What's your message to Ajith on his 42nd birthday?

Ajith Kumar, the heartthrob of masses, is turning a year older tomorrow (May 1). The actor, who is fondly called by the name Thala, is staying away from Chennai as he his busy shooting his 53rd film directed by Vishnuvardhan in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Nonetheless, it will be a festive time for the fans of Vaali star.

A one-time bike mechanic has an inspiring journey as an actor. An ambitious bike racer miraculously transformed himself as an actor and became a star. But it was not a bed of roses for him when he choose the film land. He started his career with an ill-fated Telugu film, which was halted midway following the death of the director and his first film which saw the light of day was Prema Pustakam in 1992.

After the debut Telugu film, he suffered an accident and he was forced to undergo three major surgeries. The incident took Ajith's one and half years away as he was advised to be in bed rest. The break made him stronger and he decided to test his luck in Tamil films with Paasamalargal starring Arvind Swamy. He did the roles of supporting characters till 1995 of which he was also seen in the character role in Illayathalapathy Vijay's Rajavin Parvaiyile.

The sign of success started after he was part of Vasanth's Aasai produced by none other than Mani Ratnam. The Thala's second major hit came in the form of National Award winning Kadhal Kottai, in which he reunited with Agathiyan, the director of the earlier project Vaanmathi. He rose to stardom after 1999 where he delivered six hits in the next two years. Vaali, Mugavaree and Kandukondain Kandukondain took him to new heights. Continue reading on the slideshow...

Ajith Kumar

Ajith Kumar became Thala (Meaning Leader) to his fans in AR Murugadoss directorial Dheena. The film entirely brought him a new mass image, thereby winning the hearts of millions. He tasted quite a few hits before delivering a series of flops in the next few years.

Ajith

To add salt to injury, he turned down few good offers including blockbusters like Saamy, Kaakha Kaakha and Ghajini and he made a few wrong choices. Of the five films released between 2003-05 his only Box-Office hit was Attagasam.

Ajith

Like a phoenix raising from the ashes, Ajith Kumar made his successful comeback with KS Ravikumar's Varalaru in 2006 and silenced the critics, who had by then declared that his career was finished.

Ajith

In the next few years, Ajith Kumar delivered hits like Kireedam, Billa and Mankatha. Well, in spite of facing a lots of ups and down, the actor continues to be one of the most sought-after star in Tamil film industry today.

Ajith

Ajith Kumar, who is busy with Vishnuvardhan and has also signed Siruthai Siva's untitled film, is celebrating his 42nd birthday on May 1.

Ajith

We, at Oneindia, wish him a very happy birthday and hope that he would take Tamil films to never-before level in the coming years and get success in every phase of his life.

What would you like to wish him on his birthday? What kind of role he should be doing in the coming years? Share with us and drop your message in the comment box.