I wish my late father was alive to see this day: Ajit Kumar on Padma Bhushan honour.
Ajit Kumar was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour, on 25 January. In his statement, he thanked the film industry, motor racing fraternity, sports pistol and rifle shooting community, his friends and family.

Tamil actor Ajith Kumar was awarded the Padma Bhushan on the eve of Republic Day. The Padma Awards for 2025 were announced on January 25. The actor shared a thank you note through his publicist and expressed his gratitude. The actor wished that his late father P Subramaniam was alive to see this day. He thanked the Government of India, cinema, motor racing, sports and rifle shooting community for this Padma Bhushan Award,
He also thanked his mother Mohini, wife Shalini and children Anushka and Advik for being pillars of support in his journey as an actor, racer and shooter.
“I am extremely grateful and honored to receive the Padma Award conferred by the President of India. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu and the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this prestigious honour. It is a privilege to be recognized, and I am truly grateful for this generous acknowledgment of my contribution to our nation,” his statement read.
Ajit Kumar noted that he has a long list of people to thank – “At the same time, I am mindful that this recognition is not just an individual accolade, but an acknowledgment of the collective efforts and support of many people. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my esteemed seniors, various colleagues and members of the film industry who have played a vital role in my journey in pursuing my passions. ).”
The Thunivu actor excelled in other subjects as well. Known as a man of versatile talent, Ajit tried his hand in motor racingRifle and pistol shooting, photography, and aeromodeling, to name a few.
“I am also grateful for the support of the motor racing fraternity and the sports pistol and rifle shooting community over the years. I thank the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI),” he said. Thanks to Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), National Rifle Association of India and Chennai Rifle Club for encouraging the sport and the community of sportspersons.”
Talking about his family and friends, he wrote, “Your love and support have been both a refuge and a source of strength. I wish my late father had lived to see this day. Still, I think he would be proud. That her spirit and legacy lives on in everything I do. I want to thank my mother for her selfless love and sacrifices that enabled me to become all I could.”
Thanking his wife and former actor Shalini, he wrote, “To Shalini, my wife and partner of nearly 25 wonderful years: Your partnership has been my joy and the cornerstone of my success. And to my children, Anushka and Advik: You are my Are proud.” And the light of my life, inspiring me to do good and set an example to live the right way.”
“Finally, to all my fans, supporters and well-wishers: Your unwavering love and support has fueled my passion and dedication. This award is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you for this incredible honor and for being a part of it. Thank you all, I am committed to continue serving with integrity and passion in this journey and wish you all the best in your journey,” he concluded his note.
On the work front, Ajith Kumar is gearing up for the release of director Magizh Thirumeni’s Vidamuyarchi, which will release in theaters on February 6Her next release is director Adhik Ravichandran’s Good Bad Ugly, which will release on April 10. Meanwhile, his racing team (Ajit Kumar Racing Team) finished third in the Dubai 24H racing event. He will be competing in an international running competition in Portugal in a few weeks.