An impressive initiative has been recently launched by the supporters of Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar (affectionately known as 'Thalapathy' of the box office, or 'Thala' to many) in Theni, Tamil Nadu. To honor an icon by celebrating a legacy of both humility and service, the fan club has opened a dedicated food stall where high-quality biryani is served to the public for a token amount of just ₹5.
The main reason this project is really special is its focus on an atmosphere of inclusion and empowerment: the shop is owned and operated by, and acts as a safety net for, the differently abled, helping them improve their lives as well as providing jobs and contributing to the community they belong to.
A Kindness Mission:
₹5 Biryani for All. Biryani is often a luxury meal reserved for the rich at many commercial establishments, however, the Theni Ajith fans wanted to make it available to all: the poor, from day shift wage workers to students and the homeless.
Actor Ajith Kumar fans opened new shop for differently abled people to provide biryani to public at just ₹5 in Theni, Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/N4SiapzWtD
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) January 6, 2026
The Initiative’s Takeaways:
- Price Point: In an inflationary time, providing one for ₹5 in order to stay top of mind and healthy is a miracle. The difference in the cost is offset by the fans’ sharing through donations from the local Ajith Fan Welfare Association.
- Helping People With Disabilities: The store is a shop for the differently abled to live with dignity and contribute towards a social cause.
- Quality: Despite their low price, the fans ensure the food is made in a clean atmosphere using the best ingredients, keeping Ajith Kumar's philosophy "do your work right or not at all."
Why Theni?
Theni is where Ajith Kumar, his fans, and his army of followers have never lost their fan base. Food security is the next major challenge for local fan units, whose involvement in blood donation drives and educational scholarships is well-known. It ensures no one around them would have to go hungry due to a lack of resources by locating the shop near public hubs.
The inspiration: 'Vazhu Vazhuvaidu' (Live and Let Live)
Ajith Kumar is famed for his "no-publicity" charity model. Taking a page out of his book, his fans have opted for keeping the branding of the shop oriented more toward service over political or personal gain. “Our Thala always says helping people shouldn't be for the cameras. We wanted to have something sustainable: we designed a place where a person with five rupees in his pocket is as respected as someone with five thousand,” one organizer said at the inauguration.
Impact on the Community:
The shop has received a strong response since it began. It usually provides between 200 and 300 plates of biryani daily. Beyond its food, the shop has become a symbol of hope for the differently abled people in Theni, helping to show that with the right support, they can lead and manage successful social enterprises.
