Ajay Singh Chaudhary: My father belonged to the Army, but was supportive of my career choice

'

Phulwa

' and '

Rishton Ka Chakravyuh

' actor

Ajay Singh Chaudhary

was born and raised in an army background. His father, Retd. Captain Virender Singh was in the Indian Army, but Ajay admits he was never keen on joining the armed forces. Instead, it was acting that he was drawn towards. And when he told his parents about his acting dream, they encouraged him to pursue it.



Talking about it, Ajay says, “I never wanted to join the Army although it did cross my mind a couple of times. But it was not something that I had set my mind to. On the other hand, my brother was always interested and eventually joined the armed forces. When I told my parents that I wanted to become an actor, they were very supportive of my career choice.”

He continues, “In 2000-2001, we did not have the internet or too much exposure to the outside world. The only career choices we had were medical, engineering or banking. I searched for courses, found one in Mumbai and did my post-graduation in theatre. My parents were not sure about what I was going to do, but they never hesitated in encouraging me.”

Talking about the environment he was raised in, the 'Uttaran' actor says, “There was a lot of discipline in the house, but I did not follow rules a lot – I was a rebel. My elder brother was different from me,” he says with a laugh.

Ajay adds, “We have moved all over India because my father's profession was such. The sad part was that I could only stay with my

friends

for two or two-and-a-half-years, and then we used to move away. So, we spent our childhood making new friends and shifting schools, but I am in touch with most of my friends who I met after my ninth grade.”


Does he believe that Army kids are a breed apart? “I agree that Army kids are a breed apart, the same goes for Navy and Airforce, too, because the environment in which we grow up is completely different. We see things much closer, we learn to respect all religions and how to live together without any discrimination,” he signs off.