logo
Ajith Kumar's ‘proud' wife Shalini pens note as he completes 33 years in film industry: ‘You've changed lives'

Ajith Kumar's ‘proud' wife Shalini pens note as he completes 33 years in film industry: ‘You've changed lives'

Hindustan Times2 days ago
Actor and racer Ajith Kumar's wife, Shalini, has penned a sweet note as he completed 33 years in the film industry. Taking to Instagram, Shalini also shared their selfie. Ajith Kumar's wife, Shalini, dedicated a post to him on Instagram.
Shalini shares post as Ajith completes 33 years in film industry
In the close-up photo, Ajith and Shalini posed next to each other as they smiled for the camera. Sharing the post, Shalini captioned it, "You haven't just built a career ..you've carried people, changed lives, and done it all with grace. I'm so proud of you!! Happy 33 years !! (Red heart and sparkles emojis)."
Fans praise couple
Reacting to the post, actor John Kokken said, "Taught people to be kind, to help in times of need, motivated people to never give up on their dreams." Pearlija Jeyarajah wrote, "Thala for a reason." A fan said, "Caption is so real... Yesssss, he did change lives." A person wrote, "Made for each other. My all-time favourite." An Instagram user said, "Best couples from the cinema field. And Inspiration for many couples."
What Ajith recently said about becoming an actor
Recently, in an interview with India Today, Ajith called himself an 'accidental actor'. "I was 18 when I started racing motorcycles. I remember my father said that it is a very expensive sport and we cannot support you, but you must find your way. I was at the race track when I was approached by a model coordinator who gave me a visiting card and said if I am interested, then give me a call back. Then, before I started realising, I started doing print ads and TV commercials.'
He added, 'I told them that I know that I am leaping in the dark. But imagine all those people who want to be in my position and see that I have been approached by a production company and I refused, imagine how angry they would feel… That's how I became an actor. I gave a journalist an answer that I had debts, and the idea was to make a couple of films, and if I did become successful, I would repay my debts. I didn't come to the industry seeking fame.'
About Ajith's family, recent career
Ajith proposed to Shalini in 1999, and they tied the knot in April 2000 in Chennai. They have two children: Anoushka (born in 2008) and Aadvik (born in 2015).
Ajith made his acting debut in the 1990 Tamil film En Veedu En Kanavar. His first lead role was in the Telugu film Prema Pusthakam. He was recently seen in Adhik Ravichandran's Good Bad Ugly. The actor has yet to announce any upcoming projects.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Su From So: How a low-budget Kannada film gained nationwide attention
Su From So: How a low-budget Kannada film gained nationwide attention

