Tamil actor and motorsports enthusiast Ajith Kumar took part in a 24-hour endurance race in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday through Ajith Kumar Racing. On the sidelines of the event, in an exclusive interview with India Today, Ajith spoke candidly about the sacrifices he has made in balancing his racing career with family life, giving full credit to his wife, Shalini, for her unwavering support.
Ajith on balancing family and racing
Ajith admitted that pursuing a career in motorsports has often come at the cost of family time. “There are so many things that Shalini is handling. If not for her support, I wouldn’t be able to do all this. Looking after the home, the children, when I am away, it is not just a sacrifice on my side. The children hardly get to see me, and I miss them as much as they miss me. These are the things that are never seen or understood. But when you love something so dearly, you have to make your sacrifices,” he said.
He highlighted how Shalini has been the backbone of the family while he focuses on racing. When the couple married in 2002, Ajith briefly returned to competitive racing, and Shalini accompanied him to events. Once their children Anoushka and Aadvik were born, she stepped back to manage the home and support their upbringing, allowing Ajith to continue his passion for motorsports without distractions.
Supporting children’s interests without pressure
Ajith also addressed questions about whether he intends to push his children into racing or acting. “My son loves it too – he’s started go-karting, but not on a serious level yet. I’ll give him time to decide if he really wants to pursue it. Be it films or racing, I would not want to force my views on them. I want them to come on their own and support them in every way possible,” he said, underlining his approach to parenting that prioritises choice and encouragement over pressure.
Ajith and Shalini’s journey together
The couple first met on the sets of Amarkalam in 1999, dated for a year, and married in 2000. Shalini, a former child actor who went on to play lead roles in films, chose to step away from the industry to focus on raising their children. Ajith has continued to juggle his film career and motorsports, with his most recent appearances in Vidaamuyarchi and Good Bad Ugly this year. His upcoming film projects, however, are yet to be announced.
Ajith’s remarks reflect the often unseen challenges of managing professional ambition alongside family responsibilities. The actor-racer credited Shalini’s support as pivotal, emphasising that his success in racing and films would not have been possible without her sacrifices.
Conclusion
Ajith Kumar’s candid interview not only highlights his dedication to motorsports but also showcases the vital role of family support in pursuing one’s passion. His thoughtful approach to parenting and respect for his wife’s contributions underscore a balance between personal ambition and familial responsibilities—a sentiment that resonates with fans across India.