Rajnikanth biography

Indian actor (born 1950)

For his story, see Rajinikanth: The Definitive Recapitulation. For the 2013 Indian husk, see Rajani Kantha. For added uses, see Rajini (disambiguation).

Not accede to be confused with Shivajirao Gaekwad.

Shivaji Rao Gaikwad^[a][4] (born 12 Dec 1950), known professionally as Rajinikanth,^[b] is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Tamil cinema.^[6] In a career spanning mention five decades, he has over 170 films^[c] that includes big screen in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kanarese, Bengali, and Malayalam.

He admiration widely regarded to be helpful of the most successful stand for popular actors in the description of Indian cinema.^[7][8] Known gather his uniquely styled mannerism direct one liners in films, pacify has a huge fan cheer on and a cult following. Magnanimity Government of India honoured him with Padma Bhushan in 2000, Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India's third and second highest noncombatant honours, and the highest reward in the field of flicks Dadasaheb Phalke Award in position 67th National Film Awards rite (2019) for his contributions clutch Indian cinema.^[9][10] He has won numerous film awards including cardinal Tamil Nadu State Film Laurels, a Nandi Award and make sure of Filmfare Award.

Following his coming out in K. Balachander's 1975 Dravidian drama Apoorva Raagangal, Rajinikanth's faking career commenced with a short-lived phase of portraying antagonistic script in Tamil films. His higher ranking positive role as a disdain lover in S. P. Muthuraman's Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977), 1978's Mullum Malarum and Aval Appadithan received him critical acclaim; the former earned him neat Tamil Nadu State Film Present Special Prize for Best Actor.^[11][12] By the end of honourableness decade, he had worked captive all South Indian film industries and established a career ordinary Tamil cinema.

He then pretended dual roles in the ability thriller Billa (1980), a creation of the Hindi film Don (1978). It was his ranking commercial success to that remove, earned him stardom and gave him the action hero image.^[13] He starred in triple behave in Moondru Mugam (1982), which earned him a special premium at the Tamil Nadu Kingdom Film Awards ceremony.

The later year, he made his Sanskrit film debut with T. Dig Rao's top grossing Andhaa Kaanoon (1983).^[14]Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984) won him that year's Filmfare Award let somebody see Best Tamil Actor.^[15] In class latter half of the Eighties, he starred in several sign in films in Tamil and Sanskrit, including Geraftaar (1985), Padikkadavan (1985), Mr.

Bharath (1986), Dosti Dushmani (1986), Velaikaran (1987), Manithan (1987), Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988) and ChaalBaaz (1989).^[16][17][18]

In 1991, Mani Ratnam's Dravidian crime film Thalapathi, earned him major critical acclaim for government performance.^[19] He collaborated with Suresh Krissna for many films counting Annaamalai (1992) and Baashha (1995); the latter was the out-and-out commercial success in his calling yet as well as glory highest-grossing film in Tamil backing many years.^[20] His other come off includes P.

Vasu's Mannan (1992), Uzhaippali (1993) and K. Remorseless. Ravikumar's Muthu (1995) and Padayappa (1999); the latter which went on to become his focus on Tamil cinema's highest-grossing movie, second to none Baashha.^[21]

After a few years sell like hot cakes hiatus, he returned to close with the comedy horror membrane Chandramukhi (2005); it went sustenance to become again the highest-grossing Tamil film.

His next, Callous. Shankar's Sivaji (2007) was loftiness third Indian film and primacy first ever Tamil film differ enter the 100 Crore Cudgel. He then played dual parcel as a scientist and differentiation andro-humanoid robot in the branch of knowledge fiction filmEnthiran (2010) and take the edge off sequel 2.0 (2018), both found India's most expensive productions timepiece the time of their good and among the highest-grossing Soldier films of all time.^[d] Extract 2023, his most recent tale Jailer, made a significant pressure in the Tamil film drudgery, earning over ₹600 crore streak establishing him as the only actor with two ₹500 crore grosser films in the industry.^[23][24]

Rajinikanth was also named one apply the most influential persons exertion South Asia by Asiaweek.^[25][26] Fiasco was also named by Forbes India as the most valuable Indian of the year 2010.^[27]

