Rajinikanth, whose real name is Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, is a renowned Indian actor, film producer, philanthropist, and politician. He was born on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Rajinikanth is predominantly associated with the Tamil film industry, also known as Kollywood, but he has acted in numerous films across different languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali.
He started his acting career in the 1970s with small roles and gradually climbed to fame with his unique style, dialogue delivery, and charismatic screen presence. Rajinikanth’s breakthrough came with the Tamil film “Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri,” but his real success arrived with the movie “Bairavi” in 1978. Since then, he has starred in numerous blockbuster movies, making him one of the most celebrated and highest-paid actors in India.
Some of Rajinikanth’s most notable movies include “Mullum Malarum,” “Thalapathi,” “Annamalai,” “Padayappa,” “Sivaji,” “Enthiran” (Robot), and “Kabali,” among many others. His popularity extends beyond India, especially in countries with a significant Tamil diaspora.
Besides his acting career, Rajinikanth is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has supported various charitable causes, including education and healthcare initiatives.
In 2017, Rajinikanth announced his entry into politics, creating the Rajini Makkal Mandram, a political outfit. However, he officially launched his political party named “Makkal Sevai Katchi” on December 31, 2020, with the intention of contesting in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections.
Rajinikanth’s contributions to the entertainment industry and his massive fan following have earned him the title “Superstar” and “Thalaivar” (meaning “Leader” in Tamil). His fans fondly refer to themselves as “Rajinikanth’s devotees” or “Rajini fandom.” Rajinikanth’s influence and charisma have made him a cultural icon and a living legend in Indian cinema.
Name | Rajinikanth |
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Date of Birth | 12/12/1950 |
Current Residence | Chennai |
Religion | Hindu |
Nationality | Indian |
Height | 175 CM |
Hobbies | Reading, Photography, Drawing, Collecting antique things |
Father | Ramojirao Gaekwad |
Mother | Jijabai |
Sibling | Satyanarayana Rao, Shivaji Rao, and Nageshwara Rao, Aswath Balubhai |
Spouse | Latha Rajinikanth |
Children | Aishwarya; Soundarya |
Marriage Date | 25/02/1981 |
Educational Qualification | Diploma in Acting |
College (s) | M.G.R Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu |
School (s) | • Acharya Paathshala in Basavanagudi, Bangalore • Vivekananda Balaka Sangha |
Debut Movies | |
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Language | Movie Name |
Tamil | Apoorva Raagangal |
Awards List | ||||
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Year | Award | Category | Movie Name | |
1978 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Special Award | Mullum Malarum | |
1979 | Filmfans Association Awards | Best Actor | Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai | |
1982 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Special Award | Moondru Mugam | |
1982 | Filmfans Association Awards | Best Actor | Enkeyo Ketta Kural | |
1984 | Cinema Express Awards | Best Actor | Nallavanuku Nallavan | |
1984 | Filmfans Association Awards | Best Actor | Nallavanuku Nallavan | |
1984 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Actor – Tamil | Nallavanuku Nallavan | |
1985 | Cinema Express Awards | Best Actor | Sri Raghavendra | |
1985 | Filmfans Association Awards | Best Actor | Sri Raghavendra | |
1988 | Cinema Express Awards | Best Achiever | Bloodstone | |
1991 | Cinema Express Awards | Best Actor | Thalapathy | |
1991 | Filmfans Association Awards | Best Actor | Thalapathy | |
1992 | Cinema Express Awards | Best Actor | Annamalai | |
1992 | Filmfans Association Awards | Best Actor | Annamalai | |
1993 | Filmfans Association Awards | Best Story Writer | Valli | |
1993 | Cinema Express Awards | Best Story Writer | Valli | |
1995 | Cinema Express Awards | Best Actor | Baashha, Muthu | |
1995 | Filmfans Association Awards | Best Actor | Baashha, Muthu | |
1995 | South Screen Awards | Best Actor | Peddarayudu | |
1995 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Actor | Muthu | |
1999 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Actor | Padayappa | |
2000 | Padma Bhushan | |||
2005 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Actor | Chandramukhi | |
2007 | NDTV Award | Indian Entertainer of the Year | ||
2007 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Actor | Sivaji | |
2008 | Vijay Awards | Favourite Hero | Sivaji | |
2011 | NDTV Award | Entertainer of the Decade | ||
2011 | NDTV Award | Most Stylish Actor | ||
2011 | Vijay Awards | Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema | ||
2012 | Vijay Awards | Favourite Hero | Enthiran | |
2012 | Maharashtra State Film Award | |||
2013 | NDTV Award | The 25 Greatest Global Living Legends | ||
2014 | International Film Festival of India | Indian Film Personality of the Year Award | ||
2015 | Vijay Awards | Favourite Hero | Lingaa | |
2016 | Nandi Awards | NTR National Award | ||
2019 | International Film Festival of India | IFFI Golden Jubilee ICON Award | ||
2021 | National Film Awards | Dadasaheb Phalke Award |