On April 28, 2025, Tamil cinema icon Ajith Kumar was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This accolade recognizes his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema and his representation of India in international motorsports.
Ajith Kumar, affectionately known as “Thala” by his fans, attended the ceremony in a formal suit, accompanied by his family. He received the award with folded hands, expressing humility and gratitude. In a statement, he conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging the collective support from his colleagues and fans throughout his career.
The 2025 Padma Awards ceremony also celebrated other luminaries, including Nandamuri Balakrishna, Shekhar Kapur, Arijit Singh, and Ricky Kej. The late singer Pankaj Udhas was posthumously honored, with his wife accepting the award on his behalf.
Ajith Kumar’s recognition underscores his multifaceted contributions to the arts and sports, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
