The famous south Indian actor Ajith Kumar who is also called “Thala” by his fans is celebrating his 54th birthday today and his fans have one more reason to celebrate as the actor recently got honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award of the country.
In an interview, the actor opened up about his unconventional entry into the film industry, describing himself as an “accidental actor” as acting was never part of his original plan.
After completing his schooling, Ajith Kumar worked as an apprentice at an automobile company for six months. At 18, he pursued his passion for motorcycle racing, despite his father’s concerns about the sport’s expenses. It was during a visit to the racetrack that a model coordinator approached him, leading to opportunities in print advertisements and television commercials.
Ajith Kumar revealed that his initial foray into acting was driven by a need to repay debts from a failed business venture. He took on acting roles not in search of fame, but as a means to earn money. Reflecting on his early days in the industry, he admitted to struggling with his performances and working diligently to improve his skills, including diction and language.
Despite his unplanned start, Ajith Kumar developed a deep respect for the craft of acting. He emphasised on his strong work ethic, stating that he does not need reminders to fulfill his professional commitments. Ajith Kumar expressed that his profession has allowed him to indulge in his hobbies, such as aeromodelling and motorsports and that he takes his responsibilities seriously.
Ajith Kumar’s acting career began with a small role in the Tamil film “En Veedu En Kanavar” in 1990 and he secured his first lead role in the Telugu film “Prema Pusthakam”. Over the years, he has delivered several acclaimed performances, with his recent film “Good Bad Ugly” co-starring Trisha Krishnan receiving positive reviews.
Reflecting on receiving the Padma Bhushan, Ajith described the experience as surreal and overwhelming. He shared that moments like these inspire and reassure him that he is on the right path, motivating him to continue his work with sincerity and dedication.