Actor Ajmal on a roll

Chennai, Oct.3 (NR): Face to face with Ajmal, one can't miss the tall and handsome frame that made a mark in Mysskin's Anjathe, missing though was the angry Kripa.

After all, it's a different Ajmal this time in 'Thiru thiru thuru thuru,' where he plays the easy going and chilled out Arjun. This native of Aluva, is unassuming and articulate with his cute smile occasionally making an appearance.

A qualified doctor, Ajmal always cherished the celluloid dream ever since he can remember.

"I come from an orthodox family. No one was into films," reveals Ajmal. "I knew it would be hard to convince my parents. Besides, being the eldest son, I had to fulfill their dreams."

With that in mind, he completed his course in medicine from Russia. "While studying there, I did a couple of ramp shows though. The Russians love the Indian skin tone," says the actor who won the 'Mister Personality,' prize at the Black Pearl model contest there.

Returning to India, he moved to Mumbai looking for work, but could manage a few shows. "It is a very competitive out there. I thought maybe my dreams were not to happen and took the flight back home."

Destiny had other plans, when on board he met Malayalam film producer, Johnny Sagarika.

"I showed him my portfolio. He put me onto director Udhay Ananthan."

Ajmal thus made his debut in Malayalam films with Pranayakalam opposite Vimala Raman. The role earned him the 'chocolate hero,' tag. Ask him about Anjathe, his debut film in Kollywood and Ajmal looks back, "I was new to Tamil cinema. But I was aware of Mysskin's earlier hit, 'Chithiram pesuthadi.' I knew Narain was a good actor and so was Prasanna. I could not let this good team down. I was eager to be like one of them."

Of Mysskin, he continues, "He is a good teacher and a very good guardian. Besides learning acting, I learnt other intricacies of cinema and how to select good roles. Until I joined films, I associated cinema with fights and dance only."

Ajmal shared screen space with the titan, Mohanlal in the family drama, 'Madambi.' His second Tamil film was 'TN 09 AL 4777.'

As for the response to 'Thiru thiru thuru thuru,' Ajmal smiles, "The film has been doing great. Family members walked up to congratulate me, even grand fathers."

Recalling his first meeting with Nandhini, he says, "I really loved the way she approached me. When she explained the character, I noticed the spark in her. Her dedication to work is evident."

"Rupa is naughty and bubbly, but a sweet and committed actress who followed instructions. Her character in the film helped in bringing out my character."

So is there an Arjun somewhere in Ajmal? "A bit of Arjun, yes. I am easy going and like Arjun, once I set my mind on something, I will not rest till I achieve it."

And acting with the baby, you can't help asking?

"Darshu was a stress buster on the sets. While shooting for T4, I was also working on another film. Darshu's charming smile eased off all worries."

Presently focusing on Tamil films, Ajmal will next be seen in 'Kathirvel,' a film directed by Venkat. "I play a sweet village boy who comes to Chennai. The story dwells on the spate of robberies that seem to have become the order of the day in the city." Click the Movie button below for more info:
Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru