Ajith Kumar has praised Thalapathy Vijay for his efforts to promote sports in Tamil Nadu, with the two former film colleagues now sharing the spotlight at Silverstone in a very different setting. Speaking in London, Ajith welcomed Vijay’s visit to the iconic racing circuit and expressed his wish to see international-level motorsport events being hosted in Chennai.Vijay, who is now the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, is in the UK as part of his official engagements and is set to ceremonially flag off the Michelin Le Mans Cup race at Silverstone. Ajith, meanwhile, is competing in the event, adding another interesting chapter to the decades-long association between the two Tamil cinema stars.
Ajith Kumar praises Vijay as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
Speaking about Vijay’s visit to Silverstone, Ajith Kumar thanked him for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the racing event. Ajith referred to their long association in the film industry and said he was happy to see Vijay take on his new role in public life.“I thank C Joseph Vijay for taking time off his busy schedule to visit us. We have been colleagues in the film industry for many years, and I’m very happy for him that he is now the Chief Minister-elect. I’m glad that he accepted the invitation to come and see us,” Ajith said.Ajith also highlighted the Tamil Nadu government’s focus on developing sports and welcomed Vijay’s presence at an international motorsport event.“In Tamil Nadu, the government led by Chief Minister Vijay is taking several efforts to improve the sports sector. Despite his busy work schedule, Chief Minister Vijay has come here,” he said.
Ajith wants Chennai to have a Silverstone-like racing facility
Ajith also spoke about his hopes for the development of motorsport infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. He revealed that Vijay is interested in creating a racing facility in Chennai inspired by Silverstone.“Chief Minister Vijay is interested in creating something like the Silverstone racing track in Chennai. It is my wish that competitions like those held here in London should also take place in Chennai,” Ajith said.The remarks come at a time when motorsport has become an important part of Ajith’s professional life. The actor has continued to compete internationally, while Vijay has transitioned from being one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars to leading the Tamil Nadu government.
Vijay to flag off Ajith’s Silverstone race
Vijay’s visit to Silverstone has added further interest to the Michelin Le Mans Cup event. He is scheduled to wave the ceremonial green flag for the race, in which Ajith is competing. The development has also generated considerable excitement among fans of both actors, who have often been positioned as rivals despite their longstanding professional association. Current reports have described Vijay’s gesture of supporting Indian drivers, including Ajith, as a significant moment for their respective fan bases.
Vijay and Ajith’s connection goes back three decades
Ajith and Vijay have shared a long association with Tamil cinema. The actors appeared together in the 1995 film ‘Rajavin Parvaiyile’, when both were still establishing themselves in the industry. Over the following decades, they emerged as two of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars. Their respective fan bases have often treated them as rivals, particularly on social media, but the actors have maintained professional respect for each other.