One of the biggest and most loved stars of all time, Rajinikanth is a legendary actor, film producer, and screenwriter who, in his career spanning over five decades, has done films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam. Known for his uniquely styled lines and idiosyncrasies in films, he has a huge fan base internationally and has a cult following. Fondly referred to as “Thalaiva” (leader) by his fans, Rajinikanth’s journey from a bus conductor to one of the most celebrated actors in the history of cinema is straight from fairytales.
The Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan in 2000, the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India’s third and second highest civilian honors, and the highest award in the field of cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 2019 for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Early Life
Rajinikanth was born Shivaji Rao Gaikwad on December 12, 1950, into a Marathi family in Bangalore. His father, Ramoji Rao Gaikwad, was a police constable, and his mother, Jijabai, was a homemaker. Rajinikanth was the youngest of four siblings. His early life was marked by many financial struggles, which led to him working various odd jobs to support his family.
Rajinikanth completed his schooling at the Acharya Paathshala in Bangalore and later attended the Vivekananda Balaka Sangha. He worked as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service before deciding to pursue a career in acting. In 1973, he enrolled at the Madras Film Institute, where he received formal training in acting. His time at the institute provided him with the skills and confidence needed to embark on a successful career in the film industry.
Debut and Early Career
Rajinikanth made his acting debut in 1975 with the Tamil film “Apoorva Raagangal,” directed by K. Balachander. In the film, he played a minor role of an abusive husband. Despite the small role, Rajinikanth’s performance caught the attention of audiences and filmmakers. Following his debut, his collaboration with K. Balachander continued with films like “Anthuleni Katha” (1976) and “Moondru Mudichu” (1976), which helped establish him as a promising actor.
Rajinikanth’s acting career commenced with a brief phase of portraying antagonistic characters in Tamil films. He initially gained recognition for his antagonistic roles in films such as “Avargal” (1977), “16 Vayathinile” (1977), and “Aadu Puli Attam” (1977). His distinctive style and mannerisms earned him a loyal fan base and set him apart from his contemporaries.
His major positive role as a scorned lover in S. P. Muthuraman’s “Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977),” 1978’s “Mullum Malarum,” and “Aval Appadithan” received him critical acclaim; the former earned him a Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Best Actor. Rajinikanth’s real breakthrough as a leading actor came with the 1978 film “Bairavi,” directed by M. Bhaskar. The film’s success earned him the title “Superstar,” a moniker that would define his career for years to come.
Rajinikanth The Superstar
By the end of the decade, he had worked in all South Indian film industries and established a career in Tamil cinema. In 1980 came R. Krishnamurthy’s “Billa,” a remake of the Hindi film “Don” (1978), where he played dual roles as Billa and Rajappa, showcasing his versatility and earning him widespread acclaim. It was his biggest commercial success to that point, earned him stardom, and gave him the action hero image.
The 1981 film “Thillu Mullu,” directed by K. Balachander, was a Tamil remake of the Hindi classic “Gol Maal” (1979). Rajinikanth’s portrayal of Chandran, a man who pretends to have a twin to keep his job, showcased his impeccable comic timing and versatility. In 1982, he starred in a triple role in A. Jagannathan’s “Moondru Mugam (1982),” which earned him a special prize at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards ceremony. The film was later remade in Hindi as John Jani Janardhan (1984) by T. Rama Rao.
He also acted in many Hindi film remakes, like “Shankar Salim Simon (1978, Tamil)” and “Ram Robert Rahim (1980),” remakes of Amar Akbar Anthony (1977); “Naan Vazhavaippen (1979), a remake of Majboor (1974); Thee (1981), a remake of Deewar (1975); and Mr. Bharath (1986), a remake of Trishul (1978).
One of his other memorable films of this period was “Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984),” directed by S. P. Muthuraman, where his powerful performance earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actor.