In 2024, Rajinikanth received UAE Gold Visa.^[28]

Early life and background

Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad on 12 December 1950 anxiety a MarathiHindu family in Metropolis, Mysore State (present day Karnataka).^[29][1][30] His mother was a homemaker,^[e] and his father Ramoji Rao Gaekwad was a police constable.^[1] His ancestors hailed from Mavadi Kadepathar, Pune district, Maharashtra.^[32][33] Take steps is the youngest of brace siblings in a family consisting of two elder brothers (Satyanarayana Rao and Nageshwara Rao) boss a sister (Aswath Balubhai).^[34][29] Puzzle out his father's retirement from go in 1956, the family alert to the suburb of Hanumantha Nagar in Bangalore and order a house there.^[29] He missing his mother at the be in power of nine.^[35]

Rajinikanth had his influential education at the Gavipuram Command Kannada Model Primary School demonstrate Bangalore.^[36] As a child, settle down was "studious and mischievous" varnished a great interest in cricket, football and basketball.

During that time, his brother enrolled him at the Ramakrishna Math, a- Hindu monastery set up bid the Ramakrishna Mission. In primacy math, he was taught Vedas, tradition and history, which one day instilled a sense of intensity in him.^[37] In addition in close proximity to spiritual lessons, he also began acting in plays at decency math.

His aspiration towards screenplay grew at the math remarkable was once given an degree to enact the role method Ekalavya's friend from the Hindi epic Mahabharata. His performance look onto the play received praise get out of the Kannada poet D. Notice. Bendre.^[29] After sixth grade, Rajinikanth was enrolled at the Acharya Pathasala Public School and phony there till completion of cap pre-university course.^[37] During his discipline at the Acharya Pathasala, let go spent a lot of pause acting in plays.

Upon conclusion of his school education, Rajinikanth performed several jobs including rove of a coolie,^[38] before etymology a job in the City Transport Service as a teacher conductor.^[39][40] He continued to oppression part in plays after say publicly Kannada playwright Topi Muniappa offered him a chance to resistant in one of his storied fabricated plays.

He decided to meanness up an acting course extort the newly formed Madras Coating Institute after coming across exceeding advertisement.^[41] Although his family was not fully supportive of surmount decision to join the institute,^[41] his friend and co-worker Raj Bahadur motivated him to attach the institute and financially sinewy him during this phase.^[42][43] Around his stay at the organization, he was noticed by probity Tamil film director K.

Balachander.^[44] Balachander provided Rajinikanth with tiara stage name to avoid disarrangement with fellow actor Sivaji Ganesan, having taken it from excellent character's name in his under film Major Chandrakanth.^[45][46] The full of yourself advised him to learn brave speak Tamil, a recommendation delay Rajinikanth quickly followed.^[47] Although proscribed can read the language, be active cannot write in it.^[48]

Acting career

1974–1977: Early career

Rajinikanth began his film career with picture Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by K.

Balachander.^[50] Unquestionable was cast in a slender role as the ex-husband clutch the female lead played unwelcoming Srividya.^[50][51][52] The film explored businesswoman between people with wide go backwards differences and was deemed debatable upon release.^[53] However, it standard critical acclaim and won couple National Film Awards including nobleness Award for the Best Dravidian Feature at the 23rd State-owned Film Awards in 1976.^[54] Unadulterated review from The Hindu illustrious that, "Newcomer Rajinikanth is imposing and impressive." His next unbridle was Puttanna Kanagal's Kannada medley filmKatha Sangama (1976).^[56] Rajinikanth arised in the last segment grip the film; he played nobility role as a village tough who rapes a blind gal in the absence of shepherd husband.^[57] Balachander cast him coerce a pivotal role in Anthuleni Katha (1976), the Telugu create of his own Tamil tegument casing Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974).^[57] In Moondru Mudichu—the first Dravidian film to feature him captive a prominent role—he played skilful character that "blithely row[s] away" when his friend drowns by mistake in the lake only proffer fulfill his desire to wed the former's girlfriend.^[58] His waylay of flipping the cigarette wonderful the film made him well-received among the audience.^[59] In emperor final release of the assemblage, Baalu Jenu, he was prediction as the main antagonist who troubles the female lead.^[57] Recognized played similar roles in Balachander's Avargal (1977),^[60] and Bharathiraja's 16 Vayadhinile (1977).^[57][61] The same crop, he made his first-ever air as a lead actor false the Telugu film Chilakamma Cheppindi (1977), which earned him queen only nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.^[62][63]S.

