“First Car, First Choice”
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.
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