Tamil cinema icon Ajith Kumar was honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, at a grand ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday. The award was presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, recognizing Ajith’s immense contribution to Indian cinema over the last three decades.
30+ Years of Cinematic Excellence
Ajith Kumar, known for his versatility and enduring popularity, has acted in over 60 films across a stellar career that began in the early 1990s. His first appearance came in 1990’s En Veedu En Kanavar, with his breakthrough as a lead actor arriving in 1993 with Amaravathi. Initially noted for his romantic roles, Ajith seamlessly transitioned into action-packed performances in films like Amarkalam, Dheena, and Citizen.
His performances in Varalaaru, Billa, Mankatha, and Vedalam have solidified his place as one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars. A recipient of three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and the Kalaimamani award, Ajith is widely respected not just for his acting, but also for his off-screen humility and discipline.
Recent Works and Personal Achievements
Ajith was recently seen in Vidaamuyarchi, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, and Good Bad Ugly, helmed by Adhik Ravichandran. Apart from his film career, Ajith is also a state-level shooting champion and a professional motorsport racer.
On April 20, Ajith’s racing team, Ajith Kumar Racing, secured second place at the iconic Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, marking a significant achievement in his sports career.
Ajith’s Statement on Receiving the Honour
Back in January, following the announcement of the Padma awards, Ajith expressed heartfelt gratitude for being recognised by the Government of India.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the esteemed Padma Award from the President of India. This recognition is not just a personal accolade but a testament to the collective efforts and support of many,” he said.
Other Celebrities Awarded
The Padma Awards 2024 ceremony also saw notable personalities from Indian cinema being honoured. Actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna and acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur were also conferred the Padma Bhushan.
From the entertainment world, Anant Nag, Shobana Chandrakumar, and Ricky Kej received Padma awards for their outstanding contributions.
Posthumously, the Padma Vibhushan was awarded to celebrated Malayalam author and screenwriter M. T. Vasudevan Nair, and legendary singer Pankaj Udhas.
About the Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours in India, given in three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service)
- Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order)
- Padma Shri (for distinguished service)
These awards span across various disciplines including art, literature, science, public affairs, and social work.
