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Biography of Super Star Rajinikanth Tamil Nadu-India
Full name : Shivaji Rao Gaikwad
Film Name : Rajinikanth
Date of birth : 12 December 1950 (age 73)
Birth Place : Bangalore, Mysore State, India
Alma mater : Adyar Film Institute
Occupation : Actor
Years active : 1975–present
Spouse : Latha Rajinikanth (m. 1981)
Children : AishwaryaSoundarya
Rajinikanth, the iconic Indian actor, has left an indelible mark on the film industry with an impressive filmography spanning 170 movies, predominantly in Tamil cinema. His cinematic journey began in 1975 with K. Balachander’s Tamil drama “Apoorva Raagangal,” where he started in minor roles, gradually evolving into a lead actor.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Rajinikanth became synonymous with commercial success, earning him a matinée idol status in the cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu. Grady Hendrix, writing for Slate, aptly referred to him as the “biggest movie star you’ve probably never heard of.” Beyond Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth has also made significant contributions to Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali film industries.
His cinematic debut in “Apoorva Raagangal” paved the way for major roles in films like “Anthuleni Katha” (1976) and the breakthrough Tamil film “Moondru Mudichu” (1976). Notably, his portrayal in the latter earned him recognition for his unique style and mannerisms. Throughout 1977, Rajinikanth played diverse roles, including negative characters in films like “Avargal,” “16 Vayathinile,” “Aadu Puli Attam,” and “Gaayathri.” He also ventured into positive roles in films like “Kavikkuyil,” “Sahodarara Savaal,” and “Chilakamma Cheppindi.”
In 1978, Rajinikanth secured the main lead in the Tamil film “Bairavi” and received critical acclaim for his roles in “Mullum Malarum” and “Aval Appadithan.” His versatility continued to shine in the following years with films like “Billa” (1980), “Murattu Kaalai” (1980), and “Thillu Mullu” (1981), marking his entry into action and comedy genres.
Rajinikanth’s foray into Bollywood with “Andhaa Kaanoon” (1983) and subsequent successes like “Nallavanukku Nallavan” (1984) and “Thalapathi” (1991) showcased his pan-Indian appeal. His role in “Baashha” (1995) elevated him to a “demigod” status in Tamil Nadu, and the film “Muthu” (1995) gained international acclaim, especially in Japan.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw Rajinikanth in diverse roles, from the critically acclaimed “Padayappa” (1999) to the fantasy thriller “Baba” (2002). After a brief hiatus, he returned with the blockbuster “Chandramukhi” (2005) and the record-breaking “Sivaji” (2007). His role in “Enthiran” (2010) solidified his position as a mega-star, with the film becoming one of India’s highest-grossing productions.
Despite occasional setbacks like “Kochadaiiyaan” (2014), Rajinikanth continued to captivate audiences with his performances, such as the Malaysian Tamil crime boss in “Kabali” (2016). His enduring influence on Indian cinema and his ability to transcend regional boundaries make Rajinikanth a legendary figure in the world of entertainment.
House of Super Star Rajinikanth
Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, later known as Rajinikanth, entered the world on December 12, 1950, into a Marathi Hindu family in Bangalore, Mysore State (now Karnataka). His father, Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, served as a police constable, while his mother dedicated her time to homemaking. The family roots can be traced back to Mavadi Kadepathar, Pune, Maharashtra. Rajinikanth was the youngest among four siblings, with two elder brothers, Satyanarayana Rao and Nageshwara Rao, and a sister named Aswath Balubhai. In 1956, following his father’s retirement, the family relocated to Hanumantha Nagar in Bangalore.
Tragedy struck early in Rajinikanth’s life as he lost his mother when he was just nine years old. Despite this hardship, he continued his education at the Gavipuram Government Kannada Model Primary School in Bangalore. As a child, he displayed a combination of studiousness and mischief, with a keen interest in sports such as cricket, football, and basketball. During his formative years, his brother enrolled him at the Ramakrishna Math, a Hindu monastery associated with the Ramakrishna Mission. At the math, Rajinikanth received instruction in Vedas, tradition, and history, shaping his spiritual inclinations. Alongside spiritual teachings, he found a passion for acting in plays at the math, a hobby that would play a significant role in his future.
