Ajith Kumar, fondly known as Thala by millions of fans, is one of Tamil cinema’s most enigmatic and revered superstars. A former race car driver turned megastar, Ajith is not just celebrated for his powerful performances on screen but also for his humility, discipline, and off-screen persona that radiates grace and dignity. With a career spanning over three decades, Ajith has acted in more than 50 films, most of them being massive commercial successes, and has carved a unique space in Indian cinema where stardom and simplicity co-exist.
Born on May 1, 1971, in Secunderabad, Telangana, Ajith’s journey into the limelight wasn’t typical. From working as a mechanic to participating in Formula 2 car racing championships, and then emerging as one of the leading actors in South India—his story is nothing short of inspiring. His breakthrough performance in Vaali (1999) earned him critical acclaim and catapulted him into superstardom. From romantic leads in the early 2000s to action-packed avatars in films like Vedalam, Mankatha, and Vivegam, Ajith continues to evolve while remaining fiercely private and away from social media—adding to his mystique.
Let’s dive into the multifaceted life of Ajith Kumar.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Ajith Kumar Subramaniam |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | Thala |
| Profession/Occupation | Actor, Racer |
| Birthplace | Secunderabad, Telangana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Age | 53 years (as of 2024) |
| Date of Birth | 1st May 1971 |
| Hometown | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Caste/Religion | Hindu |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Taurus |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 175 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 80 kg |
| Body Measurements | 42-34-15 |
| Hair Color | Salt & Pepper |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Father’s name | Parameshwar Subramaniam |
|---|---|
| Mother’s name | Mohini Mani |
| Brother’s name | Anil Kumar, Anoop Kumar |
| Sister’s name | Two (both passed away young) |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend/Girlfriend | Shalini Ajith (Actress) |
|---|---|
| Dating | Shalini (before marriage) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse/Husband/Wife | Shalini Ajith |
| Son | Aadvik Ajith (b. 2015) |
| Daughter | Anoushka Ajith (b. 2008) |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School, Chennai |
|---|---|
| College/ University | Not Applicable |
| Educational Qualification | School Dropout (Pursued acting and racing early) |
Controversies
- Despite his massive fame, Ajith has maintained a remarkably controversy-free image. However, his films often stir up debates due to political or aggressive content.
- Known for walking out of the South Indian Artistes’ Association (Nadigar Sangam) citing political interference.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Home-cooked meals, Mutton Biryani, Kebabs |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | Prefers classic Tamil dramas |
| Favorite Actor | Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan |
| Favorite Actress | Not Publicly Revealed |
| Favorite Color | Black, Blue, Red |
| Favorite Designer | Wears simple clothing; not fashion-driven |
| Favorite Destination | London |
| Favorite Cafe | Not Known |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand | Prefers comfort over brands |
| Favorite Book | Biography and philosophy books |
| Favorite Athlete | Ayrton Senna (Formula One legend) |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | ₹70–100 crore per film (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | ₹350+ crore (approx.) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | N/A |
| Phone Number | N/A |
| House Address | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Ajith Kumar |
|---|---|
| Not Active | |
| Not Active | |
| Not Active |
Personal Quote:
“Live and let live. Respect and be respected.”
Early Life and Career
Ajith Kumar started his professional life in a completely different lane—literally. He was a skilled mechanic who transitioned into amateur car racing. In 1990, he made his film debut in a minor role in En Veedu En Kanavar. Over the next few years, he juggled odd jobs and small film roles until his big break came with Aasai (1995), followed by Vaali (1999), where his dual role won him both fans and critics’ praise.
Despite struggling with serious spinal issues early in his career, Ajith made a strong comeback with a range of roles in blockbuster movies like Dheena, Villain, Varalaru, Billa, and Mankatha. He also took time off from cinema to pursue his passion for motor racing and even participated in international car racing tournaments.
Current Life/Events
Ajith Kumar continues to rule the Tamil box office with powerful performances. He was last seen in the hit film Thunivu (2023), which did exceedingly well commercially. His upcoming projects include Vidaa Muyarchi, a much-anticipated action thriller. He remains media-shy, doesn’t attend film events often, and prefers spending time with his family or engaging in philanthropic work anonymously.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Ajith Kumar
- He holds a professional Formula 2 racing license and has raced internationally.
- Ajith is a trained pilot and has flown aircraft during his leisure time.
- Despite being a superstar, he doesn’t have an official social media account.
- He’s affectionately called “Thala” by fans, meaning “Leader” in Tamil.
- Ajith is fluent in English, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
- He is extremely private and avoids public events, award shows, and press conferences.
- Known for his gentlemanly demeanor, Ajith insists on cooking at home for his family whenever he gets time.
- He is one of the few Indian actors who balanced two professional careers: acting and car racing.
- Ajith does a lot of charity but never publicizes his philanthropic work.
- He was once the brand ambassador for Nescafé in the 90s before stepping away from endorsements entirely.
Photos of Ajith Kumar
