‘Was even asked to change my name because it wasn’t familiar enough’: Ajith Kumar

Kozhikode: The calm before the roar — that’s perhaps the best way to describe Ajith Kumar today. On one side of his life, there are film sets filled with lights, chaos, and fan frenzy.

On the other hand, the quiet intensity of a racetrack where only focus and reflex matter. Between these two worlds, the Tamil superstar has found his balance — and his peace.

Sitting down for a rare and candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Ajith looks back on his 33-year journey in cinema with the kind of humility that only time — and turbulence — can bring.

“I put my heart and soul into everything,” he says softly. Gratitude, not glamour, defines his tone. It’s easy to forget that the man now revered as Thala didn’t begin as the industry’s golden boy.

“I couldn’t speak Tamil properly; I had an accent,” he recalls. “People even asked me to change my name because they felt it wasn’t familiar enough. But I insisted I wouldn’t.” It was a small act of rebellion that would shape his identity — and, in a way, his destiny.

Ajith’s success, like his driving, was never about speed; it was about endurance. “There were a lot of challenges. I overcame everything,” he says, matter-of-factly.

Over the years, he’s carved a rare dual life — acclaimed actor and professional racer — balancing passion and perseverance with almost mechanical precision.

“Even when it comes to racing, I’m probably working as hard as a 19-year-old wanting to make it a career,” he laughs. From the Formula BMW Asia Championship to the Formula 2 series, Ajith has competed across Europe and Asia.

Earlier this year, he launched Ajith Kumar Racing, hoping to take motorsport to a wider Indian audience. “If it happens organically, I’m okay,” he smiles. “Any way we can popularise the sport?”

Yet behind that drive lies a quieter foundation — his family. His wife, Shalini, has been his constant through fame’s dizzying highs and lonely lows.

“I don’t think I’m an easy person to live with,” he admits. “I’ve put her through a lot of hard times, but she’s been incredibly supportive. Till the kids came along, she would travel with me for my races.”

Their two children, a daughter of 17 and a son of 11, share his competitive streak. “My son plays football, my daughter loves badminton. They’re also good vocalists and play the piano,” he says with pride. “Sports and music help you develop personality — not just education.”

But even for someone as self-assured as Ajith, fame remains a paradox. “In terms of comfort and lifestyle, fame gives you a lot,” he reflects.

“However, the things that really matter — it takes away all that from you. I can’t go drop my son off at school. There have been times I was politely asked to leave.”

After the success of ‘Good Bad Ugly’, directed by Adhik Ravichandran, the duo is set to reunite for ‘AK64’, a project Ajith says will begin once the racing season ends in March. “I may start filming in a couple of months,” he confirms.

For now, though, his focus is on the track — the place where noise turns to clarity. Because for Ajith Kumar, both on screen and off, it’s never been about the spotlight. It’s always been about staying true to the road ahead.