Cinema VinesOn September 12, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay surprised fans and the racing community by arriving at the Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom for the Michelin Le Mans Cup event. The visit was marked by an impromptu hug between the politician and the veteran actor‑racer Ajith Kumar, a moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
The clip shows Vijay sprinting across the track, arms outstretched, and embracing Ajith in a display of camaraderie. Spectators at the circuit erupted in cheers as the two men shared the gesture, creating a buzz that spread far beyond the paddock. Ajith, who had been at Silverstone to welcome the CM, later commented that the Chief Minister had taken time off from his demanding schedule to visit, adding that the two have been colleagues in the film industry for 34 years.
Ajith expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am extremely thankful to the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay, to have taken time off from his busy schedule to come and visit us at Silverstone.” He also highlighted the potential for India to host major sporting events, noting that “they have been doing a lot to promote sports from every discipline, not just motorsport.” Ajith added that he hopes future Le Mans series events could be staged in India, with Chennai as a potential venue.
The two actors have long been subjects of a playful rivalry among their fan bases, who refer to Vijay’s supporters as “anils” (squirrels) and Ajith’s as “aamais” (tortoises or turtles). Despite the banter, both have spoken publicly about their mutual respect. In February, Ajith’s wife Shalini described their relationship as “good,” while Ajith himself has repeatedly stated that he has always wished Vijay well.
Ajith’s debut as a lead actor came with the 1993 film “Amaravathy,” whereas Vijay first appeared in the 1992 film “Naalaiya Theerpu.” Their careers have spanned over three decades, during which they have both achieved significant success in Tamil cinema. The viral hug at Silverstone underscores a moment of unity between the two icons, transcending their on‑screen rivalry and highlighting their shared commitment to both film and sport.
