Entertainment

Ajith Kumar Graces The Hollywood Reporter India Cover: Where Speed Meets Stillness


In a visual narrative that fuses motion with mindfulness, The Hollywood Reporter India has unveiled its November 2025 cover featuring Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar — and it’s nothing short of striking. Photographed by Ben Cope at the Dubai Autodrome, the image captures Ajith leaning casually against a fiery red McLaren, dressed in a pristine white racing suit that gleams under the desert light. The tagline across the cover — “speed and stillness coexist” — could not have been more apt for a man whose life perfectly balances adrenaline with introspection.

Ajith Kumar’s career has long defied conventional definitions. With over 60 films spanning genres and decades, he has built a cinematic legacy defined by precision, grace, and authenticity. Yet away from the spotlight, his passion burns equally bright on the racetrack. As a professional racer, Ajith’s dedication is as intense as his artistry — his pursuit of excellence extending beyond scripts and sets to the roaring engines of motorsport.

In 2025, Ajith achieved a personal milestone when he secured a third-place finish in the European Endurance Championship’s AM Class, competing with his own Ajith Kumar Racing team. It was not merely a celebrity venture but a genuine, hard-earned podium — the culmination of years of discipline, strategy, and respect for the sport. This achievement, combined with his film success, embodies the unique duality that the THR India cover seeks to express: the rare harmony of thrill and tranquility.

Ben Cope’s lens brings this balance to life with cinematic precision. The Dubai Autodrome — a track that has hosted some of the most exhilarating races in the world — serves as both literal and symbolic backdrop. The gleam of the McLaren mirrors Ajith’s velocity and drive, while his composed stance reveals an almost meditative calm. Every element of the shot feels deliberate: the crisp white of his suit against the vivid red of the car, the steel-gray track beneath his feet, and the warm desert hues that blur the boundary between stillness and speed.

Ajith has often been described as an actor who lives by instinct rather than spectacle. His on-screen persona — quiet, dignified, commanding — mirrors his real-world approach to life. Off-screen, he is known for his humility, privacy, and philosophical view of success. His love of racing is not a distraction from his career but a reflection of it: both demand control, focus, and surrender to the present moment. The racetrack, like the film set, becomes a stage for self-mastery.

The Hollywood Reporter India’s November issue celebrates not just Ajith the star, but Ajith the man — someone who sees no conflict between speed and serenity, ambition and balance. The cover, while glossy and grand, carries a subtle message about identity: that one can live passionately without losing peace, chase excellence without sacrificing authenticity, and embody movement while remaining still at the core.

As the issue hits stands, the image of Ajith Kumar standing tall at the Dubai Autodrome transcends celebrity — it becomes a metaphor. It tells a story of evolution, of how a man who once ruled the screen continues to challenge himself beyond it. It’s not simply about fame or sport; it’s about a philosophy of life that understands that real power lies in equilibrium.

In the union of speed and stillness, Ajith Kumar doesn’t just race or act — he exists in perfect sync. And in doing so, he offers a timeless reminder: greatness isn’t about motion or rest alone; it’s about the grace of holding both in harmony.

Sports

Diana Pundole to Make History as the First Indian Woman to Race a Ferrari Internationally


Indian motorsport is set to witness a historic moment as Diana Pundole, a 32-year-old racer from Pune, becomes the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari internationally. Beginning November 2025, she will take part in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, driving the powerful Ferrari 296 Challenge — a track-only, high-performance machine from the legendary Italian marque.

The championship will run from November 2025 to April 2026, featuring races across some of the most iconic Formula One circuits in the Middle East — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

“It’s truly an incredible honour,” said Pundole. “Being part of the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East as the first Indian woman is a proud moment not just for me but for women in Indian motorsport. I hope it encourages more women to pursue their passion for racing.”

Pundole began her racing journey in 2018 through the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport program, where she quickly stood out for her competitive spirit and multiple podium finishes. Since then, she has continued to make her mark in Indian motorsport, earning respect for her discipline and technical skill behind the wheel.

Now, her participation in the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East represents a major milestone for Indian women in racing — and a proud moment for the country’s growing motorsport community.

With her signature blend of determination and talent, Diana Pundole is not only racing a Ferrari — she’s racing into history.

Sports

Vaibhav Marathe, Goa’s Elite National Motocross Champion, Wins ₹1 Lakh Cash Prize at the Asia Pacific Rally Championship


Chennai, April 27, 2025 – Goa’s proud motorsport talent, Shri Vaibhav Marathe, an elite National Motocross and INRC Champion, made a mark at the prestigious Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) held from April 25–27, 2025, at the world-class Madras International Circuit, hosted by the esteemed Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC).

The event, officially titled the Indu Chandhok Memorial Champions Trophy, was sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) as part of the prestigious APRC calendar, attracting top drivers from across the Asia-Pacific region.

This year, Goa had strong representation, with Shri Vaibhav Marathe leading the way. Known for his exceptional skills, speed, and consistency, Vaibhav delivered a commendable performance over the three-day event. The rally featured a challenging mix of high-speed circuit runs and demanding gravel stages, thoroughly testing the technical abilities of both drivers and machines.

Although narrowly missing a podium finish, Vaibhav showcased outstanding grit and resilience, ultimately securing a 5th place in the overall standings. His performance earned him a cash prize of ₹1 lakh (awarded as ₹50,000 + ₹50,000). This remarkable achievement further cements his reputation as one of Goa’s most promising motorsport talents.

Other Goan participants, including Mr. Aditya Naik and Mr. Omkar Naik, also exhibited strong performances. Unfortunately, both faced technical setbacks; Aditya Naik’s car suffered a major breakdown midway through the race, forcing him to withdraw, and Omkar Naik faced a similar fate.

The Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Govind Gaude, graced the event as the Chief Guest at the prize distribution ceremony. He was warmly welcomed by Shri Vamsi Merla, the event’s sponsor, along with the President of the Madras Motor Sports Club and other distinguished dignitaries.

The Hon’ble Minister, who has previously witnessed and supported multiple state-level rallies in Goa, spent two hours at the Madras International Track, enthusiastically observing the thrilling action and international-level competition. In his address, Shri Govind Gaude expressed his excitement at the level of talent displayed, particularly by Goan drivers like Vaibhav Marathe. He further announced plans to develop a dedicated motorsport track in Goa, reinforcing the state’s potential as a hub for motorsport tourism and providing more opportunities for local talent to compete at national and international levels.

Congratulating Shri Vaibhav Marathe for his performance and cash prize, the Hon’ble Minister assured that the Government of Goa will extend all necessary support to nurture motorsports in the state and encourage more young athletes to excel in this dynamic field.