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'I would like to have my private space' - Asif Ali
His withdrawal from the Celebrity Cricket League after attending the practice sessions, the failure of his recent film Asuravithu, and his reluctance to use a mobile phone have been the subjects of much media attention.
In an exclusive interview with Meghna George, Asif faces some bouncers and explains his stand on the issues.
Do you think you have to live up to very high expectations these days?
Frankly, yes (smiles). That is creating problems for me. I have been appreciated for my free acting style and all these pressures are affecting me now.
It is to get rid of it that I have limited the use of my mobile phone. After doing my work, I would like to have my private space. But it that has become a big issue.
I have been thrown out of the Kerala Strikers CCL (Celebrity Cricket League) team as well.
'I admire Jagathy Sreekumar'
What was the CCL controversy about?
I have to blame myself for that too. After I talked with the directors I found I couldn't be free on the days of the matches and for me, cinema is the ultimate. I was hesitant to communicate this to the team owners and that has created a lot of controversy.
You could have told the Kerala Strikers team management about your commitments...
I was involved in all the practice sessions for the CCL. Of course, I should have informed them about my schedules. It is the fear on the part of an immature person. I had to talk to some of my idols who are at the helm of affairs, which I couldn't do. Now, it has become a real big issue.
Your mobile phone has become a big subject of discussion...
Absolutely. I have always been reluctant to use a mobile phone whenever it affects my freedom. Why blame me if I don't pick up my phone when I am busy?
Of course, I am also to be blamed when I don't respond to a message or a missed call. I don't know why, may be it could be some sort of a psychological disorder (laughs).
'Asuravithu got a mixed response'
What was the response to your recent film, Asuravithu?
I was surprised by the huge welcome for the film during the first two days. I feel that there is a responsibility on my shoulders now as people expect a lot from me. I consider it a challenge.
Are you happy with the way Asuravithu has turned out?
For all those who watched it as a masala film, Asuravithu was enjoyable. It got a mixed response. I got the result I had expected.
This was an action and masala film perhaps modelled on some Telugu film and the producer is also safe from the investment point of view.
Which are your forthcoming films?
I have completed shooting for Cowboy, directed by P Balachandra Kumar. I have signed for Saji Surendran's Husbands in Goa and Madhupal's next. Siby Malayil's Unnam will release soon. Currently I am doing Amal Neerad's Bachelor Party.
'I enjoy the appreciation that I am receiving'
Actor Jagathy Sreekumar had criticised your acting on a TV show. Did that hurt you?
I admire him and have talked about his influence on me and in reply he said what he thought about me. That is all I want to say about it.
Do you think success has come to you pretty easily?
..I enjoy the appreciation that I am receiving but to be successful, all this appreciation should last for a longer time. And that is adding more pressure on me.
I wanted to be in films and I knew that people would appreciate my talent. But I didn't expect that to happen so fast. This means misunderstandings crop up pretty easily.
I have always done scripts which I felt suited me but now when I say no, people take it in the wrong way. It hurts me.
Like, people behave as if my not picking up the phone is the greatest issue here.
I am planning to change my Facebook status to 'Asif Ali versus phone'!
SOURCE : http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-asif-ali/20120215.htm
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Asif Ali: Rising star of Malayalam films
The new gamut of young talent in Malayalam cinema comes without any baggage, except maybe the imposing career graph put forward by their predecessors — Mammootty and Mohanlal. They are picky about their roles, have an almost cocky sense of self-confidence, aren't too much in awe of their seniors and love experimenting.
Though actor Prithviraj likes to take credit for heralding the so-called 'youth movement' in Mollywood, which in effect started with Kunchako Boban in 1997, young star Asif Ali has already made a significant place for himself in the industry. That his ascent took place in a span of three years is testimony to the young man's talent.
New Delhi: The new gamut of young talent in Malayalam cinema comes without any baggage, except maybe the imposing career graph put forward by their predecessors — Mammootty and Mohanlal. They are picky about their roles, have an almost cocky sense of self-confidence, aren't too much in awe of their seniors and love experimenting.
Though actor Prithviraj likes to take credit for heralding the so-called 'youth movement' in Mollywood, which in effect started with Kunchako Boban in 1997, young star Asif Ali has already made a significant place for himself in the industry. That his ascent took place in a span of three years is testimony to the young man's talent.
Here is the pick of the lot:
'Ritu' (2009): Sunny Immaty is an ambitious, sly wolf with a burning ambition to make money. For Ali, it was nothing short of a challenge to essay Immaty in his debut film directed by Shyamaprasad but he was easily the man to watch out for. Later, he played a small but significant part in Sathyan Anthikad's 'Kadha Thudarunnu'.
Says Shyamaprasad, "From the beginning, Asif had exuded smartness, confidence, and a certain kind of charm. I encouraged him to build the character around his natural traits. He did a good job for a newcomer."
'Traffic' (2010): It was no cakewalk to make one's presence felt in a film that starred so many good actors, where the edgily narrated screenplay is the real 'hero'. Never mind, Ali's Rajeev sailed through and struck a chord as the distraught friend of Raihaan (Vineeth Sreenivasan) in this Rajesh Pillai film, one of the biggest of his career.
'Salt N' Pepper' (2011): One of the best roles till date, Ali's lover-boy act in this Aashiq Abu-starrer was a laugh riot. He played the smooth-talking Manu with spontaneity and looked the perfect 'Archie' in this romcom. It was also one of the surprise hits last year. Says Shwetha Menon, his costar in the film, "He has an inborn talent. When he has a line to say, he slips into his character effortlessly."
In 2011, he also starred in 'Ithu Nammude Katha' and 'Violin', with the latter being his first solo act that failed to click. Says Priyadarshan: "Asif should be careful about the projects he chooses." Asif also did a few cameos in 'Dr Love' and 'Indian Rupee' and the big multi-starrer, 'Sevens'.
Though his New Year release, 'Asuravithu', did not strike gold at the box office, it is his big time solo hero film where he has managed to shrug off his usual image. But Ali has a jam-packed schedule this year, with four films in the making and few more 'announced'.
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