This story is from October 21, 2008

Living for the moment

In an exclusive interview, Ultimate Star Ajith opens up to CT on Aegan and matters close to his heart.
Living for the moment
You would think that the concept of the six-pack is a youngster���s craze, with Vishal and Surya being the latest ones to flaunt it.
After doing 48 different films and being showered with oodles of adulation and criticism, Ajith is still very excited when you mention this new trend. ���It���s no joke,��� he points out. ���It requires a lot of dedication and I���m happy that these actors have done that.��� But will he ever flaunt it all and work towards such a body, keeping in mind the injuries he���s undergone while racing? ���Despite my spinal injuries, if the script demands it, I will surely work towards it.
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I know I can do it.���
Confidence is perhaps Ajith Kumar���s middle name and it has, over the years, developed into a certain maturity that steers the system into the practical realms of life.
His Aegan is due to hit the screens this Diwali and the Ultimate Star is as confident as ever. ���Aegan is an action-comedy film. Many people might have wondered why I look overweight. It was intentional and the director wanted that look. When you watch the film you will understand that the role requires the extra pounds.���
Does it bother him that his last two films - Aegan and Billa - are both remakes? ���There is a market for remakes. Beyond that, it���s up to the audience to decide,��� he says.
When it comes to people watching the film, it���s his tremendous fan base which has made him an actor to reckon with. ���I owe everything to my fans. They have always been my motivating factor,��� he says.
While there has been overwhelming support on one side, there have also been groups trying to put him down. How does he deal with criticism? ���There are two kinds of criticism - constructive and criticism for the sake of it. I���m open to constructive criticism and work on aspects that need improvement. But when it comes to the latter, I just ignore it.���

His wife, Shalini has always been by his side even as he waded through criticism and accolades. It���s been quite sometime since their Amarkalam tryst happened - does he still remember those lost-in-love days? ���Love, actually every relationship, is like a plant. You need to water it and take care of it regularly. Relationships, like plants, need to be nourished.���
What about reports, in many sections of the media, about Billa 2 and Soundarya���s Ocher Studios being a major part of it? ���I wouldn���t think about crossing a bridge till I get to it,��� he says. So, what���s his motto in life? ���Live for the moment,��� he states, almost like a typical punch dialogue, ���If you want to do something, ���now��� is the best time to do it!���
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