Ajith Kumar

Ajith Kumar was born on 1 May 1971.{{cite news|title=Ajith celebrating his 41st birthday|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ajith-celebrating-his-41st-birthday/etarticleshow/12947966.cms|access-date=27 August 2012|date=1 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518165318/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-01/news-interviews/31526182_1_billa-thala-ajith-chakri-toleti|archive-date=18 May 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=live}} His father, P. Subramaniam (died 2023{{Cite web |date=24 March 2023 |title=Actor Ajith's father passes away of ill health at 84 |url=https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2023/03/24/actor-ajiths-father-passes-away-of-ill-health-at-84 |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=DT Next}}), is from a Palakkad Iyer family from Kerala{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/tamil-star-ajith-kumars-father-p-subramaniam-dies-at-84-last-rites-held-at-chennai/articleshow/98960893.cms?from=mdr|title=Tamil star Ajith Kumar's father P Subramaniam passes away at 84, last rites held at Chennai|work=The Economic Times|date=24 March 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Pressure-mounts-but-Ajith-sticks-to-his-position/articleshow/5598198.cms |title=Pressure mounts but Ajith sticks to his position |website=The Times of India |date=21 February 2010 |access-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831045250/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Pressure-mounts-but-Ajith-sticks-to-his-position/articleshow/5598198.cms |archive-date=31 August 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Ajith Kumar biography |url=https://www.moviebuff.com/ajith-kumar}} and his mother, Mohini, is a Sindhi from Kolkata, West Bengal.{{cite news |title=The Hindu : Friday Review Chennai : It's all about choices |date=24 August 2007 |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2007/08/24/stories/2007082450900100.htm |work=The Hindu|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904082904/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2007/08/24/stories/2007082450900100.htm|archive-date=4 September 2009}} Ajith was the middle son out of three brothers, one of his other brothers is Anil Kumar, an IIT Madras graduate-turned-entrepreneur, and the other one is Anup Kumar.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/beastoftraal/status/430668471005761536 |title=Ajith Kumar's brother runs a social matchmaking site called Jodi365 |first=Karthik |last=Srinivasan |date=4 February 2014 |publisher=Twitter}}

Ajith dropped out of Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School during his tenth grade, before he had completed his higher secondary schooling.{{cite web |author=Rajitha |title=The Star Next Door |publisher=Rediff |date=4 April 1997 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04ajit.htm|access-date=21 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074534/http://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04ajit.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}} Through a family friend who worked with the Enfield company, Ajith was able to get a job as an apprentice and spent six months training to be a mechanic.{{cite web |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/specials/interviews/ajith.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050210093203/http://www.cinesouth.com/specials/interviews/ajith.shtml|archive-date=10 February 2005 |url-status=dead|title=டோடோவின் ரஃப் நோட்டு—Tamil Kavithai -- தமிழ் கவிதைகள் - நூற்று கணக்கில்!}} He later quit the role at the insistence of his father, who wanted Ajith to have a white-collar job, and joined another family friend's garment exporting company as an apprentice. He eventually progressed to become a business developer and regularly travelled throughout the country on sales assignments, improving his English-speaking skills. After resigning from the role, Ajith set up a textiles business distributing fabric alongside three other partners. The business venture underperformed prompting Ajith to take up another job in the garments industry. During the period, Ajith also began working on modelling assignments alongside his work. He was notably scouted by P. C. Sreeram during the making of a commercial for Hercules Cycle and Motor Company, who felt he had the appearance to become an actor.{{cite web |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/17-05-99/ajith2.htm |title=Dinakaran |website=www.dinakaran.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040530161504/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/17-05-99/ajith2.htm |archive-date=30 May 2004 |url-status=dead}}

Ajith began his acting career through a one-scene appearance as a school child in En Veedu En Kanavar (1990). Through the recommendation of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, whose son, S. P. Charan, was a classmate of his, he was cast in his first lead role in the Telugu romantic drama Prema Pusthakam (1993), which remains his only Telugu film to date. However, the shoot of the film was stalled soon after production began, following the death of the film's director, Gollapudi Srinivas.{{cite web |author=Warrier, Shobha |title=Bad back, great future |publisher=Rediff |date=6 April 1997 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/06aji.htm |access-date=29 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214954/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/06aji.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=live }} As a result, his first major theatrical release was the Tamil romantic drama Amaravathi (1993), which Ajith had signed after being recommended to director Selva by Balasubrahmanyam, who had seen parts of Prema Pusthakam prior to its delay.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/spb-reveals-truth-about-ajith/articleshow/68356439.cms|title = SPB reveals truth about Ajith|website = The Times of India}} As the film went into post-production, Ajith was bed-ridden due to a racing injury while training for an amateur motor race. He underwent three major surgeries resulting in bed rest for one and a half years. As a result, his voice in the film was dubbed by actor Vikram. Following the injury, Ajith was keen to make up for lost time and signed on to play supporting roles. In the following years, he played character roles in the Arvind Swami-starrer Paasamalargal (1994) and Vijay-starrer Rajavin Parvaiyile (1995). He was also seen in the family drama Pavithra (1994), which featured him as an ailing patient shown maternal affection by Radhika's character.{{cite web|author=Vijayan, K.|title=Many flaws in this sentimental attempt|work=New Straits Times|date=19 December 1994|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IG8WAAAAIBAJ&pg=3164,3956753|access-date=19 September 2016|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011113213/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IG8WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jRMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3164%2C3956753|url-status=live}}