India Today

time26 minutes ago

  • India Today

Su From So: How a low-budget Kannada film gained nationwide attention

'The secret everyone pretended not to know' is officially revealed - that's what Raj B Shetty wrote in his caption as his character reveal poster from the Kannada blockbuster film 'Su From So' was shared on social media, weeks after the film's re. While the makers' call to keep his cameo appearance a secret is brilliant and understandable, why did the audience choose to 'pretend not to know'?advertisementIn a world where the biggest surprises and cameo appearances immediately go viral on X and Instagram, the audience chose to enjoy this pleasant surprise and also save it for those watching the next show. Now, this is a rare occasion we hardly see happening. It only happens when viewers accept a film as their own and contribute to its success in more ways than just at the ticket counter. Raj B Shetty's X post revealing his character from the recent Kannada film 'Su From So' 'Su From So', by debutant director JP Thuminad, released in theatres across Karnataka on July 25, with little to no promotions prior to release. Banking solely on word of mouth, quite literally, using it as their marketing campaign by organising paid premieres across Karnataka and capturing audience reactions and reviews, the makers created enough buzz that, within a couple of days, it started spreading like wildfire. The social drama/comedy film has crossed the Rs 50 crore-mark at the box office. The film has sold more than one million tickets on BookMyShow, making it one of the few Kannada films to achieve this feat. 'Su From So' was released across Kerala in Malayalam on August 1 and has shown an upward trend in terms of audience reception and box office performance. The fact that this film was made on a budget of only Rs 6 crore, makes all the other numbers look exponentially more pleasing.'Su From So', having been produced by Raj B Shetty's Lighter Buddha Films, was picked up by Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films for distribution across Kerala. After release, Anil Thadani's AA Films acquired the North India distribution rights, while Mythri Movie Makers acquired the rights to dub the film in Telugu and distribute it across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The film was also released internationally by Phars Film and has been expanding its theatrical reach in several important centres.'Bandaro Bandaro Bava Bandaroo' has been on my playlist for a while, and that's just a background tune for the entry of a secondary character. The love has not been limited to the film but to every individual character in it. Requests for Ravi Anna to get a spin-off film, people dressing up children to look like Bava, Ashoka, Bhanu, Satish Anna, and Chandranna - all are fan favourites. Let's not forget Karunakara Guruji, played by Raj B Shetty - since we don't have to keep it a secret these are character that are unforgettable in the movie, we still have to keep the story a secret as 'Su From So' is gearing up for release in other languages. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raj B Shetty (@rajbshetty)The minimal marketing strategy was an interesting approach that other filmmakers should use as a reference for their strategies. The makers organised promotional paid premieres in key locations of Karnataka, starting with Mangaluru, Shivamogga, Mysuru, and finally the time the team reached Mysuru to promote the film, the hype built by the promotional videos from the premieres in Mangaluru and Shivamogga compelled the makers to add extra shows in Mysuru and Bengaluru. This strategy worked wonders for the film, especially given the lethargy among viewers towards promotions restricted to interviews and mega events This is not the first time an 'underdog' film from Kannada cinema has piqued the audience's interest through a unique marketing strategy. 'Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare', a 2023 Kannada college comedy film, grabbed attention right from its title reveal - and the innovative marketing campaign backed the film so much that people still refer to it as the last complete comedy entertainer before 'Su From So'.Raj B Shetty's very first film as a director and actor, 'Ondu Motteya Kathe and 'Rangitaranga', Rishab Shetty's directorial 'Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale', Kasaragodu', 'Karva', and 'Love Mocktail' are some examples of underdog films that were accepted and loved by the audience, who carried these films to hit a time when digital noise often drowns out genuine creativity, films like 'Su From So' remind us that strong storytelling, authentic characters, and audience trust are still the most effective marketing tools that have now helped it gain nationwide attention. With every such underdog victory, the industry carves out a stronger identity on the national stage.'Su From So', short for Sulochana from Someshwara, features Shaneel Gautham, JP Thuminad, Sandhya Arakere, Prakash K Thuminadu, Deepak Rai Panaje, and Mime Ramdas, among others. The music for the film has been composed by Sumedh K, and it has been produced by Shashidhar Shetty Baroda, Ravi Rai Kalasa, and Raj B Shetty. This film comes highly recommended - and watching it as a community experience will only make it better for you.- EndsMUST WATCH:

Ranbir Kapoor teases Alia Bhatt in front of photographers before posing together: 'Yeh ruk nahi rahi'
Ranbir Kapoor teases Alia Bhatt in front of photographers before posing together: 'Yeh ruk nahi rahi'

Hindustan Times

time26 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Ranbir Kapoor teases Alia Bhatt in front of photographers before posing together: 'Yeh ruk nahi rahi'

Actor Ranbir Kapoor was at his playful best as he stepped out with Alia Bhatt from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's office in Mumbai. He couldn't resist teasing his wife about not stopping for photos. The jab was followed by a sweet pose, with Ranbir pulling Alia close, making her blush. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were spotted outside Sanjay Leela Bhansali's office in Mumbai. Ranbir Kapoor teases Alia Bhatt Alia and Ranbir were spotted together on Wednesday as they exited Sanjay Leela Bhansali's office in Juhu, Mumbai. They are working with Bhansali on his next film, Love & War. As Ranbir and Alia exited the office building, they were cheered by a group of waiting photographers who asked the couple to pose together for photos. Following which, Ranbir said, 'Yeh ruk nahi rahi (she is not stopping)', teasing Alia. Alia stepped out from behind her car, beaming with a smile, and posed alongside Ranbir for the cameras. During the photo shoot, Ranbir Kapoor placed his hand on Alia's shoulder and pulled her close, leaving her visibly blushing at the gesture. Ranbir and Alia were dressed in matching casual outfits as they twinned in white. Ranbir wore a white round-neck tee and blue denim, completing the look with a powder blue overshirt. Meanwhile, Alia complemented him perfectly with a simple yet chic white T-shirt and blue jeans. What we know about Love & War Love & War will be the first collaboration of Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali after the actor's 2007 debut Saawariya. While Vicky Kaushal has never worked with the filmmaker, Alia Bhatt teamed up with Bhansali in the 2022 drama Gangubai Kathiawadi. The film was officially announced in January 2024. The original announcement on Instagram read, "We Bring You Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Epic Saga Love & War. See You At The Movies." It came with the signatures of the lead trio, Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky. Love and War is expected to go on floors in the coming months. It is believed that the film is set in the 60s and 70s, and has been described as a love triangle in times of conflict, with Ranbir and Vicky reportedly playing Air Force pilots. The film is slated to be released in March 2026.

