Ajith Kumar (born 1 May 1971 in Secunderabad, Andra Pradesh, India) is an Indian film actor, considered one of the leading actors of the Tamil film industry.He began his career as a supporting actor in a Telugu film before gaining critical recognition in the thriller Aasai (1995). A succession of successful films followed where Ajith was usually depicted as a romantic hero, with Kadhal Kottai (1996) and Kadhal Mannan (1998) being the most notable. Since the turn of the century. Ajith forayed into method acting, seen in his Vaali, Mugavari and Kandukondain Kandukondain, before establishing himself as an action hero with popular films including Villain, Varalaru and Billa.

Often praised for his performances, he has won three Filmfare Best Actor Awards in Tamil, all three for films which showcased him in multiple roles. Ajith performs predominantly in leading roles in major studio films, ranging from romantic comedies and drama to action thrillers. In addition to his acting, Ajith in a sabbatical, participated in the 2004 British Formula Three season as a race driver for a minor outfit, and was ranked the third best motor car driver in India at his peak. Ajith remains a popular figure in the media of Tamil Nadu, making headlines for his relationships before his marriage to actress Shalini, his long-running media-built rivalry with fellow actor Vijay as well as the controversial bust-up with film director Bala, post-Ajith‘s withdrawal from Naan Kadavul.