Rajinikanth is an Indian actor who works mainly in Tamil cinema. He is one of the most successful and popular actors in the history of Indian cinema, with roles in more than 150 films in various languages.
He is known for his unique mannerisms and stylized line delivery, which have earned him a huge fan base and a cult following.
He has also received many awards and honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in the field of cinema in India.
Rajinikanth’s Early Life and Education
Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on 12 December 1950 (73 years old) in Bangalore, Karnataka. He lost his mother at the age of five and was raised by his father and elder brother.
He attended the Ramakrishna Math and the Acharya Pathasala schools in Bangalore, where he developed an interest in theatre and acting.
Rajinikanth’s Career
Rajinikanth is a famous Indian actor who works mainly in Tamil cinema. He started his career as a bus conductor in Bangalore, but he had a passion for acting.
He joined the Madras Film Institute and made his debut in 1975 with the Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal, directed by K. Balachander. He initially played negative or supporting roles, often paired with Kamal Hassan as the hero. He later became a lead actor and starred in many successful films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and other languages.
He is known for his unique style, dialogue delivery, and action sequences. He has a huge fan following and is regarded as one of the most influential and popular actors in Indian cinema.
Rajinikanth Movies
Rajinikanth’s filmography is vast and impressive, spanning over five decades across several languages. Here’s a glimpse into his movie journey:
Early Years (1975-1982):
- Apoorva Raagangal (1975): Debut film, playing a supporting role.
- Katha Sangama (1976): First lead role, showcasing his acting talent.
- Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977): Critical acclaim for his portrayal of a failed lover.
- Mullum Malarum (1978): Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Best Actor.
- Andhaa Kaanoon (1983): Bollywood debut, playing a blind singer.
Rise to Stardom (1983-1994):
- Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985): Box office success with a dual role.
- Mr. Bharath (1986): Established his action hero image.
- Velaikaran (1987): Another popular action film with social themes.
- Baashha (1992): Cult classic solidifying his “demigod” status.
- Mannan (1992): Family drama showcasing his versatility.
- Uzhaippali (1993): Political thriller with critical acclaim.
Superstar Era (1995-2010):
- Muthu (1995): Blockbuster comedy film with iconic character Rajini Baba.
- Padayappa (1999): Highest-grossing Tamil film for years, with memorable dialogues.
- Chandramukhi (2005): Period drama showcasing his dancing skills.
- Sivaji (2007): Megahit with Rajinikanth playing dual roles.
- Enthiran (2010): Sci-fi film with him as a robot, pushing technological boundaries.
Later Years (2014-Present):
- Kabali (2016): Gangster film with a powerful performance.
- Kaala (2018): Social drama addressing racial issues.
- 2.0 (2018): Sequel to Enthiran, exploring artificial intelligence.
- Darbar (2020): Police thriller with diverse character portrayals.
- Jailer (2023): Upcoming project, generating much anticipation.
Read Also: Rahul Dhandlaniya Biography: Age, Date Of Birth, Weight, Height, Family, And Social Media
Rajinikanth’s Awards
Rajinikanth is an Indian actor who has won many awards and honors for his acting and contributions to Indian cinema. Some of the most prestigious awards he has received are:
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019), the highest award in the field of cinema
- Padma Vibhushan (2016), India’s second highest civilian honor
- Padma Bhushan (2000), India’s third highest civilian honor
- NTR National Award (2016), a lifetime achievement award for Telugu cinema
- Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil (1984), his only win in the category from eighteen nominations
- He has also won several Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Cinema Express Awards, Filmfans Association Awards, NDTV Awards, and other accolades.
Rajinikanth’s Personal Life, Wife and Children
Rajinikanth is married to Latha Rajinikanth, a producer and singer, since 1981. They have two daughters, Aishwarya and Soundarya, who are also involved in the film industry as directors and producers.
Rajinikanth lives in a bungalow in Poes Garden, Chennai, with his family. He is a Hindu and follows the teachings of spiritual leaders like Ramana Maharshi and Sathya Sai Baba. He is also a philanthropist and supports various social causes.
Rajinikanth’s Net Worth
Rajinikanth’s net worth is estimated to be around USD 51 million or INR 430 crore as of 2023. He is one of the highest-paid and most influential actors in Indian cinema. He charges about USD 6 million or INR 50 crore per film as his remuneration. He also owns several properties, cars, and investments in India and abroad.