Recalling the good old ‘musical days' makes for joyful moments
Recalling the good old ‘musical days' makes for joyful moments

Hans India

time26 minutes ago

  • Hans India

Recalling the good old ‘musical days' makes for joyful moments

Though a connoisseur of English and Telugu literature, a distinguished jurist, a successful advocate and a highly respected judge, my father had no ear for music. But unlike Shakespeare's 'The man that has no music in himself. Nor is moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treason, stratagems, and spoils', he was a kind-hearted, affectionate, and friendly person, much liked by friends and relatives. In 1966, as a post-graduate student in Osmania University, a few friends and I formed a group called 'Saaz Aur Awaaz' and occasionally performed variety entertainment programmes, comprising music, plays, skits, and such like. One afternoon, as our group was rehearsing for one of the events in the upstairs portion of our house, a friend of my father's, who had dropped in for a chat, asked him where I was. 'He and his friends are busy making what they call music', was his cryptic reply! It was my father, again, who remarked to another friend that I played the guitar with 'much greater enthusiasm than expertise!' I have tried my hand at various activities, including outdoor games like cricket, table tennis, and tennis, indoor games such as chess, draughts and carroms. On occasion, I have also flirted with musical instruments, such as the mouth organ and the guitar. I managed to attain reasonable levels of proficiency in nearly all of them, while failing to excel in any one of them. Somewhat similar was my affair with the art of singing, in which I became good enough to be heard without complaint, but nowhere near being able to perform to a discerning audience. The important thing, however, was that in all the activities, I was able to reach levels where I could appreciate the subtle nuances of the performance of talented experts, in games, or maestros, in vocal or instrumental music. My ability to enjoy and appreciate good performances gave me immense pleasure on several occasions. Watching cricket greats such as the legendary Ghulam Ahmed, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, both at Hyderabad and Delhi, was an unforgettable experience. And equally memorable were the occasions, when I had the honour and privilege, of being part of a small and select group of listeners, when such legends as Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, the Violin wizard Dwaram Venkata Swami Naidu, Veena maestro Eemanii Sankara Sastry and distinguished exponents of vocal music, such as Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna, Pandit Jasraj, Mehdi Hassan and Ustad Zakir Hussain, displayed their masterly skills. The first tentative step I took in getting acquainted with the art of playing musical instruments was to learn to play on the harmonica or mouth organ. A friend of mine played it with such exquisite expertise that I brought for him a slide-button harmonica, or chromatic harmonica, which utilised a button– activated slide to change the pitch of the notes, a rare thing to possess those days. Years later, keen to realise one of my childhood dreams, I approached Richard Gnanakan, who was playing the guitar as part of a band in the popular Lido restaurant in Secunderabad, with the request that he teach me to play the guitar. He agreed although the terms were rather expensive, as the lessons came at ₹10 per session! It was much later that I also had a shot at testing my skill at playing the Mrudangam from the well-known maestro Yella Venkateswara Rao, a short-lived and halfhearted trial that soon fizzled out. Even in my school days, so intense was my interest in music that at 8 pm on the dot every Wednesday, I used to walk to a distant neighbour's house, to listen to the extremely popular 'Binaca Geet Mala', so wonderfully anchored by the legendary Ameen Sayani. By then the popular Vividh Bharathi, an entertainment radio channel of what was then the All India Radio Radio (AIR), was yet to be launched. One had to tune into Radio Ceylon for the commercial variety of entertainment, such as music and plays. Several extremely popular programmes were on offer at that time, such as 'Ek Aur Anek' in which one popular singer figured in each item while others changed, and 'Purane Filmon Ki Sangeet' featuring numbers from the films of yesteryear. Over time, our household graduated from only having a radio to acquiring a radiogram, one with a record changer to boot. Gramaphone records came at that time in three speeds, with different revolutions per minute-331/3, 45 and 78. I was soon to become the proud owner of my own radio set presented to me by my father on the eve of an important cricket match at Hyderabad. At a cost, no less, than the princely amount of ₹650! In my childhood, I had participated in group singing and enacting of plays in radio programmes as a member of the Andhra Balananda Sangham, in the AIR station at Chennai. In later years, I occasionally summoned the temerity and the guts to test the patience of audiences, albeit with some moderate success, such as singing some popular 'The Beatles' hits, along with my 'Saaz Aur Awaaz' colleagues in the AIR station at Hyderabad, giving full vent to my lung capacity, to the rather indulgent audience of my batchmates, at our annual get-togethers and participating in mass nostalgia in the golden jubilee get-together of the 1968 IAS batch, at Mussoorie some years ago. Some endearing moments I recall of the journey down memory lane, include listening to the popular Saturday night. 'A Date With You'' program as a college student at Delhi and, lest I forget, failing to qualify for the college music competitions, as a student at Hindu College, Delhi, and later consoling myself, that it was because I had chosen the wrong song! (The writer was formerly Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store