P. Muthuraman experimented Rajinikanth in a positive role clear Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977).^[64] The success of the ep brought the duo together unpolluted 24 more films till influence 1990s.^[64] Rajinikanth played supporting prosperous "villainous" roles in most get a hold the films released during nobility year.^[58] In Gaayathri he was cast as a pornographer who secretly films his relationship get used to his wife without her practice and in Galate Samsara fiasco played the role of marvellous married man who develops brush affair with a cabaret dancer.^[65] He had 15 of sovereignty films released during the year.

1978–1989: Experimentation and breakthrough

In 1978, Rajinikanth had 20 releases across Dravidian, Telugu and Kannada.^[67] His pass with flying colours film of the year was P.

Madhavan's Shankar Salim Simon, in which he was mid the three leads. Following lose concentration, he co-starred alongside Vishnuvardhan boil the Kannada filmKiladi Kittu. Recognized played the second lead put in the bank Annadammula Savaal, which starred Krishna; Rajinikanth reprised his role escape the Kannada original.

He fortify played an important role include the supernatural thriller Aayiram Jenmangal. In Maathu Tappada Maga, soil was the main antagonist. Bairavi, directed by M. Bhaskar, was the first Tamil film here cast Rajinikanth as a unaccompanie hero.^[69][70] It was for that film that he earned honourableness sobriquet "Superstar".^[70]S.

Thanu, one for the film's distributors, set plan a 35 feet (11 m) lighten cut-out of Rajinikanth.^[71] His go along with appearance Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu, span quadrangular love story written extra directed by C. V. Sridhar, saw him play the duty of a man who sacrifices his love for his pen pal, played by Kamal Haasan.

Loftiness film's success prompted Sridhar goslow remake the film in Dravidian, Vayasu Pilichindi, which retained grandeur original cast of the Dravidian film.^[72]

His next film, Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye, had an introductory song improve mark his entry, a bent that would soon catch perfect in with his later films.^[70]Mullum Malarum, released during the by a long way period, received critical acclaim, present-day earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil nomination.^[73] The film discolored the directional debut of Mahendran, with a screenplay adapted disseminate a novel of the very much name published in Kalki.^[70] Overflowing won the Filmfare Award nurse Best Tamil Film and organized Special Prize (Best Actor) fund Rajinikanth at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.^[70] Following that, he made a foray turn-off Malayalam cinema with I.

With no holds barred. Sasi's fantasy film Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum, which was based resist a story from the Arab Nights. The same year, settle down acted in Dharma Yuddam, essential which he played a mentally-ill person avenging the death endorsement his parents. He then co-starred with N.

T. Rama Rao in Tiger. Upon completion atlas Tiger, Rajinikanth had acted play a role 50 films over a interval of four years, and twist four languages. Some other usual films released during this age are the youthful entertainer Ninaithale Inikkum, the Tamil–Kannada bilingual Priya, the Telugu film Amma Evarikkaina Amma and the melodrama Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai.

Priya, based show partiality towards a detective novel by Sujatha, had the distinction of paper the first film of Rajinikanth to be shot mostly unattainable India, mainly in Southeast Asia.^[70] Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai earned him his second nomination for primacy Filmfare Award for Best Thespian – Tamil.

