'I don’t try to please anyone'

In the past two years, Aju Varghese has played notable roles in nearly 25 movies, including super hits such as Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Vellimoonga and Ohm Shanthi Oshaana.
His guy-next-door image and impeccable comic timing have made him a favourite as a supporting character. Like his onscreen best buddy characters, in real life too Aju is supportive of his friends, and is also credited for bringing several newcomers to the industry.
In a candid chat, the Kunjiramayanam actor talks about his upcoming movies, friends and thoughts on life and films.
Of late, controversies have been dogging you. How do you deal with them? Usually I do not bother too much about the silly rumours that do the rounds in social networking sites. But at times, when I hear absolutely baseless ones, I react. Like recently, there was a report about me making the entire set of Two Countries including Dileepettan wait. It was not true and so I decided to clarify. Another one was about my remuneration, that I demand an amount more than what superstars ask for. It made me laugh and also for a moment, I wished I got paid so much! But I know our audience are not fools to believe everything they hear.
Tell us about your equation with Dileep? He is a senior person whom I respect a lot and who also funded my debut movie Malarvady Arts Club. Though I have worked with him in Ringmaster and Mayamohini, I always feel a bit nervous when I act alongside him. I should say that his comic timing is incredible and responding to it perfectly is the biggest challenge I have faced so far.
Your next movie has you teaming up with Jayasurya for the third time. How is it working with him? He is like my elder brother. We discuss movies and the characters we essay. He often shares with me tips to improve my acting skills. I am very comfortable working with him as he gives me the space and freedom an actor needs.
You have always supported your friends – publicly backing them without caring about the consequences. Won’t that do more harm than good? My friends are my biggest asset. I believe that I should stand by them when they are in need, and when I feel that I need to defend them, I do so. Sometimes I use my social networking page to get my point across. I neither try to please anyone, nor to be politically correct. What I should and shouldn’t write is completely my decision.
Many newcomers have acknowledged you for bringing them into the industry. What inspires you to promote newbies? Our movie industry has a lot of space and scope for new people. There are hundreds of gifted youngsters out there who are buzzing with talent and ideas. We need those new perspectives so that the industry will have better and unique movies. Young directors such as Basil Joseph, Midhun Manuel Thomas and Vipin Das would have anyway entered the industry even if I did not support them as they have the calibre. Me being a reason for their arrival is just a mere coincidence.
You seem to have penchant for experimenting with your looks. I love to experiment with my looks, especially my hair style. I am inspired by our predecessors, Nedumudi Venu and Siddique. Whenever I try a new look, I call up Siddique and ask for suggestions. I just love discussing things with him.
You seem to be there in every other film this year. This might be my season. But this phase too shall pass and new faces and talents will keep coming. I will also be eventually replaced.