Singapore-based Aaron Aziz, who is making his acting debut with Jayam Ravi’s sci-fi Tik Tik Tik, had been to India a couple of times — but this is his first visit to Chennai. He’ll be in the city for a week, shooting for the film. Aaron seems thoroughly excited. He says he is impressed by the quality of Indian films. “In particular, Tamil film industry is a melting pot of different cultures. Everyone comes here to work on movies. Though I miss my family, I feel at home here,” he smiles. Excerpts follow
It’s hard to believe that you are 41...
(Laughs) I have been in the film circuit for the past 16 years. I’ve acted and directed movies. I have done a lot of TV soaps in English and Malay too. To be honest, I haven’t watched many Tamil films. I know Rajinikanth and Prabhu Deva. Of course, I’ve watched Kabali (2016). My wife is into Tamil films. She watches them and discusses with me. When she likes a character, she wants me to be
like that.
How did Tik Tik Tik happen?
Director Shakti Soundar Rajan had asked his friend Srikanth (a producer) for a suitable non-Indian villain. His wife and my wife are friends. The script demanded someone from Malaysia, and then they approached me. I read the script and got an idea of what I was going to do.
Tell us about your role.
Well, I play the baddie. It’s a Chinese character, who’s trained in military service a non-Tamil speaking one. Most of my dialogues are in English. So, I didn’t have any problem. Jayam Ravi comes to my place (a space ship) and intrudes into my territory. We argue, fight and challenge each other.
How was the overall experience?
It was fantastic! I got to learn many things. Here, everything is well-planned and organised. I’ll know what I’m going to do the day before. Language is no barrier at all. There has been an explosion of new talent and I am happy filmmakers have started experimenting with new genre. I love Chennaiites; they’re extremely down-to-earth. Shooting was mostly on the sets since it’s a space film. Everything appeared real. There, the process of filmmaking is expensive. So, things are done in hurry. We shoot 6-7 scenes everyday there. But here, around 4-5 shots! I feel relaxed. After Bollywood, Tamil films have a wider reach than other regional categories. They are not shallow. That’s what makes this industry special. Technicians are smart and hard working. That’s a rare combination.
How’s your equation with Jayam Ravi and Shakti Soundar Rajan?
I had no clue about Tamil films when I started out. My team made me comfortable. Jayam Ravi is an amazing guy to be with. He’s humble. Shakti does improvisations and modifications to the story during filming. Working on Tik Tik Tik was a challenge. It made me stay more focused. If it’s an easy role, I wouldn’t even be able to focus. I like to do roles that make me uncomfortable and apprehensive about my abilities. I like breaking out of my comfort zone with each film.
How good is your Tamil now?
Konjam theriyum (I know little bit of Tamil). ‘Saapdavaa’ means come and eat. ‘Thanni kudi’ means drink water.
Are you planning to do many films in Tamil?
I’d love to. But, I don’t plan things.
Who’s your favourite actor?
Amitabh Bachchan. When it comes to the history of Indian cinema, I believe it can be easily divided into an era before Big B, and after he joined films. There cannot be anyone like him.
Would you like to work with him?
I shouldn’t faint when I see him first (laughs).
What’s the best thing about Chennai?
The first thing I did here was to visit Snake Park. I find snakes fascinating. I like reptiles. Wait, are you judging me? Plus, if you leave me alone with a plate of butter chicken, I’ll be grateful to you for the rest of my life!