Ajith's first commercially successful film as a lead actor was the romantic thriller Aasai (1995). The film, directed by Vasanth and produced by Mani Ratnam featured him in the lead role opposite Suvalakshmi, whose brother-in-law lusts for her. It performed well at the box office and established Ajith as an upcoming actor in the Tamil film industry.{{cite web|title=Rediff on the NeT, Movies: An interview with Ajith Kumar|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/06aji.htm|last=Warrier|first=Shobha|date=July 1999|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214954/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/06aji.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|access-date=29 June 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/26/movies/2359934&sec=movies|title=Tough-guy role|last=Chandran|first=Sheela|date=26 October 2008|work=The Star|access-date=29 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903090043/http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F10%2F26%2Fmovies%2F2359934&sec=movies|archive-date=3 September 2009|url-status=dead}} Aasai also earned him his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. He later played a college student in Kalloori Vaasal, co-starring Prashanth and Pooja Bhatt. Ajith's second successful film came in the form of National Award winning Kadhal Kottai, in which Ajith reunited with Agathiyan, the director of the earlier project Vaanmathi.{{cite news|year=2009|title=Bollywood, here come the south stars!|work=The Times of India|access-date=4 October 2009|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/Bollywood-here-come-the-south-stars/articleshow/5159411.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029033514/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-10-25/news-interviews/28081837_1_hindi-version-first-film-allu-arjun|archive-date=29 October 2012|url-status=live}} The film paired him opposite Devayani, with Heera Rajgopal playing a supporting role.{{cite web|author=Rajitha|title=Pyar to hona hi tha|publisher=Rediff|date=15 September 1999|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/sep/15ajit.htm|access-date=11 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090458/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/sep/15ajit.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}

In 1997, Ajith appeared in five consecutive failures. During the same period, he had entered into the film distribution business and had experienced losses as a result. Describing the period as a "cruel time", Ajith also continued to have chronic back injuries and several of his other film commitments had become delayed.{{cite web |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/10-05-99/ajith1.htm |title=Dinakaran |website=www.dinakaran.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030805205934/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/10-05-99/ajith1.htm |archive-date=5 August 2003 |url-status=dead}} A notable project among the five films was Amitabh Bachchan's Tamil production Ullaasam (1997), in which he was paid a high salary of {{INRConvert|2|m|year=1996}} for the first time.

Ajith returned in 1998 with another big, successful project in Saran's Kaadhal Mannan, an action romantic comedy, setting the foundation for an expanding fan base. He also began acting in Vasanth's Nerukku Ner, and was later replaced by debutant Suriya.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/jul/21spice.htm|title=Yukta signs her first film|publisher=Rediff|date=21 July 2011|access-date=9 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516053658/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/jul/21spice.htm|archive-date=16 May 2013|url-status=live}} Ajith's next films Aval Varuvala and Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen also became successes, with the former pairing him with Simran for the first time and the latter featuring him in a guest role alongside Karthik. Except for Uyirodu Uyiraga, which performed poorly, his other three films released in 1998 were box office hits.

File:English Vinglish shooting 03.jpg on the set of English Vinglish (2012)]]

Ajith started 1999 with Ramesh Khanna's Thodarum and Sundar C's romantic drama Unnaithedi opposite Malavika. S. J. Suryah's thriller Vaali, which portrayed Ajith in a dual role for the first time in his career, became one of his biggest hits at that time. The film told the story of a deaf-mute brother setting his eyes on his younger brother's wife, with Ajith's portrayal of the two brothers winning him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.{{cite news|author=Kumar, Ashok|title=Star-spangled show on cards|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2000/04/15/stories/09150651.htm|location=Chennai, India|date=15 April 2000|access-date=3 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013145530/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2000/04/15/stories/09150651.htm|archive-date=13 October 2011|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}} Furthermore, Ajith's portrayal of the brothers was also praised, with critics claiming that the film was an "instant classic", with Ajith showing that he is a "talented actor".{{cite web|author=Krishna, Sandya|year=1999|title=Vaali:Review|publisher=Indolink.com|url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/Vaali_162432.html|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830015339/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/Vaali_162432.html|archive-date=30 August 2011}} The two following roles in the drama films Anandha Poongatre and Nee Varuvai Ena also brought Ajith plaudits for his portrayals. His 25th and final film before the new millennium was Amarkalam, directed by Saran and featuring Shalini, whom he married shortly after the film. Amarkalam told the story of a neglected child who grew up and failed to show feelings of love and affection, becoming a gangster in the process, with Ajith's depiction of his rogue character appreciated by critics.{{cite web|author=Rajitha|year=2000|title=Kamal joins the rat race|publisher=Rediff|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/jun/14spice.htm|access-date=5 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129003006/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/jun/14spice.htm|archive-date=29 January 2016|url-status=live}}

His first film of the new millennium, Mugavaree, won him commercial and critical praise.{{cite web|author=Kumar, Ashok S.R|title=Hits and misses of the year that was|publisher=Rediff|date=19 January 2001|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/01/19/stories/09190224.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126012232/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/01/19/stories/09190224.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=26 January 2013}} The film revolved around the life of a struggling music composer who faces sacrifices to proceed in his career. The film featured dual endings, one with Ajith succeeding in his career, the other with Ajith dejected. Ajith's performance was yet again praised with critics from Rediff, claiming that "Ajith is the real winner", drawing an allusion with the film's script, whilst adding that "it is amazing to see how Ajith has grown as an actor. He brilliantly portrays the vulnerable and sad Sridhar".{{cite web|author=Warrier, Shobha|title=The hero as a human being|publisher=Rediff|date=6 March 2000|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/mar/06muga.htm|access-date=5 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619130010/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/mar/06muga.htm|archive-date=19 June 2010|url-status=live}} He also appeared in A. R. Rahman's 2000 multi-starrer Kandukondain Kandukondain, directed by Rajiv Menon. The film featured Ajith alongside prominent actors Mammooty and Abbas and actresses Tabu and Aishwarya Rai.{{cite web |title=Chennai's new cinematic idiom |work=The Hindu |date=15 May 2000 |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2000/05/15/stories/09150221.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125104358/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2000/05/15/stories/09150221.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=25 January 2013 }} In a similar role to his previous film, Ajith played a struggling film director facing an oscillating relationship with Tabu, with the pair being unanimously praised for their roles.{{cite web|title=Kandukondain Kandukondain |publisher=Express India |date=10 July 2000 |url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000710/ien08001.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014072652/http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000710/ien08001.html |archive-date=14 October 2012 }}{{cite web|author=Jain, Mimmy |title=I have seen... and conquered |publisher=Express India |date=8 August 2000 |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/20000808/ien06038.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030429043410/http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/20000808/ien06038.html |archive-date=29 April 2003 }} After giving six straight hits in 1999, and having had Mugavaree and Kandukondain Kandukondain in 2000 as successes, Ajith had an unsuccessful film, Unnai Kodu Ennai Tharuven, co-starring Simran.{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/jun/14spice.htm |title=rediff.com, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |publisher=Rediff |date=14 June 2000 |access-date=5 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129003006/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/jun/14spice.htm |archive-date=29 January 2016 |url-status=live }}

In 2001, Ajith appeared in three commercially successful films. Dheena, co-starring Laila and Suresh Gopi, released at Pongal and marked the beginning of a new image of Ajith as an action hero who would appeal to the masses.{{cite news|author=Rao, Subha|title=Race (ing) to be a Star|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2004/06/07/stories/2004060701250300.htm|location=Chennai, India|date=7 June 2004|access-date=3 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825190017/http://hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2004/06/07/stories/2004060701250300.htm|archive-date=25 August 2010|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}} He earned the nickname, "Thala" (Leader), from this film. In the same year, he was offered a role in Nandha, which he rejected and was later replaced by Suriya, the eldest son of actor Sivakumar.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/jan/06sl1-surya-on-his-gajini.htm|title=Surya looks back at his Ghajinidays|publisher=Rediff|date=6 January 2009|access-date=9 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516052427/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/jan/06sl1-surya-on-his-gajini.htm|archive-date=16 May 2013|url-status=live}} His next was the much-hyped thriller Citizen, portraying him in ten get-ups and it became a commercial success at the box office.{{cite web|author=Kamath, Sudhish|title=Talk of the Town|date=29 December 2000|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/12/29/stories/0429401w.htm|access-date=31 December 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161231104959/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/12/29/stories/0429401w.htm|archive-date=31 December 2016|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}} A role in the family drama Poovellam Un Vasam followed opposite Jyothika and was a critical and commercial success, earning him the Tamil Nadu State Film Special Award and his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} The year ended off with a brief appearance in Santosh Sivan's Hindi project Asoka, in which Ajith played as one of the antagonist against Shah Rukh Khan, which did not perform well.{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/02/15/stories/2008021550580100.htm |title=Friday Review Hyderabad : Troubled chapters from history |date=15 February 2008 |location=Chennai, India |access-date=3 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104100517/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/02/15/stories/2008021550580100.htm |archive-date=4 November 2008 |work=The Hindu |url-status=dead }} In 2002, Ajith appeared in three films, the first two, Red{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/yeh-dil-aashiqanaa/article28570347.ece|title="Red"|date=25 January 2002|work=The Hindu|last=Rangarajan|first=Malathi|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231054830/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/red/article28570343.ece|archive-date=31 December 2019}} and Raja{{Cite news |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=11 July 2002 |title=Raja |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/07/12/stories/2002071200790200.htm |url-status=usurped |access-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030129183812/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/07/12/stories/2002071200790200.htm |archive-date=29 January 2003}} being box office disappointments, the former further building up his image as an action hero. The third film Villain, directed by K. S. Ravikumar, portrayed Ajith in a dual role, one as a mentally disabled person and another as a caring brother. The film emerged as a commercial success and earned him his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|title=Ajit – Fast and Furious|website=Sify|date=25 July 2003|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13208723&vsv=71|access-date=24 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219042059/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13208723&vsv=71|archive-date=19 December 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|author=PTI|title=Ajit, Simran bag Filmfare awards|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Ajit-Simran-bag-Filmfare-awards/articleshow/46685961.cms|date=17 May 2003|access-date=30 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415074655/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=747-C1rHALI&feature=relmfu|archive-date=15 April 2016|url-status=live}}

From 2003 through 2005, Ajith appeared in fewer films due to his career in motor racing becoming more prominent.{{cite news|author=Rao, Subha|title=A for attitude|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/11/24/stories/2003112401580100.htm|location=Chennai, India|date=24 November 2003|access-date=24 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925172939/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/11/24/stories/2003112401580100.htm|archive-date=25 September 2011|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}} 2003 saw the release of his long-delayed Ennai Thalatta Varuvala and the police drama Anjaneya, both failing commercially. In that period, three successful films, namely Saamy, Kaakha Kaakha and Ghajini, were turned away by the actor due to various reasons.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/ajith-kumar-lesser-known-facts/ajith-kumar-lesser-known-facts/photostory/48175761.cms|title=Ajith Kumar: Lesser known facts|work=The Times of India}}

His next film, Jana with Sneha, also became a big failure, with the Saran film Attagasam, being his only hit in the period.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} The film saw Ajith portray a dual role, with a song "Thala Deepavali", penned to promote his action image. In 2005, the failure of the Linguswamy film Ji, despite garnering positive reviews and taking a strong opening, saw Ajith take a sabbatical from acting to re-work his image.{{cite news|author=Pillai, Sreedhar|title=King of Opening is back!|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/02/12/stories/2005021200420200.htm|location=Chennai, India|date=12 February 2005|access-date=24 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903024911/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/02/12/stories/2005021200420200.htm|archive-date=3 September 2009|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Ji' collapses, 'Constantine' rises!|website=Sify|date=21 February 2005|url=http://sify.com/entertainment/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13675478|access-date=24 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050915085544/http://sify.com/entertainment/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13675478|archive-date=15 September 2005|url-status=dead}} Of the five films released between 2003 and 2005, his only box office hit was Attagasam.

During 2006, Ajith returned from his hiatus by appearing in P. Vasu's Paramasivan for which he had lost twenty kilograms to portray the lead role.{{cite web|author=Warrier, Shobha|title=P Vasu: Ready for Paramasivan|publisher=Rediff|date=11 January 2006|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/jan/11vasu.htm| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060113032912/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/jan/11vasu.htm| archive-date= 13 January 2006 | url-status=live}} The film enjoyed a moderate success, scoring over Vijay's Aathi, which also released in the same week, at the box office.{{cite web|author=Warrier, Shobha|title=Ajith vs Vijay this Pongal|publisher=Rediff|date=11 January 2007|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/10slid1.htm| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070112223628/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/10slid1.htm| archive-date= 12 January 2007 | url-status=live}} Critics from The Hindu stated that Ajith looked "trim and taut" in the film with "only his eyes seeming to have lost some of its sparkle", following the major weight loss.{{cite news|author=Rangarajan, Mlaathi|title=Going in for a much-changed look|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/01/20/stories/2006012000340200.htm|location=Chennai, India|date=20 January 2006|access-date=3 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903201638/http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/01/20/stories/2006012000340200.htm|archive-date=3 September 2010|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}} Furthermore, for Paramasivan and his two other projects in 2006, Ajith sported long hair, which was being grown for Bala's project Naan Kadavul, which Ajith eventually opted out of.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/23naan.htm|title=More controversy for Naan Kadavul|publisher=Rediff|date=23 June 2006|access-date=11 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129065922/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/23naan.htm|archive-date=29 November 2012|url-status=live}} Similarly, his next film, AVM Productions's, Thirupathi, directed by Perarasu performed above average business at the box office, despite garnering poor reviews, with Rediff critics citing that the film is "anything but sensible", but that Ajith "salvages the situation with a spirited performance".{{cite web|author=Sudha, S|title=Tirupathi: Anything but sensible|publisher=Rediff|date=17 April 2006|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/17tir.htm| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060430182457/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/17tir.htm| archive-date= 30 April 2006 | url-status=live}} Ajith summed up a successful comeback by the release of his long-delayed action drama Varalaru, which went on to become his third biggest success after Vaali and Villain. The K. S. Ravikumar film co-starring Asin and Kanika, which was in production for nearly two years, portrayed Ajith in a triple role with one of them being a classical Bharatanatyam dancer, with his portrayal of his three roles being critically praised.{{cite news|author=Rangarajan, Malathi|title=In the race, surely – Varalaaru|date=27 January 2006|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/10/27/stories/2006102700060200.htm|location=Chennai, India|access-date=3 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819110816/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/10/27/stories/2006102700060200.htm|archive-date=19 August 2007|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Abbhi, Athisay|year=2006|title=Ajith all the way in Varalaaru|publisher=Rediff|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/23var.htm| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081013073849/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/23var.htm| archive-date= 13 October 2008 | url-status=live}} Moreover, the film earned Ajith his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} In 2007, media reports hinted that the actor would do a project with Shankar.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} Ajith's first release in 2007, Aalwar, became a debacle at the box office, with his previous film still continuing to run in theatres even after Aalwar had stopped its brief theatrical run.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} Kireedam, a remake of the 1989 National Award-winning Malayalam film of the same name, was released to positive reviews, with the film also becoming a moderate success.{{cite web|title='Kireedom' is a box office hit!|publisher=OneIndia.com|date=23 July 2007|url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/23072007-4.shtml|access-date=24 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518074021/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/23072007-4.shtml|archive-date=18 May 2013|url-status=dead}} During the shooting of the film, Ajith developed a further spinal injury, a recurrence of his problem earlier in his career.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Ajith then starred in Billa, a remake of the 1980 Rajinikanth-starrer of the same name. The Vishnuvardhan-directorial fetched critical praise for Ajith, becoming a trend-setter for stylish art direction and cinematography in India.{{cite news|author=Rangarajan, Malathi|title=Billa beats boredom|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2007/12/21/stories/2007122150090300.htm|location=Chennai, India|date=21 December 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071223102715/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2007/12/21/stories/2007122150090300.htm| archive-date= 23 December 2007 |work=The Hindu| url-status=dead}} Billa, yet again, featured Ajith in a dual role, one of a notorious don whilst the other played an ordinary person who had to act as the don, following the former's death. Billa also earned him his sixth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. After Billa, Ajith appeared in the film, Ayngaran International's production Aegan, directed by choreographer Raju Sundaram. The film, a remake of the 2004 Hindi comedy Main Hoon Na, received mixed reviews and was a failure at the box office.{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|title=Aegan:Movie Review|website=Sify|date=24 October 2008|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?cid=2429&ctid=5&id=14784482|access-date=24 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120020544/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14784482&ctid=5&cid=2429|archive-date=20 November 2010|url-status=dead}}

