Ajith Kumar, the prominent Tamil actor, has revealed that his passion for racing was deeply inspired by Subash Chandra Bose. He shared how the iconic freedom fighter's spirit of determination and unwavering pursuit of his goals resonated with him, fueling his own aspirations to conquer the motorsport arena.
Ajith's journey into racing began in his late teens, around the age of 18, when he started with motorcycle racing back in India. However, his burgeoning acting career soon took precedence, leading him away from the tracks. It wasn't until he was 32 that he decided to reignite his passion, this time switching to four-wheeled racing. Despite his love for the sport, Ajith faced financial constraints. He recounted how his parents, while supportive, were not in a position to fund his expensive hobby. His father, P. Subramaniam, encouraged him to find sponsors to support his racing dreams. This instilled in Ajith a sense of responsibility and resourcefulness, pushing him to explore ways to finance his passion.
"I started by racing bikes because it was more affordable," Ajith explained. "I'm very grateful that I had parents who weren't opposed to my participation. But my father, very honestly, told me, 'Look, Ajith, it's a very expensive sport. I may not be able to support you. But if you find your sponsors and can find a way around it, go ahead.'" He further added that his parents were firm that since he dropped out of school, he either needed to get a degree or start working. He chose to work.
Ajith's dedication to racing is evident in his participation in various national and international championships. He has competed in circuits across India, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi, and has also raced abroad in Germany and Malaysia. In 2003, he drove in the Formula Asia BMW Championships, and in 2010, he participated in the FIA Formula Two Championship alongside other Indian racers.
In 2025, after a 15-year hiatus, Ajith made a comeback to racing with his own team, Ajith Kumar Racing, debuting in the FIA 24H Series. He reportedly shed 25 kilograms in preparation for the race, demonstrating his commitment to the sport. His team secured third place in the 991 category, and he received the Spirit of the Race recognition in the GT4 category.
Balancing his acting career with his racing pursuits has been a challenge, but Ajith has found a way to manage both. He has stated that he will not be signing any films during the racing season, dedicating his time to motorsports. During the break between October and March, he plans to focus on his acting commitments, ensuring that he can give his full attention to both fields.
Ajith's racing journey has not been without its challenges. He was involved in a car crash in Dubai in February 2025 during a practice session. However, he remains undeterred, stating that he finds motor racing safer than driving on the roads. His passion for racing and his commitment to his team are unwavering.
Ajith Kumar's story is one of inspiration, demonstrating how a childhood dream, fueled by the ideals of a national hero, can be pursued with dedication and perseverance, even amidst a successful acting career. His journey exemplifies the spirit of Subash Chandra Bose, who inspired countless Indians to strive for their goals with unwavering determination.
