives away only so much about his family production Asal, which is expected to roll out in the next few days. Nevertheless it’s a joy to interact with the veteran, who has astutely put his days as a successful hero behind him and is now creating a niche for himself as a rewarding character actor.
You don’t sense the anxiety of a producer in his voice as we talk about Sivaji Films’ Asal, one of the biggest projects of the year, which is to see the light of day soon. What keeps him in such good humour always? “Basically I’m a happy person,” he laughs out loud. And on a serious note adds, “We have capable folks handling the production.” Ramkumar, Prabhu’s brother and the brain behind the banner, Prabhu’s son Vikram, Ramkumar’s son Dushyanth, Giri Shanmugam and others in the family are on the job. “And for me life continues to be peaceful with a loving family of wife, children, grandson and a host of well-wishers,” he chortles.
Strangely, even after the stupendous success of Chandramukhi, Sivaji Films’ didn’t go in for a Tamil venture at once. Instead Ramkumar decided to make a Hindi film, and Delhi Heights came about. “Hindi isn’t new to Sivaji Films. We’ve made some great films there in the past. The music of DH was a sell-out. And the film was a small experiment. We now know the market better,” contends Prabhu. All the same, be it the impressive cast, exotic locations or the formidable technical crew, nothing about Asal is small.
For the first time, Ajith Kumar joins hands with the imposing production firm. “It was so easy to work with him. One day when Ajith asked me casually why we weren’t doing a Tamil film, my poser was, ‘Will you work with us?’ That was when Asal began,” he says.
Roles of substance
He’s now working with Narain in Thambi Kottai and is entering Telugu with the Prabhas-Kajal Agarwal film, Darling. Prabhu chooses characters with care, and manages to zero in on roles with substance. But nearly all of them have him portraying characters from a bucolic background. So we’ve been seeing him clad in dhotis most of the time (may be the Ayan look was different). “With my convent schooling and English fluency, I should be able to do enough justice to modern characters. Somehow after the success of films such as Unakkum Enakkum… I was offered roles on those lines,” he smiles. But Asal should change all that — stills from the film that show a hip and happening Prabhu are doing the rounds. And don’t miss his accessories in them! “Ha! Ha, I should give my son Vikram and nephew Dushyanth the credit for their tips on the latest trends,” he replies.
What made the producers take director Saran on board for Asal? “Saran has potential and he and Ajith have made hits together. If you are referring to the earlier piece of news that Gautham Menon or for that matter Harris Jayaraj was to be part of a Sivaji Films’ project, I’d like to clarify that they are wonderful technicians and our production house will work with them one day. Things didn’t work out only because of the dates.” Anyway Saran and Prabhu have known each other from the time the actor played hero in K. Balachander’s Duet. Saran was KB’s associate then. Later, Saran wielded the megaphone for Vasool Raja MBBS in which Prabhu donned the role played by Arshad Warsi in Munnabhai…
Asal’s heroine line-up of Bhavna and Sameera Reddy should be an added lure. “As I told you, we have an interesting cast that includes Suresh, Pradeep Rawat, Rajeev Krishna, Kelly Dorgi and Sampath. And both the girls are wonderful, very professional,” he certifies. What kind of roles do they play? “I know only mine,” he laughs cryptically. “But I can assure you that Asal will be a cool, stylish actioner like Billa. A real entertainer! Bhavna is making a comeback with the film and Asal should augur well for her.”
But who is he paired with in the film? “Ah! I won’t tell you that,” he chuckles. The ever-smiling, tight-lipped conversationalist is at it again! (Paradox intended!)
Source: The Hindu (Dated: 29-1-2010)
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