Ajith entered the tinsel world at the age of 21 debuting in a Telegu movie
'Prema Pustagam' (1992) produced by Poorna Chandra Rao. The film which was a
success earned him the 'Best New Face award' and paved the way for his entry
into Tamil films. But, though his first film in Tamil 'Amaravati' (1993)
directed by Ramesh Kumar did well, Ajith got involved in a motor bike accident
by the time of its release. His spinal cord was badly affected which made him
bed-ridden for weeks. Hence his second Tamil film 'Pavithra'(1994) got delayed
for 17 months. The Tamil film industry wrote him off, but then came the super
hit movie 'Aasai' (1995), which proved a turning point in his film career. It
was 'Aasai'(1995) and the National Award Winner 'Kathal Kottai' (1996)
directed by Agathiyan that elevated his career graph to the top.
The following years saw a string of flops, except for a few films such as 'Aval
Varuvala' (1998), 'Amarkalam' (1998), until the mega block buster 'Vaali' in
1999 which put him back in the superstar league and fetched him the Filmfare
Best actor award that year. Throughout the Nineties, he acted in many
successful movies in guest appearances and one remarkable feature was that his
films during the period has picked up at least one award every year. And
almost all his films have been dubbed or remade into Telugu.
It was in 'Amarkalam' that he was paired for the first time with Shalini,
his future wife to be. They later got married and is blessed with a baby girl,
Anoushka.
In the year 2000, he was cast alongside Mammooty and Aishwarya Rai in 'Kandukondain
Kandukondain'(2000) which was impressive and played a supporting role in
Shahrukh Khan's 'Asoka' (2001). He received Filmfare Best actor award for
Villain in 2002. In the movie 'Varalaru' (2006) he played triple roles which
include a role inspired by a Bharathanatyam dancer with feminine qualities.
Directed by K S Ravikumar, the movie produced by NIC Arts Chakravarthy went on
to complete a 100-days in 25 screens. The role got him a Film fare award for
Best Actor for the third time. In 2007, his performance in the remake movie 'Billa'(2007)
marked a new high in his acting career. Ajith has set up his own distribution
company AK International.
Besides films, he has dabbled with photography, has a pilot license and is
the third Indian to take part in International Formula 3 race competitions. In
fact he has a passion for motor car racing. Ajith also takes an active part of
social service field and has created a non-profit organisation named
Mohini-Mani Foundation in memory of his parents. He is an ambassador for the
Green Revolution, the organisation which makes an effort to clean up the
Chennai environment and encourage people to plant saplings.
Ajith was the only self-made hero in the Nineties who survived and
prospered without any filmy background whatsoever. Personally, Ajith the star
who has a huge fan following worldwide is very down to earth in nature and is
much appreciated for his kindness and confidence.