Ajith Kumar, fondly known as “Thala”, is one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema and an avid motor racing enthusiast. Born on May 1, 1971, in Secunderabad, India, Ajith has had a storied career spanning over three decades, with 61 films to his credit. Known for his versatility, Ajith has won numerous awards, including three Filmfare Awards South, and is a prominent figure in Tamil cinema.
In addition to his film career, Ajith is also a professional racing driver, having competed in Formula BMW Asia and Formula 2. His passion for speed and machines continues to reflect in his career, as he balances acting with racing on international circuits.
Ajith Kumar: Short Details
| Full Name | S. Ajith Kumar |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Ajith |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1971 |
| Age | 53 |
| Birthplace | Secunderabad, India |
| Profession | Actor, Racing Driver |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Spouse | Shalini (m. 2000) |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Films | Vaali, Varalaru, Billa, Vedalam |
| Awards | Filmfare Awards South, Vijay Awards |
| Racing Career | Formula BMW Asia, Formula 2, 24H Series |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ajith was born into a diverse family—his father, P. Subramaniam, hailed from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, while his mother, Mohini, was a Sindhi from Kolkata. Ajith was the second of three brothers, with his elder brother Anil Kumar becoming an entrepreneur.
Ajith dropped out of school during his tenth grade and pursued various jobs, including working as a mechanic and a garment salesman. His journey into acting began serendipitously when renowned cinematographer P.C. Sreeram noticed his potential during a modeling assignment.
Acting Career
1990–1998: Early Roles and Breakthrough
Ajith debuted with a small role in the Tamil film En Veedu En Kanavar (1990). His first major release was Amaravathi (1993), although a racing injury during production left him bedridden for months.
Ajith gained widespread recognition with the romantic thriller Aasai (1995) and cemented his position with hits like Kadhal Kottai (1996) and Aval Varuvala (1998). These roles established Ajith as a romantic hero and a promising actor in Tamil cinema.
1999–2008: Rising Stardom
Ajith transitioned into more action-oriented roles with films like Vaali (1999), where his dual role as twin brothers earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. Subsequent successes included Villain (2002), Varalaru (2006), and Billa (2007), each of which showcased his versatility and solidified his “Thala” image among fans.
2010–2019: Career Highs
Ajith’s 50th film, Mankatha (2011), featured him in a rare anti-hero role, breaking stereotypes and becoming one of his most memorable performances. Films like Vedalam (2015) and Viswasam (2019) further bolstered his career, making him one of Tamil cinema’s most bankable stars.
2022–Present: Recent Projects
Ajith returned with high-profile films like Valimai (2022) and Thunivu (2023). These films received mixed reviews but highlighted his ability to adapt to modern narratives. Upcoming projects like Vidaamuyarchi and Good Bad Ugly continue to keep fans excited.
Racing Career
Ajith Kumar’s passion for racing is as prominent as his acting career. He is among the few Indians to compete in international racing events, balancing his dual careers with precision.
Formula BMW Asia (2003)
Ajith debuted in Formula racing, finishing 12th in the championship despite challenges.
Formula 2 (2010)
After a hiatus, Ajith returned to racing, participating in the FIA Formula 2 Championship alongside notable Indian drivers. His commitment included rigorous training and competing internationally.
24H Series (2025)
Ajith is set to debut in the FIA 24H Series under the banner of Ajith Kumar Racing. Preparing for this endurance race, Ajith shed 25 kilograms and teamed up with international drivers. Despite a practice accident in Dubai, Ajith emerged unscathed, ready for the challenge.
Personal Life
Ajith married actress Shalini in 2000 after meeting on the sets of Amarkalam. The couple has two children, a daughter, Anoushka (b. 2008), and a son, Aadvik (b. 2015). Ajith is known for keeping his personal life private, rarely engaging with social media or public events.
Filmography
Ajith’s career boasts 61 films, including:
- Vaali (1999)
- Varalaru (2006)
- Billa (2007)
- Vedalam (2015)
- Viswasam (2019)
- Thunivu (2023)
Awards
Ajith has won numerous accolades, including:
- 3 Filmfare Awards South for Vaali, Villain, and Varalaru.
- Tamil Nadu State Special Prize for Poovellam Un Vasam.
- Vijay Awards for favorite actor categories.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Ajith is a licensed pilot and drone enthusiast.
- He owns a motorcycle touring agency, Venus Motorcycle Tours.
- He runs a charity, the Mohini-Mani Foundation, promoting civic awareness.
- Despite his fame, Ajith avoids social media and rarely promotes his films.
- He has a passion for cooking and often experiments with various cuisines.
Conclusion
Ajith Kumar is a cinematic powerhouse and a multi-talented individual whose contributions extend beyond acting into racing, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. With his unwavering dedication and humility, Ajith remains an inspiration for millions of fans worldwide.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
