Ajith Kumar Honoured With Padma Bhushan Award: Who Is Tamil Actor Fondly Known As Thala?

Tamil actor Ajith Kumar has been honoured with Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award.

The Padma Awards, announced every year on Republic Day, are among the most distinguished civilian honours in the country. They are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of a high order), and Padma Shri (distinguished service in any field). This year, 139 individuals have been selected for their contributions across various fields, including art, science, medicine, sports, trade, and more.

Ajith Thanks PM Modi, Prez Murmu

Ajith has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and President Droupadi Murmu for conferring him the prestigious award.

In a post shared by his manager Suresh Chandra, he said, "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for this prestigious honour. It is a privilege to be recognized at such a level and I am truly grateful for this generous acknowledgment of my contributions to our nation."

Who Is Ajith Kumar?

Ajith Kumar, often referred to as "Thala" by his legion of fans, is a celebrated Indian actor who has become an enduring icon of Tamil cinema. With over 61 films to his credit, Ajith has carved a unique niche for himself through his versatility, charisma, and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Ajith made his acting debut with a small role in the 1990 Tamil romantic drama En Veedu En Kanavar. Though his initial days in the industry were modest, he caught attention with his performance in Rajavin Parvaiyile. However, it was the romantic drama Aasai (1995) that served as his first major breakthrough, propelling him into the limelight.

Following this success, Ajith established himself as a romantic hero with memorable films like Kadhal Kottai (1996), Kaadhal Mannan (1998), and Aval Varuvala (1998). He transitioned to action roles with Amarkalam (1999), cementing his image as a multifaceted star.

Stellar Performances and Critical Acclaim

Ajith's ability to take on challenging roles set him apart early in his career. His dual portrayal of twin brothers in Vaali (1999)-one of whom was deaf and mute-earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Tamil. His performances in films like Citizen (2001) and Villain (2002), where he masterfully portrayed dual roles, garnered both critical acclaim and another Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Tamil for Villain.

Ajith's versatility shone brightly in Varalaru (2006), where he portrayed three distinct characters, including that of a classical Bharatanatyam dancer. The film became the highest-grossing Tamil movie of the year and earned him yet another Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Tamil.

His stardom reached new heights with remakes like Kireedam (2007) and Billa (2007), the latter of which redefined Tamil cinema's action genre. Ajith further broke conventions by playing an antagonist in his 50th film, Mankatha (2011), which became one of Tamil cinema's highest-grossing films. He later ventured into Tamil cinema's first prequel with Billa II (2012).

Beyond Acting: A Racer at Heart

Ajith's talents aren't confined to the silver screen. He is also an accomplished racing driver, having participated in the MRF Racing series (2010) and competed in circuits across India, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi. Notably, he is among the very few Indians to compete in the international racing arena and in Formula championships, showcasing his adventurous and competitive spirit.

Legacy and Achievements

With a career spanning three decades, Ajith has won three Filmfare Awards South, three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and four Vijay Awards, among other accolades. Known for his humility and aversion to the spotlight, Ajith has always let his work speak for itself.

From romantic dramas to intense action flicks, Ajith Kumar's ability to evolve with time while staying true to his essence makes him one of Tamil cinema's most revered and loved stars. His journey is not just a tale of success but also of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

List of Padma Bhushan Award Winners 2025: