Biography
Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, better known as Rajinikanth, was born on December 12, 1950, in Bengaluru, India. He attended Acharya Pathasala Public School and later trained in acting at the Adyar Film Institute in Chennai. His film career began with K. Balachander's 1975 Tamil drama "Apoorva Raagangal," marking the start of a highly celebrated journey in Indian cinema.
At the beginning of his career, Rajinikanth played many antagonistic roles in Tamil films, showcasing his range as an actor. He shifted to leading roles with significant films like "Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri" (1977), "Mullum Malarum" (1978), and "Aval Appadithan." These roles brought him critical acclaim and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Best Actor, establishing his reputation as a versatile actor.
The 1980 action thriller "Billa," a remake of the Hindi film "Don," was a major turning point for Rajinikanth. His dual role in this film became his biggest hit up to that point and established him as an action hero. Following this success was "Moondru Mugam" (1982), where he played a triple role and received another special prize at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. He entered Hindi cinema with "Andhaa Kaanoon" (1983), directed by T. Rama Rao, which became a box-office success.
Over more than fifty years, Rajinikanth has appeared in about 170 films, including those in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam. His acting style, marked by unique mannerisms and a charismatic screen presence, has earned him the title of 'Superstar' and cemented his status as a cultural icon in South Asia. He is married to Latha Rajinikanth, and his work in cinema has earned him some of India's highest civilian honors.
The Government of India has awarded Rajinikanth several prestigious honors, including the Padma Bhushan in 2000, the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019. He has also received the IFFI Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to cinema, along with multiple Filmfare Awards South and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.
Before Fame
Born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad in Bengaluru, Rajinikanth had humble beginnings before following his passion for acting at the Adyar Film Institute in Chennai. His formal training in acting and filmmaking at this respected school gave him the foundation needed to step into the competitive Indian cinema world.
The 1970s were a time of significant change in Indian cinema, with regional film industries, especially Tamil cinema, experiencing growth and experimenting with new storytelling techniques. During this transformative era, director K. Balachander saw Rajinikanth's potential and cast him in Apoorva Raagangal in 1975, starting what would become an extraordinary career in entertainment.
Key Achievements
- Appeared in over 170 films across six different Indian languages over five decades
- Received Padma Vibhushan (2016), India's second-highest civilian honor
- Won Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019), India's highest cinema honor
- Achieved cult status in multiple countries including Japan and other Southeast Asian nations
- Established himself as one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema during the 1990s and 2000s
Did You Know?
- 01.He worked as a bus conductor in Bangalore before entering the film industry
- 02.His iconic style of flipping cigarettes and sunglasses became signature moves copied by fans worldwide
- 03.The 2010 film Enthiran had a budget of approximately ₹132 crores, making it one of the most expensive Indian films at the time
- 04.He has a massive following in Japan, where his films are regularly dubbed and released
- 05.His film Muthu was the first Tamil film to be dubbed into Japanese and became highly successful there
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards South | — | — |
| Padma Bhushan | 2000 | — |
| Padma Vibhushan | 2016 | — |
| Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | — | — |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award | 2019 | — |