Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Jan 26: Tamil actor Ajith Kumar, who was conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award by the President of India, expressed deep gratitude and humility, calling the recognition a shared triumph with his fans, supporters, and colleagues.
In a heartfelt statement released through his publicist on X, Ajith said, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the esteemed Padma Award by the President of India. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon'ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this prestigious honour. It is a privilege to be recognized at such a level, and I am truly grateful for this generous acknowledgment of my contributions to our nation.”
Acknowledging the collective efforts behind his success, Ajith extended his thanks to colleagues in the film industry, the motor racing community, and the rifle shooting fraternity. He credited their inspiration, collaboration, and encouragement for shaping his journey.
Ajith expressed gratitude to the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), the National Rifle Association of India, and the Chennai Rifle Club for their unwavering support.
Reflecting on his personal life, Ajith thanked his family, beginning with his late father, saying, “I wish my late father had lived to see this day. Yet, I like to think he would be proud that his spirit and legacy live on in all that I do.” He also thanked his mother for her unconditional love and sacrifices.
The actor paid a touching tribute to his wife, Shalini, and their nearly 25 years of companionship, calling her partnership a cornerstone of his success. He also acknowledged the love and inspiration of his children, Anoushka and Aadvik, as his guiding light and motivation to live right.
Ajith ended his message by dedicating the award to his fans and well-wishers, stating, “To all my fans, supporters, and well-wishers: Your unwavering love and support have fuelled my passion and dedication. This award is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you all for this incredible honour and for being part of this journey. I am committed to continuing to serve with integrity and passion and wish you all just as well on your own journeys.”
The Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, is a testament to Ajith’s multifaceted contributions, not just to cinema but also to the fields of motorsports and rifle shooting. Fans across the globe celebrated the honour, recognizing the actor’s unwavering dedication and versatile achievements.