Latest news with #AjithKumar
Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Odd Jobs to Stardom: 13 South Indian actors who worked as Taxi driver, barber to backstage worker
South cinema and its actors have always resonated with an aura of glitz, glamour, and opulence. These artists have excelled in their craft and reached the pinnacle of success, both metaphorically and objectively. However, did you know that many of these stars came from humble beginnings and started as modest breadwinners? Check out the following actors who had modest starts and did odd jobs before acting. South Indian celebs and their odd jobs 1. Rajinikanth Known for: Jailer, Sivaji, Enthiran, Baashha, Coolie Before fame job: Bus conductor Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Superstar Thalaivar, aka Rajinikanth, needs no introduction. The actor has set a benchmark with a prolific career spanning decades. Before acting, the senior superstar worked as a bus conductor. He served in the Bangalore Transport Service, conducting on bus route 10A. Meanwhile, he continued participating in various plays, which fueled his passion for acting. After achieving success, he once made a surprise visit to the bus depot where he used to work before becoming a legendary actor. 2. Ajith Kumar Known for: Vidaamuyarchi, Good Bad Ugly, Valimai, Vedalam, Billa Before fame job: Apprentice mechanic Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Padma Bhushan awardee Ajith Kumar has carved out a versatile identity for himself. Besides his gifted acting skills, the senior star is also an accomplished motorsports driver, balancing both passions equally. Ajith dropped out of school after class 10 and began working as an apprentice mechanic for Enfield. Given his passion for vehicles, he took to the work in good spirits. After six months, his father encouraged him to take up a white-collar job, which became the first stepping stone toward his acting career. 3. Vijay Sethupathi Known for: Merry Christmas, Ace, Maharaj, Jawan, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan Before fame job: Accountant Industry: Tamil Current fame level: National film award recipient Vijay Sethupathi is undeniably one of the leading stars of Kollywood, consistently raising the bar with every performance. He recently won a National Award for his outstanding contributions to cinema. Before his successful film career, Vijay worked as an accountant in Dubai before returning to India. He then managed the accounts of the theatre group Koothu-P-Pattarai. It was during this period that his passion for acting blossomed, and since then, he has become one of the most sought-after actors in Tamil cinema. 4. Yash Known for: KGF series, Toxic, Mr and Mrs Ramachari, Rocky Before fame job: Backstage worker Industry: Kannada Current fame level: Filmfare award recipient Yash is widely recognized as a powerhouse of talent in Kannada cinema. Before his big break in films, he worked backstage in a theatre group, earning a daily allowance of just Rs. 50. His passion for acting kept him committed to this work, and gradually he began auditioning for roles. He landed smaller projects in telefilms and television serials, which laid a strong foundation for his successful career ahead. 5. Dulquer Salmaan Known for: Lucky Baskhar, Sita Ramam, King of Kotha, Kurup, Mahanati Before fame job: IT worker Industry: Malayalam Current fame level: Kerala State Film award recipient Dulquer Salmaan's modest beginnings include a significant period working in an IT firm in Dubai. Despite holding a corporate management degree and having a full-time job, he found the routine boring and monotonous. Following in his father Mammootty's footsteps, he decided to pursue a career in films. Dulquer left his job and enrolled in an acting school in Mumbai. He made his acting debut in 2012 with the film Second Show. 6. Rishab Shetty Known for: Kantara, Bell Bottom, Mishan Impossible, Hero, Jai Hanuman Before fame job: Taxi driver Industry: Kannada Current fame level: National film award recipient Rishab Shetty is a force to reckon with in the Kannada film industry. The actor, who delivered a massive hit with Kantara, has already won three National Awards in a short span. But did you know that before acting, Rishab worked as a taxi driver and took on various odd jobs like selling water cans, working in real estate, and even hotel work? These jobs helped him earn enough to support himself while he pursued his passion and searched for his big break in films. 