Ajith Kumar, fondly known as Thala, is one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, he has established himself as a versatile performer, action hero, and racing enthusiast. His journey from a middle-class background to becoming a Tamil film industry superstar is nothing short of inspiring.
This blog explores his early life, career, achievements, controversies, and interesting facts.
Early Life and Upbringing
Ajith Kumar was born on May 1, 1971, in Secunderabad, Telangana. His father, Subramaniam Kumar, was a businessman, while his mother, Mohini Kumar, was a homemaker. Ajith grew up in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where he developed a passion for acting and racing.
Despite facing financial struggles, Ajith pursued his dreams with determination. He dropped out of school and worked in mechanical engineering before stepping into the film industry. His love for motor racing led him to participate in Formula 2 racing, making him one of the few Indian actors with a professional racing background.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
Personal Details | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Ajith Kumar Subramaniam |
Nickname | Thala |
Alternative Names | Ajith |
Date of Birth | 1 May 1971 |
Age (as of 2024) | 53 years |
Religion | Hinduism |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Nationality | Indian |
Birthplace | Secunderabad, Telangana |
Hometown | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
Current Address | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
Education Qualification | High School |
Hobbies and Interests | Racing, Photography, Reading |
Languages Known | Tamil, English |
Social Media Profiles | Facebook , Instagram |
Wikipedia Profile | Wikipedia |
IMDb Profile | MDb Profile |
Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
Physical Details | Information |
---|---|
Body Type | Athletic |
Body Measurements | 42-34-14 inches |
Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
Weight | 187 lbs (85 kg) |
Chest | 42 inches |
Waist | 34 inches |
Biceps | 14 inches |
Eye Colour | Brown |
Hair Colour | Salt & Pepper |
Hairstyle | Short, wavy |
Distinctive Features | Strong jawline, expressive eyes |
Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Ajith Kumar is married to Shalini Kumar, a former actress. The couple met on the sets of Amarkalam (1999) and tied the knot in 2000. They have two children: Anoushka Kumar and Aadvik Kumar.
Relationships Details | Information |
---|---|
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse – Wife | Shalini Kumar |
Father | Subramaniam Kumar |
Mother | Mohini Kumar |
Children | Anoushka Kumar, Aadvik Kumar |
Siblings | Anil Kumar, Anoop Kumar |
Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Heera Rajagopal |
Significant Relationships | Shalini Kumar |
Rise to Stardom
Ajith Kumar made his acting debut in Prema Pusthakam (1993), a Telugu film. His breakthrough in Tamil cinema came with Aasai (1995), which established him as a romantic hero. Over the years, he transitioned into action-packed roles, earning the title Thala among his fans.

Ajith Kumar – Selfie

Ajith Kumar – Debut Film – Prema Pusthakam
Ajith Kumar – Successful Film – Villain
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Ajith Kumar has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Tamil cinema. His films often feature high-octane action sequences, gripping narratives, and strong performances.
- Filmfare Awards South – Best Actor for Vaali (1999)
- Tamil Nadu State Film Awards – Best Actor for Villain (2002)
- Vijay Awards – Favorite Hero for Mankatha (2011)
- Padma Bhushan Award – Honored for contributions to Indian cinema (2025)
His dedication to acting and racing has earned him a loyal fan base.
Career Details | Information |
---|---|
Profession(s) | Actor, Racing Driver |
Debut Film | Prema Pusthakam (1993) |
Notable Roles | Vaali, Villain, Mankatha |
Recent Films | Thunivu (2023) |
Upcoming Films | N/A |
Popular TV Series | Vedalam: Aaluma Doluma Video – |
Awards & Achievements | Filmfare South, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Vijay Awards2 |
Endorsements | N/A |
Philanthropy | Education, Healthcare Initiatives |
Professional Associations | Tamil Film Industry |
Training & Education | High School |
Production Company | N/A |
Box Office Hits | Mankatha, Viswasam, Vedalam |
Critically Acclaimed Movies | Vaali, Villain, Varalaru |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
Financial Profile | Information |
---|---|
Net Worth | $25 million |
Per Movie Charges | 105cr to 165cr |
Per Endorsement Charges | N/A |
Sponsorship Deals | N/A |
Business Ventures | AJITH KUMAR ENTERTAINMENT |
Investments | Mr Kumar has over 27 years of hands-on experience in PE and VC investments |
Real Estate Holdings | Chennai residence (₹25 crores) |
Luxury Items/Properties | Private jet (₹25 crores) |
Cars Collection | Lamborghini Huracan, BMW 7 Series, Rolls Royce Phantom |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
Favorite Things | Information |
---|---|
Favorite Actor | M. G. Ramachandran, Rajinikanth |
Favorite Actress | Anushka shetty |
Favorite Film | Valimai |
Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
Favorite Sport | Football, Cricket, Racing |
Favorite Books | N/A |
Favorite Colour | Black |
Favorite Food | Thala Biryani |
Things s/he likes | Racing, Photography, Reading |
Things s/he dislikes | N/A |
Top 5 Best Films – Ajith Kumar
Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
---|---|---|
Vaali | 1999 | Deva/Siva |
Villain | 2002 | Shiva/Vishnu |
Mankatha | 2011 | Vinayak Mahadev |
Vedalam | 2015 | Ganesh |
Viswasam | 2019 | Thookudurai |
Controversies – Ajith Kumar
- Industry Disputes – His fallout with director Bala over Naan Kadavul led to widespread speculation.
- Political Statements – His speech at a Kollywood event criticizing industry pressures sparked debates.
- Fan Wars – His rivalry with Vijay’s fan base has led to online clashes.
- Social Media Backlash – His comments on freedom of speech have drawn mixed reactions.
- Legal Disputes – His involvement in film production disagreements has led to legal battles.
Interesting Facts – Ajith Kumar
- He is a professional racer and has competed in Formula 2 racing.
- He prefers a private life, avoiding social media and public events.
- He is a trained pilot, holding a valid pilot license.
- He performed his own stunts in several films, including Mankatha.
- He is known for his humility, often helping crew members on set.
- He has a massive fan following, with millions of supporters worldwide.
Ajith Kumar is a legendary actor who has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His versatile performances, dedication to racing, and private lifestyle make him one of the most respected figures in the industry. Whether through his films or personal endeavors, Ajith continues to inspire audiences with his unwavering passion.