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Ajith Kumar Credits His Wife Shalini After Winning Padma Bhushan Award
Updated on: 30 April, 2025 04:44 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Ajith Kumar with His Wife and Family
Receiving one of India`s highest civilian honours, the Padma Bhushan, would be a momentous occasion for anyone. For celebrated Tamil actor Ajith Kumar, fondly known as AK by his fans, the feeling was described as nothing short of "surreal." President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious award to Ajith at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, which he attended with his wife, Shalini, and their children, Anoushka and Aadvik.
Central to his journey has been his wife, Shalini Ajith. Ajith expressed deep gratitude for her unwavering support. "I am grateful to my family for their support. Shalini made so many sacrifices. She’s been my pillar," he acknowledged. Shalini, herself a highly acclaimed actress known for iconic roles in films like Alai Payuthey and Kannukkul Nilavu after starting as a child artist, married Ajith in 2000.
Highlighting her significant contribution, Ajith revealed the depth of her commitment: “I am not trying to sound politically correct here. I mean it in every sense. She was very popular and was loved by the people. And for her to just, you know, take a backseat. There were times when my decisions were probably not the right decisions. But she still stood by me, not discouraging me, and stood by my side during the tough times.”
Also Read: Tamil Actor Ajith Kumar Crashes Race Car In Dubai During Practice, See Video
He sees fame and fortune merely as "byproducts" of his work. "I love my job, and I love what I’ve been doing for the past 33 years. I try to keep my life as simple as I can," he added, mentioning his focus on avoiding overthinking, not taking too many projects, and pursuing other hobbies like motorsports.
Expressing thanks to the universe, his supporters, and his loyal fans who`ve shown "unconditional love through good days and bad days," Ajith hopes things continue positively. On the professional front, the actor was last seen in the film Good Bad Ugly.
A Pillar of Support: Shalini Ajith
While overwhelmed by the recognition, Ajith viewed the award as a reassurance. He shared, “At first, I was overwhelmed, but I believe moments like these inspire you—or at least reassure you—that you’re on the right path and should continue doing what you’ve been doing all these years." He firmly believes he`s on the correct path, focusing on his work and maintaining his ethics.Central to his journey has been his wife, Shalini Ajith. Ajith expressed deep gratitude for her unwavering support. "I am grateful to my family for their support. Shalini made so many sacrifices. She’s been my pillar," he acknowledged. Shalini, herself a highly acclaimed actress known for iconic roles in films like Alai Payuthey and Kannukkul Nilavu after starting as a child artist, married Ajith in 2000.
Highlighting her significant contribution, Ajith revealed the depth of her commitment: “I am not trying to sound politically correct here. I mean it in every sense. She was very popular and was loved by the people. And for her to just, you know, take a backseat. There were times when my decisions were probably not the right decisions. But she still stood by me, not discouraging me, and stood by my side during the tough times.”
Also Read: Tamil Actor Ajith Kumar Crashes Race Car In Dubai During Practice, See Video
Staying Grounded Amidst Stardom
Despite his immense fame, the 53-year-old actor remains remarkably grounded. When asked if humility was his success secret, Ajith emphasised his view of acting as a profession. “I don’t believe in all these suffixes added to your name. I prefer being called Ajith, AK, or whatever. It’s just another job. I’m an actor by profession, and I get paid for my work," he stated.He sees fame and fortune merely as "byproducts" of his work. "I love my job, and I love what I’ve been doing for the past 33 years. I try to keep my life as simple as I can," he added, mentioning his focus on avoiding overthinking, not taking too many projects, and pursuing other hobbies like motorsports.
Expressing thanks to the universe, his supporters, and his loyal fans who`ve shown "unconditional love through good days and bad days," Ajith hopes things continue positively. On the professional front, the actor was last seen in the film Good Bad Ugly.
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