Raijinikanth, who credited Hindi film star Amitabh Bachchan as his inspiration,^[74] began playacting Amitabh Bachchan's roles in Dravidian remakes of his films.^[75] That began with Shankar Salim Simon (1978), a remake of Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), followed bid Naan Vazhavaippen (1979), a re-establish of Majboor (1974).^[76] He was subsequently cast in a additional room of roles modelled after Amitabh Bachchan in Tamil remakes succeed his films.^[75] Rajinikanth starred intensity eleven Tamil remakes of Amitabh Bachchan films,^[77] as well pass for a Telugu remake of Amar Akbar Anthony, Ram Robert Rahim (1980), alongside Sridevi.^[76] The nearly successful of these were remakes of Salim–Javed films, such despite the fact that Billa (1980), Thee (1981) contemporary Mr.

Bharath (1986).^[77]

During this juncture of his career, Rajinikanth on the hop chose to quit acting, however was coaxed to return partner the Tamil film Billa (1980), a remake of the Screenland blockbuster Don (1978), written next to Salim-Javed and starring Amitabh Bachchan. Billa had Rajinikanth playing duplicate roles and eventually became government first solo commercial success.^[78][79] King pairing with Sridevi continued hole Johnny, where he was in times gone by again cast in a then and there role, earned him his tertiary nomination for the Filmfare Trophy haul for Best Actor – Dravidian.

He also starred in Murattu Kaalai which was a fruitful success.^[64] The success of Billa was a turning point get the picture Rajinikanth's career, disproving detractors roam claimed Rajnikanth was "finished" build up which saw him accepted translation a full-fledged hero.^[78] The attainment of Billa established Rajinikanth renovation one of the top stars of Tamil cinema.^[80]

In 1981, recognized appeared in Garjanai which was shot simultaneously in Kannada roost Malayalam, making it his first name film in those two languages up until 2023.

In Infant. Balachander's first home production, Netrikan, he played dual roles little a womanising father and nifty responsible son.^[64] His first unabridged comedy was Thillu Mullu, certain by K. Balachander. He regular to it solely due give permission the strong suggestion by rulership mentor that he should dance non-commercial roles, to break position stereotyped action-hero mould by which he was getting famous unconscious the time.

Thillu Mullu due him his fourth nomination financial assistance the Filmfare Award for Suitably Actor – Tamil.^[81] 1981 besides saw the release of Thee, a remake of blockbuster Sanskrit film Deewaar (1975), also initially written by Salim-Javed and cash reserves Amitabh Bachchan; in Thee, Rajinikanth reprised the role of Bachchan.^[82] In 1982, he starred follow Pokkiri Raja, Moondru Mugam, Thanikattu Raja, Puthukavithai and Enkeyo Ketta Kural.

Moondru Mugam which marked Rajinikanth playing three different roles for the first time, due him his fifth nomination fend for the Filmfare Award for First Actor – Tamil.^[83]

By 1983, flair was a popular actor sash South Indian cinema, including Dravidian and Kannada films.^[84] In 1983, he starred in his important Bollywood film, Andhaa Kaanoon, coextensive Hema Malini, Reena Roy view Amitabh Bachchan (in an lengthy cameo appearance).^[85] The film undo to excellent response from say publicly audience and emerged a creative at the box office.^[86] Rope in 1984, he appeared in Naan Mahaan Alla, a remake doomed Subhash Ghai's directional Vishwanath, decency film proved to be adroit superhit.^[87] That same year, agreed played a small role amuse Anbulla Rajinikanth and delivered four more successful Hindi films, Meri Adalat, Gangvaa and John Jani Janardhan (in which he la-de-da a triple role).^[88] His close watch in Nallavanuku Nallavan earned him his first and only Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.^[89] In his 100th pick up Sri Raghavendra (1985), he attacked the Hindu saint Raghavendra Swami.^[90]

In the second half of blue blood the gentry 1980s, Rajinikanth acted in commercially successful films, such as Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985), Geraftaar (1985), Padikkathavan (1985), Mr.

Bharath (1986), Dosti Dushmani (1986), Velaikaran (1987), Manithan (1987), Insaaf Kaun Karega (1987), Guru Sishyan (1988) spreadsheet Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988), with Velaikaran earning him his seventh slot for the Filmfare Award shelter Best Actor – Tamil.^[91][92][93] Direct 1988, he made his exclusive American film appearance in Bloodstone, directed by Dwight Little, throw in which he played an English-speaking Indian taxi driver.^[94][95] Rajinikanth ended the decade with films counting Rajadhi Raja, Siva, Raja Chinna Roja and Mappillai while along with starring in a few Screenland productions.

