Your harshest words sharpen me: Ajith Kumar to critics after 33 years in cinema

India Today

4 days ago

Tamil cinema superstar Ajith Kumar has written a heartfelt statement marking 33 years in the film industry, reflecting on his journey from an outsider with no film legacy to becoming one of South India's most celebrated actors and a Padma Bhushan recipient.In his thank-you statement, Kumar emphasised that his milestone was not about celebration but gratitude. "As I complete 33 years in this extraordinary journey called cinema, I do not pen this to celebrate. I don't wait for landmark numbers as I believe that each passing year is a landmark year. I thank you all with a full heart and folded hands," he wrote.advertisementThe actor, known for his intense performances and dedicated fan following, spoke honestly about his humble beginnings in the industry. "This journey was never easy. I did not come from legacy or influence. I started from the outside, with nothing more than a will to try. Life, in its own way, tested me over and over through injuries, setbacks, failures, and silence. But I never stopped. I endured. I got back up. "And I kept moving forward," he added.
Kumar's philosophy on resilience was particularly striking: "Because perseverance is not something I learnt; it's something I lived."Acknowledging the ups and downs of his film career, Kumar credited his fans for their unwavering support during difficult times - "In cinema, I have fallen and risen more times than I can count. And every time I doubted myself, your love lifted me. You stood by me, even when I was out of sight, even when I had nothing to offer but honesty. That kind of faith is rare. And I hold it close, always."Kumar's passion extends beyond cinema to motor racing, where he has faced a completely different set of challenges. Explaining his struggles, he stated, "But my journey did not stop with cinema. In the world of motor racing, I face a very different test. A track doesn't care who you are. It doesn't forgive. It demands respect, focus, and grit. I have crashed. I have bled too. I have been thrown down, humbled, and tested to my core."The actor explained his motivation for continuing in motorsports: "But I kept going, not to own medals or headlines, but to prove to myself that discipline, courage, and pain can co-exist with purpose. I represent a country of valour and the breed of never-say-die attitude."Kumar's recent re-entry into motor racing through Ajith Kumar Racing represents more than just a return to the sport. "In 2025, as I re-entered the motor racing world with Ajith Kumar Racing, it wasn't just a return to the sport. It was a statement to myself and to anyone who ever doubted that age, fear, and obstacles are real, but so is willpower," he remarked.The statement was filled with extensive gratitude towards various groups who supported his journey. Kumar thanked his fans, saying: "To all my fans, I am not what I am without you. You've turned admiration into acts of kindness-helping others, standing for what's right, and honouring my name with quiet dignity. I see you. I thank you. I will never take your love for granted, and never will I trade your love for my benefit."advertisementHe also acknowledged the film industry professionals who shaped his career: "To the many directors, writers, technicians, and actors who shaped my path, you guided me, trusted me, and helped me grow. I also thank my producers, distributors and exhibitors for extending their support to me."Kumar expressed deep gratitude for receiving the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, and said, "I thank the President of India Madam Droupadi Murmu, the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Government of India for conferring me the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. I am determined enough to offer my best to bring respect to this honour."He also thanked political leaders, the media, and even his critics: "To the critics, even your harshest words sharpened me."The actor shared special thanks to his family, particularly his wife Shalini and children Anoushka and Aadvik. "To Shalini, my wife, the pillar of my life, you have stood with me through everything. My kids, Anoushka, and Aadvik who bring meaning to every day-you are my balance and my reason."advertisementHe also honoured his parents: "I am grateful to my father, the late P. S. Mani, and my mother, Mohini Mani, for an upbringing that reflects in every social respect I gain today."Concluding his statement, Kumar emphasised his continued commitment to both his career and his gratitude to fans. "I may not always be visible. I may not always speak. But I am always grateful. And I will always give everything I have-on screen, on the track, and in life," he added."For 33 years, you've accepted me, flaws and all. Thank you for the faith, the silence, the applause, the patience, and the love. I try to be true to myself and to you. As I pursue my motor racing career with grit and passion, I solicit the prayers and wishes from all, I hope I will make you and our nation proud," he concluded his statement.The statement ended with his characteristic philosophy: "Live and let live."On the work front, Ajith Kumar was last seen in director Adhik Ravichandran's 'Good Bad Ugly', which is one of the highest-grossing films of 2025. According to reports, his next film is also with Adhik Ravichandran.- EndsMust Watch