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In a career that began without ambition or design, Ajay has spent the last 25 years steadily carving out a space for himself in Indian cinema. Born in Vijayawada with no film aspirations, he stumbled into acting by chance. What followed was an unexpectedly enduring journey — over 250 films across Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. Speaking to Hyderabad Times, Ajay reflects on a career built not on stardom, but on staying power — and how evolving with the times has kept him in the frame.

‘Films were never part of the plan — not even in my wildest dreams’
Ajay didn’t grow up with cinematic ambitions. Born in Vijayawada, he believed he was headed for a future in engineering — until a coaching stint in Hyderabad altered his course. “I enrolled for a long-term EAMCET coaching programme at a college in Jubilee Hills. There were a lot of film shoots happening in and around the area. I used to watch the actors and the shoots, and somehow, I got attracted to that world,” he shares.

When the exam didn’t work out, his father admitted him into an engineering college in Nagpur. But Ajay couldn’t see himself continuing.
“I didn’t like it there, so I came back and joined Madhu Film Institute in Hyderabad. It was a six-month course, but I never completed it. During the course itself, I got a couple of film offers. It all started immediately — no photo shoots, no big plans. It just happened.”

‘Work kept coming — and that itself is a big deal in this industry’
Ajay’s acting career began in the early 2000s, without the backing of a star launch or a big banner. Still, he remained a visible and reliable presence — often playing the friend, brother, henchman, or villain. “I started at the right time — alongside Mahesh Babu, Jr NTR, Prabhas. I kept getting work, and in this industry, that itself is a big deal,” he says.

His first major breakthrough came with Vikramarkudu, where he played the lead antagonist. The role brought him recognition, but sustaining that visibility wasn’t always easy. “After Vikramarkudu, there was a lull. Then Ishq brought things back on track. I’ve always been lucky in that way, I guess — whenever I needed something big to happen, it did.”

‘At 46, I’ve crossed that awkward phase in an actor’s life’
Two and a half decades in, Ajay says his career has reached a point of quiet confidence. “That phase — where you’re too old to play a college guy and too young for a father’s role — is really tough. But now, at 46, I’ve crossed that zone,” he says.

His recent role in Pushpa 2: The Rule marks what he sees as a meaningful shift. “Just being in a film like that is a privilege,” he says. “It’ll go down like Baahubali, like Maya Bazaar — films people will remember for years.”

Ajay credits his longevity to adapting with changing trends and expectations. “Earlier, it was all about loud performances, but now it’s about realism — and I’ve had to keep upgrading my craft,” he explains. “I’ve been facing the camera for 25 years now. That gives you a certain edge.”

Highlights:
“I started my journey in the film industry when I was 21, and that awkward phase between youth and maturity is brutal. But now, at 46, I’ve crossed that stage.”

“This year, I’ve decided to accept only roles I truly like. Most of my career, I’ve done 90% of the roles that came my way. Now, after 25 years, I can afford to be choosy.”

“Since my debut, I’ve done around 250 films. I never kept count, but that’s roughly where it stands. I was lucky to get roles immediately after film school. Work kept coming — whether it was long or short, good or bad, I always had something.”

“I’ve mostly played similar characters throughout my career — the villain’s brother, son. Now, I want nuance. Like Paatal Lok — grey shades, inner conflict. That’s the space I’m eyeing.”