Actor Ajith Kumar was honoured with the Padma Bhushan award on Monday by President Dropdi Murmu. Talking about the award, the Good Bad Ugly star shared that it still hasn’t sunk in. “I’m still a plain middle-class person at heart, and it feels so surreal to be here and experiencing all these emotions. I’m happy and overwhelmed,” shared the actor in an interview with India Today.
AK, as fondly called by his fans, attended the award ceremony which took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi with his wife, Shalini, and their children Anoushka and Aadvik.
He added, “At first, I was overwhelmed, but I believe moments like these inspire you – or at least reassure you – that you’re on the right path and should continue doing what you’ve been doing all these years. I feel I’m on the right track, so I focus on my work, stick to my work ethic, and move forward.”
Ajith Kumar also credited his wife, Shalini Ajith, for his success and expressed her gratitude to the universe. “I am grateful to my family for their support. Shalini made so many sacrifices. She’s been my pillar.”
Ajith Kumar’s wife Shalini was a child artist and received immense praise as a lead actor for her roles in Jagadeka Veerudu, Alai Payuthey and Kannukkul Nilavu. In 2000, she tied the knot with Ajith.
Ajith also shed light on Shalini’s efforts and sacrifices for his career and, revealed, “I am not trying to sound politically correct here. I mean it in every sense. She was very popular and was loved by the people. And for her to just you know…take a backseat. There were times when my decisions were probably not the right decisions. But she still stood by me, not discouraging me, and stood by my side during the tough times.”
The actor also added in his interview, “I’m extremely grateful to the universe. Everyone who has been with me through some great, difficult times. And my fans who have given me unconditional love through good days and bad days. Things have been good, so I hope it remains this way.”
The 53-year-old actor was asked whether staying grounded is his secret to success, and he shared that he is simply an actor, and it’s just another job for which he gets paid. Ajith Kumar also shared that he doesn’t prefer being called a ‘superstar’.
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“I don’t believe in all these suffixes added to your name. I prefer being called Ajith, AK, or whatever. It’s just another job. I’m an actor by profession, and I get paid for my work. Fame and fortune are byproducts of what you do. I love my job, and I love what I’ve been doing for the past 33 years. I try to keep my life as simple as I can. I avoid overthinking, don’t take on too many projects at once, and focus on my other hobbies and passions,” he shared.
On the work front, Ajith Kumar was last seen in Good Bad Ugly. The actor is also known for his achievements in motorsports.
