Ajmal: I play a key role in Rachcha

Ajmal Ameer, a medical doctor by profession, shot to fame with the Tamil film Anjaathe. He subsequently followed it up with a brilliant performance as Vasanthan Perumal in KV Anand's Ko which was a huge blockbuster in Tamil and in its dubbed versions too.

Ajmal is now making his debut in the Telugu film Rachcha (directed by Sampath Nandi starring Ram Charan Tej and Tamannaah). In this exclusive interview, the actor talks about his cameo, acting with Ram Charan and Tamannaah, the lead pair and the experience of working in Rachcha.

How did you get the role in Rachcha? Was it after your excellent performance in Ko which was dubbed as Rangam in Telugu?

After Rangam I was given a warm welcome by the Telugu audience. When I saw my fans, I was happy. I wanted to do a Telugu film. I got calls but I was busy with my Tamil films. Rachcha is a Ram Charan movie, a big one, so I signed it. Although I am doing a cameo, everyone is introduced by my character.

How do you feel making your debut in Telugu?

I struggled a lot but God has been merciful. I am getting offers from big producers and directors. If I work in a big film, my name will register. It's a smart move on my part. It's better to be part of a big film.

What's your role in Rachcha?

I play a key role. I bring interesting twists to the film. I can't reveal more. You should wait and see.

You said you do a cameo. Is it an impactful one?

Yes, of course. People will wait for my entry again and again.

Could you talk about Rachcha?

Rachcha has a beautiful love story; it's a family entertainer. There are fight sequences and it's a complete mass entertainer.

How was it working with Ram Charan and Tamannaah?

Charan is a decent guy and we are good buddies. We used to spend valuable time together discussing films, what kind of cinema should be made, etc. Tamannaah's sweet. Since she is busy with Telugu films, she used to ask about Tamil films and my projects. Whatever little time we had, we used to spend it well.

Do you know Telugu? If not how did you manage it?

It's god's grace that I can pick up a new language fast. Sampath Nandi called me for the dubbing but I was in France for my Tamil film and it was a tight schedule so I couldn't dub. I really loved the dialogues of Rachcha.

This is Sampath Nandi's second film. How was it being directed by him?

He is a young guy who is clear and his style is nice. He knows voice modulation and he is a good writer whose dialogues are catchy.

I would like to say Sameer Reddy, the director of photography has done a fabulous job. He made all the actors comfortable. He is a good human being too.

How was it working on your first Telugu film?

I was excited. It's one of the biggest Telugu films having Charan, Tamannaah and a big technical crew. It was like a festival. I enjoyed the whole thing.

There are big people working together in the film. I'm lucky to be among them; I'm blessed to get such opportunities in my career now.

Are you keenly awaiting its release? Are you nervous?

I am not nervous. I have a positive energy about it. I have no tension. The whole team has worked hard.

Would you do more Telugu films?

I would love to do more Telugu films.

What is it that you like about the Telugu industry?

People madly love cinema and watch it in theatres. They recognise me and ask 'aren't you the guy who acted in Rangam?' They talk to me. I am happy. The passion and love for cinema technicians has also attracted me. It's healthy to have such an audience.

Were you happy that Rangam was a huge hit here?

Of course. It's a double bonanza. It was a huge hit in Tamil Nadu and also in Kerala. It released in Andhra Pradesh four weeks later when all the big films were there.

I even wondered if the theatres would be available. After a few days, the theatres were also increased. I feel blessed. The sweetest part is when they call me, Ajmal. I feel happy then.

Have you signed any Telugu projects?

I have got a lot of offers from well known producers and directors. I haven't signed anything. Right now I don't have the dates as I'm busy with two Tamil films. I'm waiting for the release of Rachcha.

Do you watch Telugu films?

I started watching after Arundhati. I liked Dookudu and Businessman, particularly Mahesh's performance in it. I keep enquiring about which films are doing well and I was told Nithin's film (Ishq) is doing well. Nithin is a good friend.