Ajith: 23 years in Kollywood and still the undisputed Thala

Twenty-three years is a long time in the fickle world of South Indian cinema. Only a few last two decades and more and Ajith is one of the rare few. No wonder Thala fans are celebrating with #23yearsofAjithism. The low-profile star’s massive popularity isn’t just about his on-screen heroics, but his real life personal too.

Here’s what makes Ajith so very cool.

1. He’s got the look

Ajith Kumar is without doubt one of the best looking heroes in Kollywood today. Tall, fair and handsome, he just gets better with age and is a fab-looking 43 now.

2. Style boss

Ajith’s sense of style is effortless, whether he’s sporting a superbly tailored suit or white veshti and shirt as he did in Veeram. Costume designer Anu Vardhan, who worked with him on Aarrambam, has said Ajith is a star who can carry off any outfit with flair.

3. Mr. Nice Guy

Stories abound, from directors to spot boys and starlets, on how well Ajith treats everyone he interacts with. Here’s what Trisha, his co-star in Yennai Arindhaal said: “Can’t stop talking if you ask me to say a few words about Ajith. He is someone who treats everyone on the sets, including a light boy or tea vendor, equally. I still wonder how he does that! Soon after he reaches the sets, Ajith looks if there is anyone in need of help and soon goes in that direction to do his bit. Most importantly, He knows how to respect women.”

4. Need for speed

The only Indian actor to have participated in Formula championships, Ajith is a racing fiend. Most recently, he raced in the 2010 Formula 2 Championship. He’s as crazy about bikes as racing cars and his latest acquisition is the BMW S1000RR which he drove from Pune to Chennai.

5. Support for social causes

His bike ride was also intended to send out a message for safe and responsible riding. Ajith supports scores of other philanthropic initiatives and social causes, but ensures there’s no publicity around any of it.

6. Low-profile star

While his contemporaries pull out all the stops to promote their movies, including appearing back-to-back on TV shows, Ajith stays completely away from publicity. In the last few years, he’s never been seen giving interviews or appearing in promos for upcoming films – all of which only adds to his aura and star appeal.

7. A private man

Married to Shalini, who he met and courted during Amarkalam, Ajith ensures his private life remains just that. Very occasionally a photo of him with wife and daughter Anoushka makes it to the media and creates a huge buzz.

8. Silver streak

Kollywood actors try every trick in the book to defy and hide their age. Not so Ajith, who sports salt and pepper hair with such elan. We think that is ultra cool.

Also read

Yennai Arindhaal: Why Ajith’s fans are super thrilled

OMG, the very first glimpse of these star babies begins to trend on social media

Kollywood cafe: Southern superstars served hot on your plate!