Rajinikanth in Hindi Cinema
In 1983 he made his Bollywood debut with T. Rama Rao’s top-grossing Andhaa Kaanoon,” which also starred Amitabh Bacchan, Hema Malini, Reena Roy, and Madhvi. The film’s success made him a prominent actor in Hindi films, and he went on to do many memorable films like Gangvaa (1984), Mahaguru (1985), Wafadaar (1985), Geraftaar (1985), Bewafai (1985), Dosti Dushmani (1986), Bhagwaan Dada (1986), Asli Naqli (1986), Insaaf Kaun Karega (1987), Uttar Dakshin (1987), Tamacha (1988), Gair Kanooni (1989), Bhrashtachar (1989), ChaalBaaz (1989), Hum (1991), Farishtay (1991), Khoon Ka Karz (1991), Phool Bane Angaray (1991), Tyagi (1992), and Bulandi (2000).
In this period, he also starred in several successful films in Tamil, including Padikkadavan (1985), Velaikaran (1987), Manithan (1987), Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988), Guru Sishyan (1988), Bloodstone (1988), Rajadhi Raja (1989), Siva (1989), Raja Chinna Roja (1989), Mappillai (1989), Panakkaran (1990), Athisaya Piravi (1990), and many more.
Rajnikath The Legend
In 1991, Mani Ratnam’s Tamil crime film Thalapathi earned him major critical acclaim for his performance. He collaborated with Suresh Krissna for many films, including Annaamalai (1992) and Baashha (1995); the latter was the biggest commercial success in his career yet as well as the highest-grossing film in Tamil for many years. The film was widely considered one of Rajinikanth’s most iconic films, featuring him as Manikkam, an autorickshaw driver with a hidden past, which became a cultural phenomenon and solidified his status as a superstar.
The same year came K. S. Ravikumar’s “Muthu (1995),” which got him a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor. The film’s success extended beyond India, particularly in Japan, where it became a major hit. His other successes include P. Vasu’s Mannan (1992), Uzhaippali (1993), and K. S. Ravikumar’s Muthu (1995) and Padayappa (1999), the latter of which went on to become his and Tamil cinema’s highest-grossing movie, exceeding Baashha and earning him another Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor.
After a few years of hiatus, he returned to acting with the comedy horror film Chandramukhi (2005); it went on to become again the highest-grossing Tamil film. His next, S. Shankar’s Sivaji (2007), was the third Indian film to enter the 100 Crore Club. The film featured him in the role of a software engineer who fights against corruption. The film’s success and Rajinikanth’s performance earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his status as a global icon.
Further Success
He played dual roles, as a scientist, Dr. Vaseegaran, and an andro-humanoid robot, Chitti, in the science fiction film Enthiran (2010) and its sequel, 2.0 (2018). These films were India’s most expensive productions at the time of their release and among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
He then starred in Kochadaiiyaan (2014), Lingaa (2014), Kabali (2016), Kaala (2018), Petta (2019), Darbar (2020), and Annaatthe (2021). In 2023, his most recent blockbuster, “Jailer,” made a significant impact in the Tamil film industry. The film earned over 600 crores, establishing him as the sole actor with two 500-crore movies in the industry. He also once again became the highest-paid actor in India with Jailer, earning a total of 210 crores for the single film. In 2024, he starred in Vettaiyan, which also starred Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Rana Daggubati. He also did a cameo in his daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s “Lal Salaam.”
In his illustrious career, he has won many awards and accolades, which include the Kalaimamani (1984), the M.G.R.-Sivaji Award (2011), the Raj Kapoor Award (2006), the NTR National Award (2016), 7 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, a Nandi Award, and a Filmfare Award. Rajinikanth was also named one of the most influential individuals in South Asia by Asiaweek. Additionally, Forbes India named him the year’s most influential Indian.
Personal Life and Legacy
Rajinikanth is known for his humility, dedication to his family, and spiritual pursuits. He married Latha Rangachari on February 26, 1981. The couple has two daughters, Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth, both of whom are involved in the film industry. Despite his superstardom, Rajinikanth remains a down-to-earth and simple person.
Rajinikanth’s spiritual journey has been a significant aspect of his life. He is a follower of the teachings of Swami Satchidananda and has visited several ashrams and spiritual centers. His spiritual beliefs and practices have influenced his outlook on life and his approach to his career.
Rajinikanth’s illustrious career has been adorned with numerous awards, including seven Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, a Nandi Award, and a Filmfare Award. His influence extends beyond cinema, as evidenced by his recognition as one of the most influential individuals in South Asia by Asiaweek and Forbes India naming him the most influential Indian in 2010.
Rajinikanth on IMDB