File:Ajith_Kumar_at_Irungattukottai_Race_Track.jpg

Following a year of production, Ajith's Aasal, released in February 2010, taking a grand opening at the box office. The film, which also featured Ajith in a dual role, also failed at the box office despite bigger expectations.{{cite news|year=2010|title=Ajith's 'Aasal' hits screens this Friday|work=The Times of India|access-date=2 February 2010|url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/Regional-/Tamil/Ajiths-Asal-hits-screens-this-Friday/articleshow/5526903.cms|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212210225/http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/Regional-/Tamil/Ajiths-Asal-hits-screens-this-Friday/articleshow/5526903.cms|archive-date=12 February 2010}}

After a second foray into motor racing, Ajith signed a film directed by Venkat Prabhu, titled Mankatha, which notably became his 50th project.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} The film featured him in a full-length negative role as Vinayak Mahadevan, a suspended police officer with a lust for money. His performance and his decision to portray a character with negative shade, breaking the stereotype hero image in Tamil cinema,{{cite web|title=Mankatha takes best opening of 2011|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mankatha-takes-best-opening-of-2011-news-tamil-ljbmvmccafa.html|website=Sify|access-date=9 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009130200/http://www.sify.com/movies/mankatha-takes-best-opening-of-2011-news-tamil-ljbmvmccafa.html|archive-date=9 October 2015}}{{cite news|last=Rangarajan|first=Malathi|title=A gutsy game!|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2420824.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=9 September 2011|location=Chennai, India|date=3 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123015512/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2420824.ece|archive-date=23 November 2011|url-status=live}} were lauded by critics, with reviewers from Sify and Rediff terming the film as an "out and out Ajith film" that worked "only because of Ajith".{{cite web|title=Movie review: Mankatha|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mankatha-review-tamil-14978052.html|website=Sify|access-date=9 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629171600/http://www.sify.com/movies/mankatha-review-tamil-14978052.html|archive-date=29 June 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Srinivasan|first=Pavithra|title=Review:Mankatha works only because of Ajith|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-mankatha/20110831.htm|publisher=Rediff|access-date=9 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309061745/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-mankatha/20110831.htm|archive-date=9 March 2017|url-status=live}} Heaping praise on the actor's performance, the former noted that he "rocks as the man with ice in his veins as the mean and diabolic cop" and that he played "the emotionless bad man, to perfection", while the latter wrote that practically "he carried the whole film on his capable shoulders". Mankatha emerged as a commercial success and earned him his seventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.

