It is
difficult to slot him. He had a passion for motor-bikes and even took part
in the two-wheeler race at Sholavaram, a decade back. Then he took to
acting with the same passion, and has since carved a niche for himself as
one of the top actors among the younger crop of heroes. And when one
thought that he could be consolidating his position, what with so many
young fresh faces entering into the acting arena, he has surprised us yet
again. He took up flying, and is just an hour’s experience away from
getting his driving licence! And there is more. He has taken up motor
sporting and has tied up with Akbar Ebrahim of the ADCA (Advanced Driving
& Corporate Academy Private Limited) to train him and develop his
racing skills.
Meet Ajit Kumar, actor,
to-be-pilot, racing driver. Ajit chats about his new passion and juggling
of careers.
On why he is doing
it:
I have been passionate about
racing, since childhood. People who know me close, like my family and
friends, know this to be a fact. In fact, before I joined films, I has
participated in an international two-wheeler race. I was determined to
follow it up again, when I had enough money. For, motor sport is an
expensive affair.
On
his films having flopped:
Not at all! If that was the
case I would have taken up motor sporting, when five of my films flopped
last year. I have seen both success and failure. Hits and flops don’t
matter to me any more.
On the diverse
professions:
The movie industry is in many
ways like motor racing. There is a lot of co-relation between the two. A
good actor can at times rise above a bad script and get noticed. Again, a
bad actor however good a script, can make a mess of it. Similarly, a good
driver can make it at times, despite having a bad car and vice versa. But
ultimately, what counts in both is the right package!
On
his juggling careers:
Movie is my bread and butter.
And I’ve to live up to an image. I’ve planned to do not more than two
films a year. I want the right package, both in films and in racing. We
have a race spread over seven months and it suits my acting career. It
won’t be easy balancing both, but I’m determined to do it. It won’t affect
my family life either.
On pushing
himself:
All the way! My wife Shalini
knows how committed I am when I take up something. I am learning flying
and I’m just an hour away from my pilot’s license.
On his choice of
coach:
Motor sports like any other
needs not only dedication, but also a good coach. So when I planned to
enter into it, Akbar was the one I thought of. I’ve known him since his
cricket days. I’ve been following his racing career, and seen him race at
Sholavaram. He has trained others before me, and I think he’s the best to
train me.
On the age
factor:
I know that drivers today start
early, in their 16s and 17s. I am thirty years old, but today racing is
much safer than what it was earlier. Further a five-time champion, started
the age of 38. Though I am persuading Akbar to make it move fast, we are
taking one step at a time.
On
the financial aspect:
Sponsors are talking to us.
We’ll have to discuss this. Some may be coming only because I’m a film
star. I don’t want to set a bad example. I’m particular that no one gets a
raw deal. Akbar will be managing my career in motor racing and he’ll do
what’s best for us and the sport.
On his racing position in
2003:
I really don’t know. I don’t
want to speculate. I don’t want to talk big or give false hopes. Let me
come to 2003 and then we will see!