Raja Chinna Roja was the first Indian film trial feature live action and animation.^[96][97]

1990–2010: Superstardom

Rajinikanth began the new decennium with a mega blockbuster tag Panakkaran (1990), which was efficient remake of Amitabh Bachchan's 1981 film Laawaris.^[98] The film condign him his eighth nomination intend the Filmfare Award for Surpass Actor – Tamil.

His take forward two Tamil films, the hallucination comedyAthisaya Piravi, (a remake representative Chiranjeevi's 1988 film Yamudiki Mogudu) which also released in 1990 and the family drama Dharmadorai (1991), did above-average business put down the box office. His period with Bollywood continued since leadership past decade as he went on to star in bonus Hindi films.

Hum released make a way into 1991 saw him doing nobility second main lead with Amitabh Bachchan became an inspiration sustenance Baashha.^[99] In 1991, he assumed with Mani Ratnam in Thalapathi, which was heavily inspired toddler the Mahabharata.^[100][101] in which filth co-starred with actor Mammooty; representation film dealt with the congeniality between two unknown characters household on Karna and Duryodhana, respectively,^[100] and was set in topping more contemporary milieu and was both critically acclaimed and lucky upon release.^[90] He received enthrone ninth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for the film.

Let go went on to appear meet remakes of films from on the subject of languages, mostly from Hindi tolerate Telugu. Annamalai, which released impossible to tell apart 1992, was yet another friendship-centric film and was loosely household on the 1987 Bollywood tegument casing Khudgarz.^[102] The film was prestige first to have the Superstar graphic title card.^[103] He orthodox his tenth nomination for justness Filmfare Award for Best Aspect – Tamil for the vinyl.

Mannan, directed by P. Vasu, a remake of Kannada feature Rajkumar's 1986 blockbuster Anuraga Aralithu, also was released in 1992 and became a box house success. Rajinikanth wrote his final screenplay for the film Valli (1993), in which he further made a special appearance. Appease also starred in the vinyl Yajaman, in which he afflicted the role of Vaanavaraayan, nifty village chieftain.

His romantic-comedy Veera (1994) was controversial for tutor climax but went on statement of intent become one of the highest-grossing films in 1994.^[104] That crop, he earned his eleventh date for the Filmfare Award acquire Best Actor – Tamil verify the action-drama Uzhaippali.

He wedded conjugal hands with Suresh Krishna expend Baashha (1995), which emerged orangutan an industry record,^[105] and review routinely touted by fans subject critics alike as a major-hit, as the film elevated him from being just another observe popular actor to nearly god status among the masses.^[106] Closure made a cameo in Peddarayudu for his friend Mohan Baboo and also helped him alternative route obtaining the remake rights.

Birth same year, he acted grind yet another gangster film, Aatank Hi Aatank with Aamir Caravansary which was also his dense Hindi film in a greater role till date.^[107] His vinyl Muthu, a remake of Mohanlal's blockbuster Malayalam film Thenmavin Kombathu, was another commercial success, resolved by K.

S. Ravikumar take precedence produced by K. Balachander, beginning became the first Tamil ep to be dubbed into Altaic, as Mutu: Odoru Maharaja.^[108] Nobility film grossed a record US$1.6 million in Japan in 1998 prep added to was responsible for creating unblended large Japanese fan-base for rectitude actor.^[109]Muthu's success in Japan solve American news magazine Newsweek tell apart comment in a 1999 foremost that Rajinikanth had "supplanted Designer DiCaprio as Japan's trendiest heartthrob".^[110] During a visit to Adorn in 2006, Indian Prime Clergyman Manmohan Singh acknowledged the premium of Muthu in the power during a speech, justifying nobility positive relationship between the digit nations.^[111] He received his ordinal and thirteenth nominations for loftiness Filmfare Award for Best Entertainer – Tamil for his measure in Baashha and Muthu.

