Rajinikanth's Untold Story: From Bus Conductor to International Superstar!

Rajinikanth, born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, is an iconic Indian actor known for his magnetic screen presence and extensive philanthropic work. He has starred in over 150 films across various languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Rajinikanth has not only gained a massive fan following in India but also internationally, particularly in Japan.

Short Bio

Rajinikanth began his acting career with a minor role in the Tamil film ‘Apoorva Raagangal’ (1975) and soon captured the hearts of millions with his unique style and charismatic screen presence. He has delivered numerous blockbuster hits such as ‘Baasha,’ ‘Enthiran,’ ‘Kabali,’ and ‘2.0,’ making him one of the highest-paid actors in Asia. Over the decades, Rajinikanth has transitioned from being an actor to an icon, often referred to as ‘Thalaiva’ by his fans.

Personality

Rajinikanth is often described by his fellow celebrities as humble, grounded, and deeply spiritual. His long-time collaborator and friend, Kamal Haasan, once said, ‘Rajini is simplicity personified. Despite his massive success and fanfare, he remains just as grounded as the Shivaji I first met.’ His humility and respect for others were recently highlighted when he attempted to touch Amitabh Bachchan’s feet during a public event, which went viral, showing his deference and respect for other industry legends.

Famous Quotes

‘The only thing I have learned is to be simple and humble in life.’ – Interview with The Hindu.
‘Success should not go to your head, and failure should not go to your heart.’ – Interview at the International Film Festival of India.
‘The one who gives you food is your God.’ – Rajinikanth’s speech at a public event.

Full Name

Shivaji Rao Gaekwad

Birthday

December 12, 1950

Birthplace

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Zodiac

Sagittarius

Education

School: Government Model Primary School, Bangalore
College: Madras Film Institute

Net Worth

Approximately Rs 430 crore

Occupation

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Philanthropist

Age

72 years

Family

Spouse: Latha Rangachari (Married on February 26, 1981)
Previous Lovers: None publicly known
Siblings: Three brothers
Father: Ramoji Rao Gaekwad
Mother: Jijabai
Children: Two daughters, Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth

Social Media Accounts

Instagram: @rajinikanth
Twitter: @rajinikanth

Address

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Famous For

Being one of the most influential and highest-paid actors in Indian cinema.

Notable Work

Movies: ‘Baasha,’ ‘Enthiran,’ ‘Kabali,’ ‘2.0,’ ‘Sivaji’
Character: Manick Baashha in ‘Baasha,’ Chitti in ‘Enthiran’

Best Friends

Kamal Haasan
Amitabh Bachchan
Shah Rukh Khan

Rivalry

Historically, the media has speculated about a rivalry with Kamal Haasan, though both have often dismissed such claims and highlighted their mutual respect.

Awards and Recognitions

Padma Bhushan: 2000
Padma Vibhushan: 2016
Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil: Multiple times

Iconic Roles

Manick Baashha: ‘Baasha’
Chitti: ‘Enthiran’
Kabali: ‘Kabali’

Upcoming Projects

‘Jailer’: Release Date TBA

Fan Comments

‘Rajinikanth is not just an actor; he’s a phenomenon!’ – Instagram user
‘Thalaiva forever! No one can match his style and humility.’ – Twitter fan

Fan Clubs

Rajini Makkal Mandram (Official fan club)

Fun Facts

Rajinikanth worked as a bus conductor before entering the film industry.
He is an ardent devotee of the Hindu saint Raghavendra Swami.

Charitable Work

Rajinikanth has contributed to several philanthropic activities, including setting up a hospital in Chennai and supporting numerous educational initiatives. His generosity extends beyond his financial contributions, often personally visiting those in need and offering moral support.

Fashion Statements

Known for his unique and stylish sunglasses, Rajinikanth’s fashion sense is a combination of simplicity and statement-making. He is often seen in simple white dhotis and shirts during public appearances, maintaining an unpretentious demeanor that resonates with his fans.

Fitness Regime

Rajinikanth follows a disciplined lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise. His fitness regime includes yoga and meditation, which he credits for his physical and mental well-being. Despite his age, he continues to maintain a vigorous routine to keep up with the demanding nature of his work.

Detailed Timeline

1975: Debut in ‘Apoorva Raagangal’
1983: First major hit ‘Billa’
1995: Iconic film ‘Baasha’
2007: Blockbuster ‘Sivaji’
2010: ‘Enthiran’ sets new records
2016: Receives Padma Vibhushan
2020: ‘Darbar’ releases

Cultural Impact

Rajinikanth’s influence extends beyond his films. His larger-than-life persona and unparalleled success have made him a cultural icon, not just in South India but across the globe. His dialogue delivery, signature walk, and unique mannerisms are widely imitated, making him a subject of admiration and parody alike.

Hollywood and Bollywood News

While Rajinikanth has predominantly worked in Indian cinema, his star power is such that he’s often a subject of Hollywood gossip and Bollywood news. There have been numerous speculations and discussions about potential crossovers and collaborations, reflecting his global appeal.

Box Office Collection

Rajinikanth’s films are known to break box office records. For instance, ‘Enthiran’ (2010) and its sequel ‘2.0’ (2018) were monumental successes, garnering massive box office collections both domestically and internationally. This consistent box office draw has solidified his status as a bankable star and a pillar of the Indian film industry.

Celebrity News and Gossip

Rajinikanth’s life off-screen is as fascinating as his on-screen roles. From celebrity news highlighting his professional achievements to Hollywood gossip discussing his potential international ventures, Rajinikanth remains a subject of constant media attention. His interactions with other celebrities, such as his long-standing friendship with Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan, often become hot topics of discussion.

Movie Reviews

Rajinikanth’s movies are eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike. Each release is a significant event, often accompanied by early morning shows and fan celebrations. Movie reviews of his films consistently highlight his magnetic presence and remarkable acting skills, further entrenching his status as a cinema legend.

Final Thoughts

Rajinikanth’s journey from a bus conductor to a global superstar is nothing short of inspiring. His commitment to his craft, his humility, and his philanthropic efforts make him a beloved figure not just in Indian cinema but worldwide. At 72, Rajinikanth continues to captivate audiences, and his forthcoming projects are eagerly anticipated.

Rajinikanth is more than just an actor—he is a cultural phenomenon whose influence transcends borders. As we look forward to his upcoming projects, his legacy in the world of cinema remains undiminished.