Kochi, April 19 (IANS): It's been over three decades since Lalu Alex began to don the grease paint, but the Malayalam actor says he still has "the fire in me and I’m certainly hungry for roles".

In his long cinematic career, he has featured in more than 300 films like "Ee Nadu", "Padheyam", "Chronic Bachelor" and "How Old Are You".

"I consider myself very fortunate that I have had such a long innings and I’m going ahead in the pace that I like. I still have the fire in me and I’m certainly hungry for roles, but I’m in no hurry," Alex told IANS.

Reflecting on his career, he said: "I will say with a lot of pride and gratitude, that I have come this far and wish to continue at my own pace with the blessings of the almighty."

On an average, he does less than 10 films a year and hence, has time at his disposal.

"I listen to music, watch films on TV, read a bit and the rest of the time I’m either in my garden or doing some farming activity, if not with a couple of my dear friends. I’m enjoying life at its best with my family of three children and my wife," said Alex.

He however, owes a lot to his 80-year-old ailing mother, who gave him all the support when he quit being a medical representative to turn a full-time actor.

About his contemporaries like superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal, he said that after a decade in the profession, he realised and accepted that they were too big.

"I realised that there is no need for me to compare with them as they were too big. I felt happy with that and I took solace in myself that being small is best for me," said Alex.

On his ambitions, he said that the desire to direct a film is there, but he has no patience. When it comes to turning a producer, he said that he wishes to produce a film, but for that to happen several things have to fall into place.

According to him, the director is always the captain, followed by the script writer and only then comes the actor.