7. Suriya Known for: Retro, Kanguva, Jai Bhim, Soorarai Pottru, Ghajini Before fame job: Garment factory worker Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Highest paid Tamil actors Suriya has been one of the most sought-after Tamil actors over the years, earning multiple accolades and a massive fan following across the country. Before his film career took off, Suriya worked for several months in a garment export business, carrying out his job discreetly without revealing that he was the son of renowned actor Sivakumar. He later began auditioning and landed his first role in the 1997 film Nerukku Ner, directed by Mani Ratnam. 8. Sivakarthikeyan Known for: Amaran, Maaveeran, Doctor, Remo, Parasakthi Before fame job: Stand-up comedian Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Kalaimamani award (Highest civilian award in TN) Sivakarthikeyan has firmly established himself as one of the leading actors in Tamil cinema. He has also worked across multiple South Indian languages, becoming one of the most sought-after stars. Before his rise to stardom, SK had humble beginnings, performing mimicry and stand-up comedy right after college. Driven by his passion for films, he often took breaks from studies to audition for reality shows. Today, the actor boasts a string of massive box office hits worth crores and has an impressive slate of upcoming projects. 9. Nani Known for: HIT 3, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, Hi Nanna, Dasara, Jersey Before fame job: Radio jockey Industry: Telugu Current fame level: Highest paid and most popular Telugu actor Nani has won the hearts of millions with his versatility and talent, showcasing true skill and passion for cinema. Before rising as a mainstream actor, Nani worked briefly as a radio jockey for World Space Satellite, a role he landed through a friend. He hosted the popular show Non-Stop with Nani for about a year, quickly gaining a loyal audience. 10. Kamal Haasan Known for: Vikram, Indian 2, Vishwaroopam, Anbe Sivam, Thug Life Before fame job: Barber at a salon Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Padma Bhushan recipient Kamal Haasan's impact on Tamil cinema has set a benchmark for many to admire. The talented senior actor continues to captivate audiences with his work across a career spanning decades. Before his film success, Kamal Haasan once worked as a barber at a salon—an odd job he took up partly to tease his mother. Now, at 70, Kamal Haasan is gearing up for his next big release, Thug Life, an upcoming action thriller. 11. Mohanlal Known for: Merry Christmas, Ace, Maharaj, Jawan, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan Before fame job: Accountant Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Padma Bhushan recipient Mohanlal is undoubtedly an iconic figure in the Malayalam film industry. With a career spanning decades, the senior actor has delivered countless unforgettable box office hits. However, did you know that before entering films, he was a state-level wrestler? Yes, it's true. He pursued wrestling professionally right after college. After winning at the state level, Mohanlal was set to compete in a national wrestling championship in New Delhi but had to withdraw at the last minute due to a film audition scheduled the same day. 12. Mammootty Known for: Agent, Kannur Squad, Turbo, Ozler, Rorschach Before fame job: Practicing lawyer Industry: Malayalam Current fame level: Leading superstar of Malayalam cinema Mammootty is another iconic name in Malayalam cinema, known for a remarkable career spanning decades. He enjoys a massive fan following in Kerala and is one of the most celebrated actors in South Indian cinema. Before entering films, Mammootty was a full-time practicing lawyer. He completed his LLB from Government Law College in Ernakulam and practiced law in the Manjeri area for two years. At the age of 20, he made his film debut with a minor role in Vilkkanundu Swapnangal, released in 1980. 13. Jr NTR Jr NTR is one of the most sought-after Telugu actors today, known for delivering globally acclaimed films like RRR, directed by SS Rajamouli. Before entering films, Tarak was a trained Kuchipudi dancer. He began training in this classical dance form at the age of 13 and perfected it over the years, even performing internationally. However, his passion for films eventually took over, and Jr NTR steadily carved a highly successful career in Telugu cinema. Conclusion Agree or not, none of these notable South actors had fame and stardom served to them on a silver platter. They worked hard, took on odd jobs, and often prioritized survival over their passion for films.
India Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Dhanush's father warns Good Bad Ugly makers of legal action over use of his songs
Director-writer Kasthuri Raja, father of actor Dhanush, expressed his frustration with the makers of Ajith Kumar's 'Good Bad Ugly' over unauthorised use of his film songs. The film features old Tamil songs such as 'Panju Mittai', 'Oththa Ruba Thaaren' and 'Thoothuvalai Ilai Araichi', which were superhit numbers from his Tamil to the media from Salem, he criticised the makers for not asking consent for the usage of old songs. He claimed that composers of today lack originality. "Stalwarts like Ilaiyaraaja and Deva created music, which were timeless in nature. However, today's creators are relying on nostalgia rather than innovation. It's not a big issue to use old tracks, but they should also seek permission from the original creators," he that he is planning to take legal action against the makers of 'Good Bad Ugly', Kasthuri Raja said that no one asks for permission before using old hit songs these days. Before Kasthuri Raja, music director Ilaiyaraaja had sent a legal notice to Mythri Movie Makers over the unauthorised use of songs. He demanded Rs 5 crore as compensation.'Good Bad Ugly' features the famous 'Oththa Ruba Tharen' song, which became one of the high points of the film. The Ajith Kumar-starrer, released in theatres on April 10 and ended up as a blockbuster. Apart from Ajith Kumar, the film features Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Raghu Ram, Shine Tom Chacko and Simran.
Sinar Daily
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
'Kollywood Queen' Simran lights up Edison awards in Penang
Simran's recent comeback in 'Good, Bad, Ugly' rekindled her on-screen chemistry with the film's lead actor Ajith Kumar. 24 May 2025 12:00pm Simran's recent comeback in 'Good, Bad, Ugly' rekindled her on-screen chemistry with the film's lead actor Ajith Kumar. - Photo GEORGE TOWN - Penang's Setia Spice Arena transformed into a slice of Kollywood - as the Chennai, India-based Tamil language film industry is known as - last Saturday during the 17th Edison Awards, an annual event recognising the industry's legendary and emerging talents. From the moment the red carpet rolled out at 5pm, fans were treated to a dazzling parade of Kollywood's biggest names, among them being 'Premam' actress Madonna Sebastian; the legendary Kushboo Sundar who has graced over 185 films; acclaimed choreographer Baba Baskar; Santhosh Kumar, better known as Sandy Master; and director Venkat Prabhu. However, the night truly belonged to actress Simran Rishi Bagga, the evergreen heroine of the late 1990s and early 2000s, who received the Golden Empress of Tamil Cinema award. Simran's recent comeback in 'Good, Bad, Ugly' rekindled her on-screen chemistry with the film's lead actor Ajith Kumar. The two have paired in successful movies such as 'Vaali' in 1999, 'Aval Varuvaala' (1998) and 'Unnai Kodu Ennai Tharuven' (2000). At the recent Edison Awards, the 49-year-old actress proved once again why she remains a fan favourite by charming audiences with her grace, selfies with fans and a heartfelt wave on the red carpet. The six-hour event honoured excellence across more than 30 categories, recognising the contributions of Kollywood directors, musicians, choreographers and technicians. Among those who received awards were Sakthi Sree Gopalan, who clinched Best Female Playback Singer for her captivating vocals; Venkat Prabhu, who walked away with Best Director for his film 'GOAT;' and Sandy Master, who won Best Dance Choreographer. Adding his signature humour to the mix was crowd favourite Red Kingsley who took home the Best Comedian award, while Ananth Ram was named Best Debut Director. Meanwhile, 74-year-old veteran actor YG Mahendran was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event was elevated by dance and music performances, along with a fashion showcase by Malaysian artists, making it a celebration of both Kollywood and local talent. Meanwhile, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the event, said hosting such a prestigious ceremony aligned perfectly with the Penang2030 vision to diversify the state economy, strengthen creative industries and establish Penang as a leading hub for arts, culture and innovation. He described the event as not only a celebration of artistic excellence but also a platform to elevate Penang's global profile as a destination for cultural diplomacy and creative tourism. "The Edison Awards, I have been told, is a prestigious platform that celebrates both legendary and emerging talents in Tamil cinema. Over the years, it has honoured icons like Vijay, Dhanush, Simbu and Vikram, as well as rising stars like Sivakarthikeyan and Anirudh. "Now that Kollywood has arrived in Penang, I sincerely hope this is just the beginning. Perhaps next, we can welcome Bollywood to our beautiful island too,' he said in his speech. Also present were Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. - BERNAMA More Like This
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Ajith Kumar is one of the most wonderful people we have in our business'; Rahul Dev recalls how he cooked for people on the set of 'Good Bad Ugly'