Ajith then starred in Billa II, a sequel to his 2007 film Billa, which released on 13 July 2012. Reviewers appreciated Ajith's on-screen presence and stunts but blamed him for the choice of story and the director.{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-review-tamil-15002888.html |title=Movie Review : Billa-2 |website=Sify |access-date=23 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003054201/http://www.sify.com/movies/billa-2-review-tamil-15002888.html |archive-date=3 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-billa-2-fails-to-meet-the-expectations/20120713.htm|title=Review: Billa 2 fails to meet the expectations|publisher=Rediff|date=13 July 2012|access-date=23 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927215204/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-billa-2-fails-to-meet-the-expectations/20120713.htm|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Billa-2/movie-review/14864866.cms|title=Billa 2 movie review|work=The Times of India|access-date=23 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114142518/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Billa-2/movie-review/14864866.cms|archive-date=14 November 2013|url-status=live}} Eventually, the film performed poorly at the box office.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171216005710/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Billa-II-flops-at-the-US-UK-box-office/articleshow/15313346.cms Billa II flops at the US & UK box office]. Timesofindia.indiatimes.com (1 August 2012). Retrieved on 2 July 2016.

He starred in Vishnuvardhan's Arrambam, alongside Arya, Nayantara and Taapsee Pannu, which was released on 31 October, and earned positive reviews from both critics and audience.{{cite news|last=Arrambam|first=release date|title=Ajith 53|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Ajiths-Arrambam-promise-a-lot/articleshow/21504833.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=1 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801085208/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Ajiths-Arrambam-promise-a-lot/articleshow/21504833.cms|archive-date=1 August 2013|url-status=live}} Arrambam earned him his eighth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. His next film was Veeram, directed by Siva and co-starring Tamannaah, which was released on Pongal 2014,{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Ajiths-film-with-Siva-is-titled-Veeram/articleshow/21760908.cms|title=Ajith's film with Siva is titled Veeram|work=The Times of India|date=12 August 2013|access-date=23 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831110106/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Ajiths-film-with-Siva-is-titled-Veeram/articleshow/21760908.cms|archive-date=31 August 2017|url-status=live}} which also earned positive reviews from critics.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} Ajith's next film was Yennai Arindhaal, with Gautham Vasudev Menon as director.{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Thala55-titled-Yennai-Arindhaal/articleshow/44971868.cms | title=Thala55 titled 'Yennai Arindhaal' | work=The Times of India | date=30 October 2014 | access-date=30 October 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030043219/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Thala55-titled-Yennai-Arindhaal/articleshow/44971868.cms | archive-date=30 October 2014 | url-status=live }} Ajith's performance as a cop was widely praised with a critic calling it "Ajith's best since Kandukondain Kandukondain".{{cite news|title=The hero has a name|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/blogs/blog-by-the-way/article6869054.ece|website=The Hindu|date=7 February 2015|access-date=20 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109100615/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/blogs/blog-by-the-way/article6869054.ece|archive-date=9 January 2018|url-status=live}} Both Veeram and Yennai Arindhaal earned him his ninth and tenth nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. Ajith worked with Siva again in Vedalam (2015), in which critics praised his performance.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} His latest project is Vivegam which received mixed-to-negative reviews with critics citing illogical scenes and average screenplay.{{cite news|title=Vivegam Review {3/5}: Action is what Vivegam promises and it is what the film offers – bangs for every buck|website=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/vivegam/movie-review/60201826.cms|access-date=21 November 2018}} His next release, Viswasam, was released on Pongal festival of 2019.[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/viswasam/movie-review/67464159.cms Viswasam Review {3/5}: The plot also becomes predictable once the real story unfolds]. Timesofindia.indiatimes.com (10 January 2019). Retrieved on 2019-01-18. Ajith later starred in Nerkonda Paarvai, remake of the Hindi film, Pink (2016), which was released in the same year.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nerkonda-paarvai-movie-review-ajith-shraddha-s-pink-remake-the-most-powerful-tamil-film-in-a-long-time/story-Gzm3GAU9gxsHNPjNsiqVmI.html|title=Nerkonda Paarvai movie review: Ajith, Shraddha's Pink remake the most powerful Tamil film in a long time.|website=Hindustan Times|date=6 August 2019|access-date=16 September 2019|archive-date=21 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821102638/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nerkonda-paarvai-movie-review-ajith-shraddha-s-pink-remake-the-most-powerful-tamil-film-in-a-long-time/story-Gzm3GAU9gxsHNPjNsiqVmI.html|url-status=live}}

In 2022, Ajith collaborated with Vinoth, again, for Valimai. It was written and directed by Vinoth. It released on 24 February to mixed reviews from both the critics and audience, alike.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} The following year in 2023, they collaborated again for the bank heist thriller, Thunivu.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajiths-thunivu-could-probably-be-a-sequel-to-his-character-from-mankatha/articleshow/96880611.cms|title=Ajith's 'Thunivu' could probably be a sequel to his character from 'Mankatha'!|website=The Times of India}} It was produced by Boney Kapoor and it was the third collaboration of the team consisting of Ajith, Boney Kapoor, H. Vinoth, and Nirav Shah. Ghibran composed the music and background score for the film.{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thunivu-trailer-ajith-kumar-ups-the-ante-yet-again-in-slick-actioner/article66324500.ece#:~:text=Reported%20to%20be%20a%20heist,in%20Nerkonda%20Paarvai%20and%20Valimai | title='Thunivu' trailer: Ajith Kumar ups the ante yet again in slick actioner | newspaper=The Hindu | date=31 December 2022 }}

His upcoming films are Vidaamuyarchi directed by Magizh Thirumeni, and Good Bad Ugly directed by Adhik Ravichandran.

