Ajith shares story of becoming 'accidental actor': Took up job to pay my debts

India Today

01-05-2025

Ajith Kumar, one of the most celebrated actors of Tamil cinema, called himself an 'accidental actor'. In his exclusive sit-down conversation with India Today, he spoke about how he chanced upon acting. He recounted the time he took up acting gigs just to pay his debts. The 'Thunivu' actor candidly stated that he was 'terrible' in his initial films. Later, he ended up working hard on his diction, language and everything else to become the star that he is today.advertisementThe actor opened up about getting into modelling to support his passion - racing. "Acting was never on my radar. I am an accidental actor. I was working as a merchandiser in a government firm. In fact, after school, I worked for an automobile company. I was with them as an apprentice for about six months. When I started racing, I was 18. My parents were way ahead of their time. I remember my father telling me, 'Ajith, motorsports is very expensive, I cannot support you financially. But, I cannot stop you. You'll have to find your way," he began.Continuing further, "It so happened that I was at the racetrack that I was approached by a model co-ordinator who handed me his card and asked me to contact him if I was interested in modelling. I thought let me give it a shot. I started getting assignments and the money I made there [in modelling], I used to spend it on racing. " advertisement
Talking about how he made his film debut, he said, "Initially, I got an audition for a Telugu film - a language that I couldn't speak. I decided to pursue it. My parents were very concerned and said, 'Ajith, nobody in the family has been in the film industry. Think about it'. I told them, 'I know I'm leaping into the dark. But, imagine people who want to become actors come to know that I had refused an offer that came to me. Imagine how angry they would be.' It's something that's coming my way. To not make use of an opportunity that comes your way is a sin. That's how I became an actor."Ajith Kumar also recalled how journalists were taken aback by his honesty in the early days of his career. "I was very naive, and I remember being asked a question by a journalist about what made me take up acting. I told the person that I had debts due to my failed business and that my idea was to do a couple of films and pay my debts. He was flabbergasted. So he asked me if I came in for the money. I told him, 'how many people have the intention of paying back debt? So, why don't you appreciate me agreeing to take a leap into the dark - an unknown territory?' It wasn't like someone casually asked me to come and act. It was an audition and I cracked it. I had to prove myself worthy of an opportunity and that too, in a language I didn't know."advertisementCalling it destiny, Ajith spoke about how he wanted to improve once things got serious at work. He admitted that he was a terrible actor in his early days, but eventually worked his way up."Certain things are destined. You just live the day, be honest, have strong work ethics. I didn't come to the industry wanting to be famous or seeking fame. I wanted money to pay back my debts. If you see my first few films, I was a terrible actor. Even in Tamil, I had other actors dub for me for my first few films. I was criticised for my anglicised accent. Even till this day, mimicry artists mimic my earlier diction. But, I worked on it. I worked on my diction, I worked on my Tamil and a lot of things. I was sincere and honest in my career," he concluded.Ajith Kumar was last seen in director Adhik Ravichandran's 'Good Bad Ugly', which hit theatres on April 10. The film grossed Rs 200 crore and still running successfully in select theatres.