Rahul Dev recently opened up about his early days in the industry and how he kept receiving negative roles after debuting as a villain in 'Champion'. The actor also shared his experience working with Ajith Kumar , describing how humble he is as a person. Rahul about getting negative roles In an interview with The Indian Express, Dev revealed that he entered the industry without any lofty ambitions. He simply wanted to work and had no film background, as his family was not connected to the movie industry. 'I'm a random Delhi guy. Many a time, I've felt that I haven't found my footing or had my big break. Unfortunately, it's a mainstream commercial world. In real life, for instance, no two people would fight in the street with their shirts off,' he added. Ajith Kumar receives Padma Bhushan honor He admitted to being typecast in the industry: 'There was a typecast because my first negative role was successful. All I was getting were negative roles. It was difficult to navigate and say no. It can leave you feeling creatively empty. It's the industry that typecasts you, not the audience, because people haven't seen you in any other role.' Working experience with Ajith Kumar He went on to play similar characters in South Indian films like Simhadri, Mass, Billa, Aathi, and two projects with Ajith Kumar — 'Vedalam' and 'Good Bad Ugly'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now 'He is easily one of the most wonderful people we have in our business—not just in Tamil cinema, but across India. He is very helpful,' he said, showering praise on Ajith. Rahul recalled a heartfelt moment when Ajith comforted a grieving couple on set. The duo, who had come to visit, were in deep pain as they had lost their son. The 'Mankatha' actor took time to console them. He further shared that during night shoots in Kolkata, Ajith personally cooked meals like upma and idlis for the entire crew of 70–80 people, handling everything himself—from chopping onions to preparing the dishes. Rahul also fondly remembered Ajith's warm hospitality during their first meeting and how he brought large tiffin boxes filled with home-cooked food for him. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Ajith's friends, family tried to ‘talk sense' into him when he started racing again but father offered support: ‘The day you start earning…'
After rising through the ranks and becoming one of the biggest stars Tamil cinema has ever seen, actor Ajith Kumar has returned to where his heart truly lies: the racing tracks. In fact, he has never shied away from admitting that he had little interest in cinema to begin with. However, when financial constraints began to mount, Ajith seized a timely opportunity to enter the film industry, also recognising it as a means to fund his passion for racing. Though he has occasionally returned to the tracks over the years, he recently took a significant step by launching his own official team, Ajith Kumar Racing. The team made its mark at the 24H Dubai 2025 endurance race this January and also secured a podium finish at the renowned Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium earlier this month. However, back in the early 2000s, when Ajith decided to take a break from acting and return to racing, not everyone close to him was fully supportive. Nevertheless, his father, P Subramaniam, stood by his decision, especially since he had made a promise to his son years before. 'I remember one thing that my father told me very clearly: 'The day you start earning your bread and butter, you can do whatever you want to.' When I decided to start racing again in 2002, a lot of friends and extended family members tried to 'talk sense' into me. But my father stood up for me then, saying that he had assured me that, the day I started making my own money, I was free to do what I wanted. 'He's achieved a decent amount of success. So let him decide what he wants to do,' my father told them,' he recalled during a chat with Mashable India. Must Read | How a trip to Sri Lanka sparked backlash against Asin Thottumkal and impacted her Tamil film career: 'Involved merely in the capacity of an artiste' A post shared by Ajith Kumar Racing Team (@ajithkumarracing) A post shared by Ajith Kumar Racing Team (@ajithkumarracing) During the conversation, he also addressed his decision to back out of racing in the Dubai 24H series after a major crash. Many had, at that time, dubbed his act as a 'selfless' gesture. 'We were doing pretty well during the practice for the Dubai race. We were four drivers: Mathew, Fabian, Cameron and I. We were doing pretty well until I had a crash in the practice session two days before the race. The car was written off, unfortunately. So, we, as a team, decided it was best if I stepped back because we knew we had a chance at the podium. I didn't want to ruin it for my team,' he stated. Opening up about how he plans to juggle his acting and racing careers, Ajith revealed that he has devised a strategy to ensure that one doesn't overlap with the other. 'To make things easier and possible, I have decided not to do films during the racing season. It begins in March and goes on till either mid-September or mid-October. This gives me time to finish or put together a project between October and February-March of the next year before I start racing again.'
