From film sets to race tracks: Ajith Kumar’s New Journey

Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar, fondly called Thala by fans, has seamlessly shifted gears from the glitz of cinema to the thrill of the racetrack. In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter India , Ajith reflected on his remarkable 33-year journey in cinema, his humble beginnings, and his evolving passion for motorsport.

Ajith, who made his acting debut with Amaravathi , carved a distinct identity in Tamil cinema through a mix of perseverance and dedication. Though it took time for Telugu audiences to recognize him, the 1999 blockbuster Vaali directed by S.J. Suryah changed that. “In every phase of my career, I’ve always given my heart and focus,” Ajith shared.

Interestingly, few know that Ajith struggled with Tamil in his early years despite being a Tamil father and Hindi mother’s son. “My pronunciation wasn’t perfect, and I had no natural accent. But I practiced until I mastered it,” he recalled. He also revealed that many suggested he change his name at the beginning of his career advice he firmly rejected. “They said my name was unusual, but I wanted to stay true to myself,” he said with a smile.

Unlike many stars who rise with influential backing, Ajith built his reputation from the ground up through relentless effort, daily learning, and determination. “I’ve faced countless challenges, but each one taught me something new. Even today, I approach racing with the same spirit like a 19-year-old beginner eager to improve,” he said.

Ajith sees a deep connection between acting and racing. “Both demand discipline, teamwork, and focus. Whether it’s working with directors and technicians in cinema or with engineers and crew in motorsport collaboration is key,” he explained.

Despite completing over three decades in films and receiving the Padma Bhushan honour, Ajith continues to divide his time between shooting floors and racing circuits. His current goal? To boost motorsport’s presence in India and inspire more participation.

When asked about reports linking him to a Brad Pitt-style F1-themed remake, Ajith laughed and said, “If it happens naturally, why not? Anything that popularizes the sport is welcome.”

Fans can soon catch more of his inspiring journey as The Hollywood Reporter India plans to release the full interview as a documentary.

Ajith’s story stands as proof that true passion knows no boundaries whether on-screen or on the racetrack.