Rajinikanth, popularly known as Superstar Rajinikanth and Thalaivar, is one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema. Best known for his unique acting style, powerful dialogue delivery, distinctive mannerisms, and charismatic screen presence, he has built a remarkable career spanning more than five decades.

Born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad on December 12, 1950, in Bengaluru, Rajinikanth worked several jobs before entering the film industry. He initially worked as a bus conductor with the Bangalore Transport Service and later studied acting at the Madras Film Institute.

Director K. Balachander introduced him to Tamil cinema through Apoorva Raagangal (1975). Rajinikanth subsequently became a major star with films such as Billa, Baashha, Annamalai, Padayappa, Sivaji, Enthiran, Kabali, Petta, and Jailer.

His contribution to Indian cinema has been recognised through prestigious honours, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award. In 2025, he also received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of India. <Cite refs={["turn115480search12","turn115480search0","turn115480search7"]}/>

Rajinikanth Profile

• Full Name: Shivaji Rao Gaikwad

Early Life and Education

Rajinikanth was born on December 12, 1950, in Bengaluru, then part of Mysore State. His birth name was Shivaji Rao Gaikwad. He grew up in a Marathi-speaking family and was the youngest of four children.

His father, Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, worked as a police constable, while his mother, Jijabai, managed the household.

Rajinikanth attended Gavipuram Government Kannada Model Primary School and later continued his education at Acharya Pathasala. During his early years, he developed an interest in acting and theatre.

Before becoming an actor, he worked in various jobs, including as a coolie and carpenter, before joining the Bangalore Transport Service as a bus conductor. His distinctive style and personality attracted attention, and he eventually decided to pursue his interest in acting.

He enrolled at the Madras Film Institute to receive formal acting training. There, he came to the attention of filmmaker K. Balachander, who helped launch his film career.

Entry into Cinema

Rajinikanth made his film debut in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal, directed by K. Balachander. Although his role was relatively small, it marked the beginning of a remarkable career.

In his early films, he frequently played antagonists and supporting characters. His intense screen presence, unusual mannerisms, and ability to portray complex characters quickly attracted attention.

Films such as Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977) and Mullum Malarum (1978) helped establish his reputation as a serious performer. He subsequently moved into leading roles and action films, developing a distinctive screen persona that audiences could easily recognise.

By the 1980s and 1990s, Rajinikanth had become one of Tamil cinema's leading stars, with a fan following that extended well beyond Tamil Nadu.

Popular Movies of Rajinikanth

1. Billa (1980)

This action thriller helped establish Rajinikanth as a major action hero. His performance in dual roles became an important milestone in his career.

2. Thalapathi (1991)

Directed by Mani Ratnam, Thalapathi featured Rajinikanth in a powerful dramatic role. The film is remembered for its performances, music, and emotional storytelling.

3. Annamalai (1992)

In Annamalai, Rajinikanth portrayed a milkman who faces betrayal and works to establish himself. The film became a major commercial success and strengthened his popularity.

4. Baashha (1995)

Baashha is among Rajinikanth's most iconic films. His portrayal of Manickam, a seemingly ordinary auto driver with a hidden past, became legendary among his fans.

5. Muthu (1995)

This popular film combined action, comedy, romance, and drama. It also gained a following in Japan, helping introduce Rajinikanth to a wider international audience.

6. Padayappa (1999)

Rajinikanth starred in and helped shape the popularity of this family action drama. His performance as Padayappa became one of his signature roles.

7. Sivaji (2007)

Directed by S. Shankar, Sivaji featured Rajinikanth as an entrepreneur who fights corruption. The film was notable for its scale, music, and visual presentation.

8. Enthiran (2010)

In this science-fiction film, Rajinikanth played scientist Vaseegaran and the robot Chitti. The film became a landmark in Indian visual-effects filmmaking.

9. Kabali (2016)

Rajinikanth portrayed an ageing Malaysian Tamil gangster in Kabali. The film attracted considerable attention for its character, themes, and international setting.

10. 2.0 (2018)

The science-fiction sequel to Enthiran featured Rajinikanth in multiple roles and became one of the major large-scale productions in Indian cinema.

11. Petta (2019)

In Petta, Rajinikanth returned to a stylised action role that drew on the screen persona that made him famous.

12. Jailer (2023)

Rajinikanth played retired jailer Muthuvel Pandian in Jailer. The film became a major commercial success and introduced his character to a new generation of viewers.

13. Vettaiyan (2024)

In this action drama directed by T. J. Gnanavel, Rajinikanth portrayed police officer Athiyan. The story explored policing, justice, and the consequences of encounters.

14. Coolie (2025)

Rajinikanth starred as Deva in Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film was one of the major releases of his later career.

Selected Filmography

This is a selected filmography rather than a complete list of Rajinikanth's films.

Awards and Honours

Rajinikanth has received numerous awards recognising his contribution to Indian cinema.

• Padma Bhushan (2000): India's third-highest civilian honour at the time of its award.

Family Details

Rajinikanth married Latha Rangachari on February 26, 1981. The couple have two daughters.

Aishwarya Rajinikanth is a filmmaker who has worked as a director and writer. Soundarya Rajinikanth is a filmmaker, producer, and graphics designer.

Rajinikanth has generally maintained a private family life despite his public fame. His family members have also worked in the Tamil film industry.

Political Career

Rajinikanth has periodically been associated with political discussions in Tamil Nadu. In December 2017, he announced his intention to enter politics and later established the Rajini Makkal Mandram as part of his political plans.

In December 2020, he announced that he would not launch the proposed political party, citing health-related considerations during the COVID-19 period. The organisation subsequently ceased functioning as a political platform.

Rajinikanth has not served as an elected member of a legislative assembly or Parliament. His political journey is best understood as a period of public political engagement rather than a career in elected office.

Interesting Facts About Rajinikanth

1. Real name: His birth name is Shivaji Rao Gaikwad.

Death Rumours and Current Status

Rajinikanth is alive as of October 2026. False death rumours about celebrities can circulate online, so readers should rely on credible news organisations and official announcements before sharing such claims.

Legacy of Superstar Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth's career has influenced acting styles, commercial filmmaking, fan culture, and the presentation of action heroes in Indian cinema.

His ability to combine action, humour, drama, and memorable screen mannerisms has helped make him one of the most recognisable figures in Indian entertainment. His work continues to be celebrated by fans in India and internationally.

Conclusion

Rajinikanth's journey from a bus conductor in Bengaluru to an internationally recognised film star is one of the most remarkable stories in Indian cinema.

Through films such as Baashha, Padayappa, Sivaji, Enthiran, and Jailer, he has built a distinctive legacy. His awards and continuing contribution to cinema have secured his place among the most influential actors in Indian film history.

Superstar Rajinikanth remains an enduring icon of Indian cinema.