Latest news with #AjithKumarRacing
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Narain to race in Asian Le Mans
Narain Karthikeyan, India's first Formula One driver, will don the racing helmet again and will take part in the Asian Le Mans series alongside Tamil movie star Ajith Kumar for the latter's eponymous racing operation Ajith Kumar Racing. The Asian Le Mans Series is a sportscar racing endurance series, which begins in December. The 2025-26 championship will have three rounds - 4 Hours of Sepang (December 12-14), 4 Hours of Dubai (January 29-February 1) and 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi (February 6-8). 'I've known Ajith for many years, and it's great to see him now racing cars at a professional level. I'm excited to partner with him in the upcoming Asian Le Mans Series and look forward to an incredible journey ahead,' said Narain. Meanwhile, Ajith added, 'It's truly a privilege to have Narain join the team. Racing alongside him is an honour. With Narain, this Asian Le Mans Series is something very special for all of us.'
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ajith Kumar Marks 33 Years in Cinema, Racing With Heartfelt Tribute And Big Motorsport Feat
Chennai: Tamil cinema icon and motorsport enthusiast S Ajith Kumar has penned an emotional letter marking 33 years of his extraordinary journey in films and racing, describing it as a story of perseverance, gratitude, and purpose. Ajith, who debuted in 1990 with En Veedu En Kanavar, shot to fame with Aasai (1995) and became a household name with the romantic blockbuster Kadhal Kottai (1996). His portrayal of twin brothers, including one hearing and speech impaired, in Vaali won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor. His 50th film, Mankatha, directed by Venkat Prabhu, was also a box-office success. After a break to focus on motorsport, Ajith returned to films with Thunivu in 2023 and Good Bad Ugly this year. But 2025 also saw Ajith making global headlines for his racing achievements. On January 7, Ajith showcased remarkable grit by finishing third in the 991 category at the prestigious Dubai 24H Race, despite a major crash during practice earlier in the week that had almost forced him to withdraw. His performance under pressure has been widely praised by fans and racing professionals alike. Reflecting on his journey, Ajith wrote, "I did not come from legacy or influence. I started from the outside, with nothing more than a will to try. Life tested me over and over, but I never stopped. I endured, got back up, and kept moving forward." Ajith described his return to motorsport in 2025 under Ajith Kumar Racing as "a statement to myself and anyone who ever doubted that age, fear, and obstacles are real, but so is willpower." The actor also expressed deep appreciation for his fans, saying, "I am not what I am without you. I will never take your love for granted, and never will I trade your love for my benefit." He thanked filmmakers, technicians, political leaders, and the media for their support, and acknowledged critics for sharpening him. Ajith paid tribute to his wife Shalini - "the pillar of my life" - and their children Anoushka and Advik for providing balance and purpose. Ajith signed off with his characteristic humility: "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."
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Your harshest words sharpen me: Ajith Kumar to critics after 33 years in cinema
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 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 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 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 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
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Ajith Kumar Addresses Critics On Completing 33 Years In Cinema: 'Your Harshest Words...'
Ajith Kumar shared a statement on social media, recalling his journey from being an outsider to one of South India's most celebrated actors. Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar has shared a note of gratitude as he marks his 33rd year in the film industry. He looked back at his incredible journey in cinema- from being an outsider, to now becoming one of South India's most celebrated actors and a proud recipient of the Padma Bhushan. In his note, he wrote that he faced numerous challenges and setbacks over the years, yet he always got up and kept moving forward. He thanked fans for standing by him and supporting him even when he doubted himself, and was out of sight. He expressed his gratitude to the directors, producers, writer and actors he worked with, in his 33-year acting journey. Moreover, Ajith Kumar also addressed his critics, and wrote that their harshest words have only sharpened him. '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. 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. Because perseverance is not something I learnt; it's something I lived," he wrote. In his note, he also mentioned his re-entry into the motor racing world. '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. 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 honoring 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," wrote Ajith Kumar. '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 further added. Addressing his critics, Ajith Kumar wrote, 'To the critics, even your harshest words sharpened me. To Shalini, my wife, the pillar of my life, you have stood with me through everything. My kids, Anoushka, and Advik who bring meaning to every day-you are my balance and my reason. I am grateful to my father, the late P. S. Mani, and my mother, Mohini Mani, for the upbringing that reflects in every social respect I gain today. I am thankful to my brothers and my extended family of my in-laws for their support and love." He concluding by expressing his gratitude for fans who have accepted him, and thanked them for their faith, applause, patience and love. '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. Ajith Kumar has starred in more than 63 films till date. The actor, who had a small role in the 1990 Tamil film En Veedu En Kanavar, debuted as a lead actor in the 1993 film Amaravathi. Most recently, he was seen in director Adhik Ravichandran's Good Bad Ugly, one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2025. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Ajith escapes unhurt in GT4 Italy crash, his affection for racing wins heart
Ajith Kumar starrer 'Good Bad Ugly', directed by Adhik Ravichandran , was released last April. Although the film received mixed reviews from fans, it became a box office success, grossing over Rs. 200 crore. Following this, it has been reported that he will be starring in a new film with the same director. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal is said to be playing the lead role in it, and talks are underway with Srinidhi Shetty of KGF fame for the lead role. Ajith resumes global racing with his own team Ajith, who is deeply interested in car racing beyond cinema, has been actively participating in international car races for the past few years. Although he took a break from car racing at one point, he has been participating in competitions held in various countries again since last January through his 'Ajith Kumar Racing' team. He has participated in numerous competitions, from Dubai to Portugal, and has achieved some notable successes. Ajith faces another accident Ajith, who recently participated in the GT4 European Series car race held in Italy, met with an accident with the car he was driving during the second round. While turning a bend, he collided head-on with a car with defective tires. Fortunately, Ajith was not injured. The scenes at that time were recorded on video and are going viral on social media. Ajith Kumar's calm reaction wins praise Those familiar with the accident are praising Ajith's calm and patient approach. Ajith was seen collecting his damaged portions of the car after the accident, and it shows the actor's love for his car and racing. It is noteworthy that he had an accident during test runs in some competitions held in Dubai and Spain so far. Despite all that, he is currently continuing his car racing journey with great enthusiasm.