File:Ajith_kumar_at_MIT%28MADRAS_INSTITUTE_OF_TECHNOLOGY%29_for_helping_team_DAKSHA.jpg

In the late 1990s, Ajith began his own film distribution company called Circuit 9000. In 1998, he announced that he would close the business and refrain from producing, distributing or directing films in the future.

Ajith created the non-profit organisation "Mohini-Mani Foundation", named after his parents, in order to promote self-hygiene and civic consciousness and to help ease the problems of urban sprawl.{{cite news|author=Kumar, Ashok S. R|title=Ajit's charitable side|access-date=22 December 2004|url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/12/22/stories/2004122212670200.htm|location=Chennai, India|date=22 December 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911161621/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/12/22/stories/2004122212670200.htm|archive-date=11 September 2009|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}}

In 2004, Ajith was signed as Nescafe's brand ambassador in Tamil Nadu.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKu6lKtDLw8 |title=AJITH IN NESCAFE SUNRISE AD |publisher=Youtube |date=12 April 2009 |access-date=18 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315212915/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKu6lKtDLw8 |archive-date=15 March 2016 |url-status=live }} He has since limited his appearance to the silver screen by not appearing in or promoting any commercials.

Ajith is passionate about UAVs and drones.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Ajith-actor-racer-has-another-passion-that-took-wings-early/articleshow/4038909.cms|title=Ajith, actor, racer has another passion that took wings early|work=The Times of India|access-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417041348/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Ajith-actor-racer-has-another-passion-that-took-wings-early/articleshow/4038909.cms|archive-date=17 April 2019|url-status=live}} Recently he was appointed as the test pilot and UAV system advisor by Madras Institute of Technology{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-help-chennai-mits-drone-mission/articleshow/64025084.cms|title=Ajith to help Chennai MIT's drone mission|work=The Times of India|access-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417052917/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ajith-to-help-chennai-mits-drone-mission/articleshow/64025084.cms|archive-date=17 April 2019|url-status=live}} for Medical Express-2018 UAV Challenge.

In November 2023, Ajith started 'Venus Motorcycle Tours', a motorcycle touring agency.{{cite web|title=Ajith Kumar's Venus Motorcycle Tours Create This World Record |website=News18 |date=October 8, 2024 |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/ajith-kumars-venus-motorcycle-tours-create-this-world-record-9078620.html |access-date=October 28, 2024}}

Besides his acting career, Ajith is also an occasional racing driver, competing in circuits around India in places such as Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi. He is one among very few Indians to race in the International arena and in FIA championships. He has also been abroad for various races, including Germany and Malaysia. He drove in the 2003 Formula Asia BMW Championships.{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/09/15/stories/2003091500030200.htm | location=Chennai, India | title=No act this! | date=15 September 2003 | access-date=3 August 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825181557/http://hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/09/15/stories/2003091500030200.htm | archive-date=25 August 2010 | work=The Hindu | url-status=dead }} He raced in the 2010 Formula 2 Championship along with two other Indians, Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaren.{{cite web |url=http://www.formulatwo.com/2010-drivers/ajith-kumar.aspx |title=FIA Formula Two Championship 2011 |publisher=Formulatwo.com |access-date=24 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028161257/http://www.formulatwo.com/2010-drivers/ajith-kumar.aspx |archive-date=28 October 2010 }}

After a one-off race during the Formula Maruti Indian Championships in 2002, where he finished in fourth place, Ajith signed a contract with manager Akbar Ebrahim, confirming his participation in the inaugural Formula BMW Asia championship. Despite spinning out in the first lap of his first race, Ajith successfully completed the season by finishing twelfth.{{cite web|author=DriverDB|year=2003|title=Formula BMW Asia 2003 standings|publisher=DriverDatabase|access-date=10 October 2003|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-bmw-asia/2003/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215142145/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-bmw-asia/2003/|archive-date=15 December 2017|url-status=live}}

File:01TamilActor&Ajith.jpg racing series (2010) in Chennai]]

After a six-year sabbatical, Ajith signed up for his third season of car racing by participating in the 2010 season of the FIA Formula Two Championship.{{cite news|url=http://www.formulatwo.com/news/india%E2%80%99s-ajith-kumar-signs-up-for-formula-two.aspx |title=India's Ajith Kumar signs up for Formula Two |date=23 March 2010 |work=FIA Formula Two Championship |publisher=MotorSport Vision |access-date=23 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326101024/http://www.formulatwo.com/news/india%E2%80%99s-ajith-kumar-signs-up-for-formula-two.aspx |archive-date=26 March 2010 |url-status=dead }} The decision to be involved in the sport was made after Ajith's film directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon was delayed, allowing him to participate in the whole season.{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|year=2010|title=Details of Gautham- Ajith film|website=Sify|access-date=5 March 2010|url=http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14934070|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103043336/http://www.sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14934070|archive-date=3 November 2014|url-status=dead}} Prior to signing up, he competed in the final round of the MRF racing series in Chennai in February 2010, but failed to finish the race due to mechanical problems. Further trials in Sepang, Malaysia followed suit as he practised for the season's beginning in April 2010 in his Formula Renault V6 car with Eurasian Racing, shedding 11 kilograms during training.{{cite web|author=Menon, Priya |year=2010 |title=Kollywood star gets behind the wheel after six-year break |work=The Star |access-date=13 March 2010 |url=http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/3/13/central/5853070&sec=central |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326083514/http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F3%2F13%2Fcentral%2F5853070&sec=central |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 March 2010 }}

