Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Actor Ajith Kumar was conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry and his multifaceted pursuits beyond cinema. The announcement of the Padma Awards came a day before Republic Day, honouring individuals who have excelled in various fields including arts, social work, public affairs, science, and business. The Padma Bhushan, awarded for distinguished service of high order, ranks just below the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna. It is one of the most esteemed recognitions for civilians who have made significant impacts in their respective fields. Accordingly, Ajith Kumar’s name now joins the ranks of distinguished individuals who have been acknowledged for their exceptional contributions.
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His fans and peers widely applauded the announcement. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin took to social media to congratulate Ajith and other recipients. He wrote, “We are delighted to learn that actor Ajith sir, industrialist Mr Nalli Kuppusamy, and Mrs Shobana Chandrakumar have been selected for the Padma Bhushan award”. Renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli also expressed his admiration, writing, “Ajith sir, congratulations on being conferred with the Padma Bhushan! The impact you’ve made both on and off the screen are truly inspiring.” Other actors, including Sivakarthikeyan, Allu Arjun, Dhanush, and Vijay Deverakonda, shared their heartfelt congratulations. Sivakarthikeyan praised Ajith’s journey, describing it as “truly deserving,” while Deverakonda sent his best wishes, noting the actor’s inspiring achievements.
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Ajith Kumar, known for his impactful roles in Tamil cinema, expressed deep gratitude in a heartfelt note issued by his publicist. He penned, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the esteemed Padma Award from the President of India. My sincere thanks go to President Smt Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this prestigious recognition”. He further acknowledged the collective support of many who have contributed to his journey, including his colleagues in the film industry, motor racing fraternity, and shooting community. He added, “This recognition is not just a personal accolade but a testament to the collective efforts of many who have inspired and supported me along the way”.
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In his note, Ajith Kumar also extended gratitude to his family. He fondly remembered his late father, wishing he could have seen the moment. He wrote, “I like to think he would be proud that his spirit and legacy live on in all that I do”. He also expressed deep appreciation for his wife, Shalini, and children, Anoushka and Aadvik, whose love and support have been a cornerstone of his success. Ajith Kumar’s illustrious career, spanning over three decades, has seen him act in over 60 films. Known for his roles in films like Mankatha, Billa, and Varalaaru, he has become a beloved figure in Tamil cinema. In addition to his cinematic contributions, his achievements aslo include securing third place in the recently concluded Dubai 24H race as part of his racing team, showcasing his passion for motorsports alongside acting.
Ajith’s Padma Bhushan Award is not only a recognition of his work in cinema but also a reflection of his diverse talents and dedication to various causes. In addition to Ajith, the Padma Bhushan was also awarded to film producer and politician Nandamuri Balakrishna, Bharatnatyam exponent Shobana Chandrakumar, and veteran director Shekhar Kapur. The Padma Shri, another prestigious award, was given to figures such as cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin and culinary expert K Damodaran, among others. As Ajith Kumar prepares for his next film, Vidaamuyarchi, slated for release on February 6, this honour marks a significant milestone in his journey, one that continues to inspire millions around the world.
