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July 20, 2006
Ajay got recognition in Pawan Kalyan’s Kushi in the role of a typical Hyderabadi eve teaser. His roles in Okkadu and Chatrapati got good appreciation. He acted in 4 big projects of this summer out of which two are blockbusters. He did the role of main villain in Vikramarkudu. Idebrain.com met with this promising actor for a brief chitchat. Here are the excerpts -
Background:
I was born and brought up in Vijayawada. I did my studies in various places like Vijayawada, Nellore and Tirupati as my father used to get transferred very frequently. I joined a college in jubilee hills to pursue EAMCET long term (1995). They used to shoot lots of films in and around my college during that time. I used to observe the shootings and got really impressed the way actors and stars were pampered. I was not serious then. I decided to become an actor when I joined degree. I enrolled in Madhu Film Institute and completed a course in acting.
Debut:
My father knew director Vemuri Jyothy Kumar and that is how I got an opportunity to act in Kouravudu film. I was under impression that I would get roles easily. But I was proved to be wrong. I had to wait for nine months after my debut in Kouravudu. Sridhar Reddy, who worked with Pawan Kalyan Creative Works team took me to the selections of Kushi. I attended screen tests and I was among the nine actors who got selected for that film. The eve teaser role in that film brought me lot of recognition.
Real break:
Though I have acted in a few films later, it was Okkadu film that brought me a break. I am featured in all MS Raju’s films since Nee Sneham. SS Rajamouli constantly encouraged me by giving important roles in almost all his films. Surender Reddy offered me a good role in Athanokkade film. I am fortunate enough to work with Mahesh Babu in three films (Okkadu, Athadu and Pokiri) and all these three films are blockbusters. I am currently acting as Mahesh’s buddy in Sainikudu film too. This year’s summer proved to be very lucky for me. I acted in very big projects - Pournami, Veerabhadra, Pokiri and Vikramarkudu - in this year so far.
About main villain character in Vikramarkudu:
SS Rajamouli has been promoting me a lot of casting in almost all his films. I did the role of Rajiv Kanakala buddy in Student No.1. Rajamouli offered me a small villain role in Simhadri film which needed me to travel to Kerala for an episode. I requested him to give me a role of substance. He did not speak a word at that time. Later on he offered me a powerful role of villain’s brother in Sye. Then he gave me an emotional role of hero’s sidekick in Chatrapati. The ultimate surprise came when he asked me to do the role of main villain in Vikramarkudu. I should thank Rama Rajamouli for giving such a nice make over for me through costumes and make up. I would give half of the credit of my performance to my looks and get-up in that film. The audiences were surprised to see me as main villain.
Job satisfaction:
I am relatively satisfied with what I have achieved so far. I did good roles and got decent recognition. But I want to do some roles that would give me scope to emote with my face. Half the credit for my performance goes to my appearance. I am very content with the roles I am offered these days. I am being offered important roles which have some purpose in the main storyline of the film. But I would love to do roles that demand real histrionics.
Marriage:
I got married around six months back. It was a love marriage. I met her after Kushi film. I think lady luck is working well for me.
Hobbies:
I love traveling. I traveled to all important places in India. I visited Nepal too. I could not go beyond that as my financial position did not permit me. My dream destination is New Zealand. I am looking forward to visit it one day.
Favorites:
The Lion King is my all time favorite. The director could able to establish human emotions among the animated characters of animals. My favorite actors are Al Pacino and Amitab Bachchan in Hollywood and Bollywood respectively.
Future projects:
I am currently working in Mahesh Babu’s Sainikudu. I am also going to act in Puri Jagan - Allu Arjun’s Desa Muduru. I will be worked for a film to be directed by Rasool. I am getting a few Tamil film offers too.
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