Ajith’s simplicity wowed me: Interview with Dhruvan

The resounding success of Ajith’s ‘Valimai’ has also put the focus on a Malayalee actor. It was actor Dhruvan who made his debut in ‘Queen’ who appeared as one of the villains in ‘Valimai’. Dhruvan who quit his job as an airport staff has been pursuing cinema for the last 10 years. He recently appeared in a small role in ‘Aarattu’ as well. His upcoming films include the Dulquer Salmaan production, ‘Adi’ and ‘Janaganamana.’ Dhruvan talks to online Manorama about ‘Valimai.’

From Queen to ‘Valimai’

It was during the first lockdown that Director H Vinod called me after watching ‘Queen.’ Due to the lockdown I was unable to attend the auditions. So I was told to send a video instead. That’s how I got on board ‘Valimai.’ It was when I came on the sets that I realised it was Ajith sir’s film.

I am a huge fan of H Vinod sir. To be a part of his film headlining Ajith sir looked like a bonus for me. I play one of Karthikeya’s (who is the main antagonist) men in the film. It is a substantial role. They had asked me during the auditions if I knew bike stunts. Since I had already done bike and car stunts during college, that came to my help.

Didn’t realise what I had signed up for

I had no clue that I was going to be part of such a huge film till I came on the sets. This was Vinod sir’s dream project. The minute I spotted 19 bikes and 4-5 caravans I realised this was going to be huge. I was welcomed warmly on the sets. When I went to promote the film, I experienced the love of Ajith sir fans firsthand. They would come and hug us. At the Coimbatore theatre, Valimai was received with applause. I think I also received a fraction of the love they poured for Ajith sir. Tamilian fans show their affection very openly.

Ajith is a humanist

I am fortunate to be part of an Ajith film. That’s not an opportunity you will get every day. I am yet to meet a more simple man in my life. He treats everyone equally on the sets. He makes sure everyone is comfortable around him. He was really kind to me. Once when he saw me shivering on the sets, not only did he instruct his assistant to bring me a hot cup of coffee but also send along a heater for my comfort. There was no need for him to do all that, but he did and that’s why he is such a great guy. He is very hardworking and has done several risky bike stunts which I wouldn’t have dared to attempt. My only regret is that I couldn’t get a photograph with him.

Language is no barrier

I come from Palakkad and not just that I did my education in Coimbatore, so I am quite fluent in Tamil. But I can’t say it with the same speed though. There were so many associates in the director's team who helped me with the dialogue delivery. I would ask them to drop voice notes, learn and send my voice notes back to them. That was my learning process. Chennai Tamil slang is a bit faster.

From airport staff to actor

I used to work as an airport ground staff at Thiruvanthapuram and Kochi previously. But I quit that to become an actor. I have attended various auditions. My family consists of my father, mother, brother, sister-in-law, and their child.

From queen to Nancy Rani

‘Queen’ was my first film. I also did a film called ‘Children’s Park.’ I have also done various guest roles. I consider myself fortunate to do a film like ‘Valimai.’ I did a small role in ‘Aarattu.’ My next film is ‘Adi’ starring Shine Tom Chacko. I play a good character in the film produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer productions. My upcoming films include ‘Jana Gana Mana’, ‘Khajuraho Dreams’ and ‘Nancy Rani.’