{{BLP unsourced section|date=January 2025}}

Ajith Kumar debuted with his own newly-formed team Ajith Kumar Racing in the FIA 24H Series in the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup Category. This also marks his return to racing after a 15-year gap and reportedly shed 25 kilograms in preparation for the race.

He participated alongside Fabian Duffieux, Mathieu Detry & Cameron McLeod. The team secured third place in the 991 category, and he also received the Spirit of the Race recognition in the GT4 category.{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/ajith-kumars-team-clinches-3rd-place-in-dubai-24h-race-watch-9774728/ |title=Ajith Kumar's team clinches 3rd place in Dubai 24H race |website=The Indian Express |access-date=12 January 2025}}

Ajith dated actress Heera Rajagopal in the mid-1990s, but he ended the relationship in 1998.{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/most-talked-about-link-ups-in-kollywood/photostory/48093565.cms |title=Most talked about link-ups in Kollywood |website=The Times of India |access-date=18 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305221420/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/Most-talked-about-link-ups-in-Kollywood/photostory/48093565.cms |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/18-07-98/ajith.htm |title=Dinakaran |website=www.dinakaran.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030814095528/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/18-07-98/ajith.htm |archive-date=14 August 2003 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/01-06-99/ajith4.htm |title=Dinakaran |website=www.dinakaran.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040523005934/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/01-06-99/ajith4.htm |archive-date=23 May 2004 |url-status=dead}}

In 1999, during the shoot of Saran's Amarkalam, Ajith started dating his co-star Shalini.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} At that time, their involvement made them a regular subject of tabloid gossip. Despite the fact actor Ramesh Khanna advised Ajith not to marry an actress,{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/apr/09/i-warned-ajith-not-to-marry-an-actress-director-ramesh-kanna-1962198.html |title=I warned Ajith not to marry an actress: Director Ramesh Kanna |date=9 April 2019 |access-date=16 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616102407/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/apr/09/i-warned-ajith-not-to-marry-an-actress-director-ramesh-kanna-1962198.html |archive-date=16 June 2019 |url-status=live }} Ajith proposed to Shalini in June 1999 and they were married in April 2000 in Chennai.{{cite news|author=Kamath, Sudhish|title=Talk of the Town!|url=http://www.hindu.com/2000/04/26/stories/0426223j.htm|location=Chennai, India|date=26 April 2000|access-date=3 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110054752/http://www.hindu.com/2000/04/26/stories/0426223j.htm|archive-date=10 November 2012|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}} They have two children together: a daughter (born 2008) and a son (born 2015).{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}{{cite news |last1= |first1= |year=2015 |title=It's a baby boy for Ajith and Shalini |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/its-a-baby-boy-for-ajith/article6950914.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828010612/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/its-a-baby-boy-for-ajith/article6950914.ece |archive-date=28 August 2017 |access-date=2 March 2015 |work=The Hindu}}{{cite web |date=2 March 2015 |title=Ajith – Shalini blessed with Kutty Thala |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ajith-Shalini-blessed-with-Kutty-Thala/articleshow/46426662.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305104823/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Ajith-Shalini-blessed-with-Kutty-Thala/articleshow/46426662.cms |archive-date=5 March 2015 |access-date=2 March 2015 |work=The Times of India}} Through his marriage to Shalini, he became brother-in-law to actor Richard Rishi and actress Shamili, who appeared as his sister-in-law in Rajiv Menon's Kandukondain Kandukondain.

{{Main|Ajith Kumar filmography}}

{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Ajith Kumar}}

{{notelist}}

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{{Commons category|Ajith Kumar}}

• {{IMDb name|id=0015001}}

{{Padma Bhushan Award Recipients 2020–2029}}

{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}

{{FilmfareTamilBestActor}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1971 births

Category:20th-century Indian male actors

Category:21st-century Indian male actors

Category:Filmfare Awards South winners

Category:Indian male film actors

Category:Indian racing drivers

Category:Indian Sindhi people

Category:JK Tyre National Level Racing Championship drivers

Category:Living people

Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema

Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema

Category:Male actors in Telugu cinema

Category:Place of birth missing (living people)

Category:Recipients of the Kalaimamani Award

Category:Sindhi Hindus

Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners

Category:Tamil sportspeople

Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts

Category:24H Series drivers

Category:Sports car racing team owners

Category:GT4 European Series drivers