After completing sixth grade, Rajinikanth attended the Acharya Pathasala Public School, where his involvement in theatrical activities continued to flourish. Despite excelling in his studies, he pursued his love for acting in plays. Following his school years, Rajinikanth took on various jobs, including that of a coolie, before securing a position as a bus conductor in the Bangalore Transport Service. His passion for acting persisted, and he seized an opportunity presented by Kannada playwright Topi Muniappa to act in a mythological play.
Award Ceremony of Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth
Transition to Acting:
Inspired by his growing interest in acting, Rajinikanth decided to enroll in the newly established Madras Film Institute after coming across an advertisement. Despite reservations from his family, his friend and co-worker Raj Bahadur provided the financial support and encouragement he needed during this critical phase. It was during his time at the institute that he caught the attention of Tamil film director K. Balachander.
In a move to avoid confusion with another established actor, Sivaji Ganesan, Balachander bestowed upon Rajinikanth his stage name. The name was derived from a character in Balachander’s earlier film, Major Chandrakanth. Additionally, Balachander advised Rajinikanth to learn Tamil, a suggestion he promptly embraced. While he became proficient in speaking Tamil, he admits to having difficulty writing in the language.
Thus, Rajinikanth’s journey from a modest upbringing to the realm of cinema began, fueled by his passion for acting and supported by influential figures who recognized his talent along the way.
Political career:
Rajinikanth, pictured on the left, was honored with the 2008 NDTV Entertainer of the Year Award by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Speculations about his entry into politics surfaced in 1995, but he decided against it, expressing concerns about potential confusion and his ability to effectively serve the people. Despite this, he voiced strong opinions during the 1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, stating that if Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa’s party returned to power, it would be disastrous for the state. Rajinikanth actively supported the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamil Maanila Congress alliance, urging the people of Tamil Nadu and his fans to vote for them, resulting in a resounding victory.
In subsequent years, Rajinikanth shifted his political stance. In 2004, he announced personal support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but refrained from endorsing any political front in the upcoming Indian general election. However, the BJP failed to secure any seats in Tamil Nadu’s Lok Sabha.
In March 2017, Rajinikanth canceled a planned visit to Sri Lanka following the advice of Tamil Nadu politicians, drawing criticism from BJP leaders. Subramanian Swamy of the BJP accused Rajinikanth of being illiterate and unfit for politics, alleging financial fraud and claiming to possess evidence that could undermine Rajinikanth’s political aspirations.
Political analysts suggested that Rajinikanth may have missed his chance to make a significant impact in 2019, unlike in 1996 when he was at the peak of his popularity.
Contrary to expectations, Rajinikanth officially announced his entry into politics on December 31, 2017, expressing intentions to contest in all 234 constituencies in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. He emphasized that his party would resign if it failed to fulfill electoral promises within three years of assuming power. However, in a surprising turn of events, Rajinikanth dissolved his organization, Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM), on July 12, 2021, and declared that he had no plans to pursue a political career in the future.
Community Appearance
Rajinikanth is widely recognized as one of the most celebrated actors in the annals of Indian cinema. His popularity can be attributed to the distinctive delivery of dialogues and idiosyncrasies portrayed in his movies, in addition to his political statements and philanthropic endeavors. Many attribute Rajinikanth’s appeal to his larger-than-life superhero persona in numerous films, marked by gravity-defying stunts, charismatic expressions, all while maintaining a sense of humility in real life. Almost every Rajinikanth film features punchlines delivered in his unique style, often conveying a message or serving as a warning to the antagonists in the storyline.
In the history of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth stands as one of the highest-grossing actors. Upon joining Twitter in 2014, Rajinikanth amassed over 210,000 followers within 24 hours. This feat was recognized by social media research firms as the fastest growth in followers for any Indian celebrity and ranked among the top 10 globally, according to The Economic Times. In 2015, a documentary exploring his fan base, titled “For the Love of a Man,” premiered at the 71st Venice International Film Festival, further solidifying the actor’s iconic status.
Awards-Rewards-Honors:
