'Serious' Ajmal starring in a 'romantic comedy'

Ajmal, who shot to fame with his 'anti-hero' role in the Tamil film 'Anjaathe', is awaiting with bated breath the release of 'Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru,' in which he is starring in a humorous role for the first time.

For Ajmal, who has done only 'serious' roles up till now, the role of the lead character in the film by debutante director J S Nandhini was something different.

"This film is a romantic comedy. This is the first time I am doing such a film. But I took it up as I found the script interesting and enjoyed every minute of the shoot."

Ajmal said it is tough doing a comedy. "But then enacting such a role is an added feather's to an actor's cap."

"I was very interested in doing the film when Nandhini, explained the gist of the story," he said.

The film is slated for release on September 25.

For someone who has put on hold his medical profession to pursue a career in films, Ajmal has come a long way.

Ajmal, who received the Filmfare award for the best actor in a supporting role (Tamil) for his performance in Anjathe, said he was working in a hospital at Mumbai when he got the chance to act as hero in director Uday Anandan's Malayalam movie 'Pranayakalam', a 'romantic film', in 2007.

Ajmal said he studied medicine in Russia.

"I did a lot of modelling assignments over there".

Ajmal happened to run into producer Johnny Sagarika while travelling from Mumbai to Kerala and he put him onto Uday Anandan who was scouting for a fresh face. Uday Anandan did some test shoots and was impressed.

"That is how I got to act in Pranayakalam", the 27-year-old actor said.

Anjathe was quite a different film altogether. "From romantic to an anti-hero. Such power-packed roles are always etched in the Tamil audience' minds," Ajmal said.

Ajmal then got a chance to act with top Malayalam actor Mohanlal in the blockbuster 'Madambi'.

The film was about two brothers and Ajmal played a central character with different shades.. "I become a villain in the latter part...but then things become okay in the end."

"Mohanlal sir puts you at ease. He has no airs and is an institution by himself. He is a good friend," Ajmal said.

Anjathe's success secured him many acting offers. "But I am very choosy about the scripts," Ajmal said.

At present he is shooting for Tamil film 'Kadiruvel' directed by Venkat. It is an action film through and through.

In the pipeline are a Telugu film and a couple of Tamil projects. "Talks are going on," he said.

For the moment, he is focused on cinema.

"But I have a dream of setting up a hospital..." he said.