It was an evening filled with pride and emotion for Ajith Kumar, a cherished star of Tamil cinema, as he received the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, during a prestigious ceremony in New Delhi. The event took place at the majestic Ganatantra Mandap within Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the award in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Ajith, looking sharp in a classic black suit and crisp white shirt, accepted the accolade with his trademark humility, surrounded by his family.

The entire team at Venus Motorcycle Tours, Aspire World Tours, and Ajith Kumar Racing expressed their pride and congratulations via a heartfelt message from Ajith’s manager, Suresh Chandra, on X (formerly Twitter): “We are thrilled to congratulate our CEO, Mr. Ajith Kumar, on receiving the esteemed Padma Bhushan Award. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”

Since making his debut in ‘Amaravathi’ in 1993, Ajith has had an extraordinary career featuring iconic films like ‘Vaalee’, ‘Mugavari’, ‘Mankatha’, and ‘Yennai Arindhaal’. With a deep connection to his fans and a humble demeanor, his Padma Bhushan recognition resonates as a collective victory for millions who admire him.

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Earlier this year, upon the announcement of the Padma awardees, Ajith shared a heartfelt statement expressing his gratitude: “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the esteemed Padma Award. It’s a privilege to be acknowledged at this level, and I am genuinely grateful for this recognition of my contributions to our nation.”

Reflecting on his late father, Ajith expressed his wish that he could share this moment with him. “I believe he would be proud that his spirit and legacy live on in all that I do,” he said. He also extended his gratitude to his mother for her unwavering support, calling her the backbone of his journey.

Ajith recognized everyone who has supported him over the years, from fellow actors and filmmakers to the motor racing and shooting sports communities that he is passionate about. He thanked organizations such as the Madras Motor Sports Club and the Chennai Rifle Club for their encouragement.

In tribute to his wife Shalini, he stated, “Your partnership has been a joy and a cornerstone of my success.” He also mentioned his children, Anoushka and Aadvik, who he referred to as “the pride and light of my life” and his source of inspiration.

Singer-actor Cha Eun Woo is taking decisive action against online haters. Recently, several users have been posting malicious comments about the ‘True Beauty’ star, criticizing him for honoring his late ASTRO bandmate, Moonbin. Detractors claim that Cha Eun Woo is exploiting this tribute as a publicity stunt, seeking fame through Moonbin’s legacy. In response, ASTRO’s agency, Fantagio, has released an official statement indicating they will pursue legal action.

To commemorate Moonbin’s second death anniversary, Cha Eun Woo and his fellow ASTRO members—MJ, Jinjin, and Yoon San Ha—released a tribute song titled ‘Memory of the Moon,’ featuring contributions from 22 additional idols, including members from Stray Kids, MONSTA X, SEVENTEEN, and Moon Sua, Moonbin’s sister from Billie. However, this heartfelt gesture has been met with backlash from some netizens who accuse Eun Woo of self-serving intentions. Some even sent protest trucks and funeral wreaths to the agency.

Despite the negativity, Cha Eun Woo’s fans have rallied in support of him, sending supportive trucks with messages that read, “Cha Eun Woo has sacrificed so much for the team, yet he’s the one facing attacks. Why is Fantagio just standing by?” and “Fantagio, prioritize protecting Cha Eun Woo over profits. We are watching, so do your job.”

On April 25, Fantagio released an official statement addressing the issue of cyberbullying. “We are aware of the malicious slander, defamation, and unfounded rumors targeted at our artist. These actions go beyond mere criticism; they are illegal. We are currently monitoring the situation and preparing to take action. We are also gathering evidence, and we encourage fans to share any information they may have.”

The statement continued, emphasizing that spreading false information or malicious posts under anonymity constitutes a clear legal violation. Fans were urged to report any hate accounts through the agency’s official website and email. “We want to assure you that we will take strong measures against any infringement of our artists’ rights, and we sincerely thank you for your ongoing support.”

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has expressed his profound sorrow and anger in response to the horrific terrorist attack that occurred in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.
Speaking to ANI, the renowned actor did not shy away from voicing his outrage, referring to the incident as “shameful” and conveying his belief that justice will prevail.

“Such an act is utterly wrong; it’s truly shameful,” Nawazuddin stated. “There’s overwhelming sadness and anger. I trust that our government is addressing this seriously and will ensure that those responsible for this monstrous act are held accountable.”

The attack, which targeted tourists at Baisaran meadow, tragically resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national, leaving many others injured. It has been labeled one of the deadliest assaults in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, where 40 CRPF personnel were killed.
Having often praised the beauty and hospitality of Kashmir, Nawazuddin underscored the heartbreak felt not only by tourists but also by the local populace. He pointed out that the repercussions extend beyond economic impact — it’s a deeply personal loss for the Kashmiri people, known for their warmth and hospitality.

Also Read: Anupam Kher unveils ‘Tanvi The Great’ following tribute to Pahalgam victims

“Tourism has taken a significant hit,” he acknowledged. “However, what astounds me most is the profound anger among the locals. Kashmiris treat their visitors like family — the way they welcome others transcends monetary value. Visitors to Kashmir often return praising the kindness of its people, and justifiably so.”

He remarked that the violence is particularly devastating for locals, who feel enraged that such an atrocity could occur in their beloved land. “They are furious that this could happen on their soil,” he said, underlining the emotional impact of the attack on the community.

Despite the tragedy, Nawazuddin highlighted a positive outcome: the solidarity demonstrated by individuals across India. In times of grief, he observed, people of all religions and backgrounds have united, showcasing compassion and support.

“This incident has united the nation,” he reflected. “It fills me with pride. Regardless of whether one is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian, everyone stands together in moments of sorrow like this.”