Ajith Kumar's Good Bad Ugly gears up for UAE release, but this rare interview with the Tamil superstar? Still undefeated

Dubai: Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar returns to the big screen this Friday, April 10th, with Good Bad Ugly — a high-octane action spectacle packed with bombastic one-liners, larger-than-life standoffs, souped-up car explosions, and a star cast including Trisha that promises fireworks at the box office.

In the pulpy trailer, Ajith’s character softly growls, “"I gave up smoking for my sake, I gave up drinking for my wife's sake, and I gave up violence for my son's sake. But if my son is at risk, I would have to go back to what I have given up, wouldn't I?." As if on cue, cars explode and bodies fly — reminding audiences that he’s as much a force of nature on screen as he is off it.

But away from the cinematic chaos, in a rare and revealing interview at the Dubai 24H Race, the 53-year-old actor and professional race car driver cut a far more grounded figure.

“Success is like a wild horse. If you can’t tame it, it will throw you off,” said Ajith, moments after finishing an intense racing stint and securing third place at the endurance event.

Seated in his private suite overlooking the track, Ajith was visibly fatigued but calm, sipping water and speaking with the same intensity that defines his films.

“I do racing for the soul. It soothes me,” he said. “Sports and travel recharge me. They give me a reason to return to work with enthusiasm.”

While his fans worship him as Thala (leader), Ajith himself is disarmingly humble — even urging his admirers not to idolise him. “I’m still trying to be a better person every day. I have my share of flaws, like everyone else.” Here's a look back on this milestone interview in Dubai ...

Unlike cinema, where multiple takes are allowed, racing allows for no retakes, he explains. “Once you’re in the car, you focus on braking lines and the track. One moment of distraction can maim or kill you.”

That discipline, he says, comes from having the right people around him. “Whether it’s racing or films, you need a coach, a trainer, even spiritual guidance. And most importantly, the support of family. I couldn’t do what I do without my wife Shalini, my children, and my siblings.”

He is quick to draw a firm line between his profession and the growing trend of reckless driving among youngsters. “Racing is a controlled environment with trained marshals and medics. Irresponsible road driving can cost lives.” He recalled a close friend who suffered permanent injury after being mishandled at the scene of an accident. “People think they’re helping, but they might be doing more harm. Victims should be left to medics.”

As a father to two lovely children, Ajith is committed to passing on life lessons — through sport. He believes the best lessons in life come from travel and sports.

"Travel teaches empathy. Sports teach you to handle both success and failure with grace.”

He quotes a line that stayed with him: “Religion makes you hate people you have never met.” That, he says, is why travel is vital — it shrinks the world and stretches your compassion.

Social media, however, is a space Ajith keeps his distance from. “It’s affecting everyone — not just celebrities. Mental health is as important as physical health. Our great-grandchildren won’t remember our names, so why spread hate?”

Ajith is not one to chase fame. Instead, he values alignment between ambition and ability.

“Some are talented but not ambitious, others ambitious but unskilled. Develop your skills to match your ambition — and always prepare for the consequences of your choices.”

As he signed off, he left a message for fans that echoed his on-screen gravitas but off-screen wisdom. He urged his fans and his peer Vijay's loyalists not to dwell on negativity or spent their precious time fighting one another.

“Live for the moment. Don’t dwell on the past or worry too much about the future. Work hard, stay mentally and physically fit, and be kind. That’s all that matters ... You guys keep saying Hail Ajilth or Hail Vijay, but when you start hailing your life."

As Good Bad Ugly rolls into UAE cinemas this weekend, this rare glimpse into Ajith Kumar’s world reminds us that behind the superstar is a deeply thoughtful man — still racing, still learning, still grounded.