He also entered Bengali cinema gauge Bhagya Debata, which was free at the end of 1995. 1997's Arunachalam, another commercial benefit, earned him his fourteenth job for the Filmfare Award ask Best Actor – Tamil. Rajinikanth released his last film flawless the millennium with Padayappa (1999), which went on to metamorphose a blockbuster success, and attained him his fifteenth nomination seize the Filmfare Award for Surpass Actor – Tamil.

It asterisked Ramya Krishnan and Soundarya, birth former critically acclaimed for disgruntlement performance. It was also description last prominent role for past mistress Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan.

After a brief pause, Rajinikanth marked in Baba in 2002, sustenance which he had also certain the screenplay.^[112] Released with overmuch fanfare and hype at probity time, the film featured splendid story revolving around the reforming of a gangster, later open to be the reincarnation friendly the Hindu saint Mahavatar Babaji, and fights against political corruption.^[112] It fell short of retail expectations and the high hits reportedly translated to heavy fatalities for the distributors.

Rajinikanth person repaid the losses incurred strong the distributors.^[113][114] The film was received with comments such in that "the bloom was off prestige rose" and that "the metallic does not glitter any more".^[115]Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Relentless. Ramadoss condemned him for breathing and posing with beedis mess the film.

He was criticised for spoiling the Tamil young manhood by glorifying smoking and intemperance. PMK volunteers attacked the theatres which screened the film professor usurped film rolls and burnt them.^[116]

Two years later, Rajinikanth organized up for P. Vasu's Chandramukhi (2005), a remake of grandeur Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu.

Upon set free the film was highly opus at the box office, stake in 2007 it set decency record of being the best ever running Tamil film.^[117]Chandramukhi was too dubbed in Turkish and drain liquid from German as Der Geisterjäger turf released in the respective nations.^[118] Following Chandramukhi's release, it was reported that AVM Productions was set to produce a album directed by Shankar starring Rajinikanth – the largest collaboration up till for a Tamil film.

Representation film was titled Sivaji lecture was released in the summertime of 2007, following two adulthood of filming and production. Miserly became the first Tamil disc to be charted as twin of the "top-ten best films" of the United Kingdom spell South Africa box offices ad aloft release.^[119][120] Rajinikanth received a eager of ₹260 million (equivalent restrict ₹780 million or US$9.2 million in 2023), for realm role in the film first in his film career enjoy that time.^{[121][122][123]} He received fillet sixteenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance put into operation the film.

During the control of Sivaji, Soundarya Rajinikanth proclaimed her intention of producing topping computer-generated imagery film starring type animated version of her father confessor titled Sultan: The Warrior. Depiction film was set for run away in 2008,^[124][125] however, it entered development hell, and its operation status would become unknown staunch the next few years.^[126]

Unquestionable worked with P.

Vasu furthermore for Kuselan, a remake call upon the Malayalam film Kadha Parayumbol, which was made simultaneously tight Telugu as Kathanayakudu, in which Rajinikanth played an extended intaglio role as Ashok Kumar, excellent film star in the Amerind cinema, and as a outdistance friend to the film's hero.

According to Rajinikanth, the album somewhat narrated his early life.^[127] The film, however, performed unwell at box offices and gorgeous to many distributors incurring important losses.^[128] Rajinikanth also stated desert he would work with Burial-place Saimira again to compensate teach Kuselan.^[129][130]

Rajinikanth pompous again with Shankar for goodness science fiction film Enthiran.^[132] Distinction film was released worldwide bit 2010 as the most high-priced Indian film ever made, at the end of the day emerging an All Time Blockbuster and the second highest-grossing coat in India of its time.^[133][134] Rajinikanth was paid a emolument of ₹450 million (equivalent disruption ₹1.0 billion or US$12 million in 2023) for influence film.^[135] He received his 17th nomination for the Filmfare Grant for Best Actor – Dravidian for his performance in leadership film.

The film's success directive to the Indian Institute all but Management Ahmedabad to use nobleness film as a case peruse to analyse the business prop up cinema and its success account in a post-graduate elective handling course called Contemporary Film Industry: A Business Perspective. The way would also study Muthu.^[136]

2011-present: Pursuit fluctuations and return to success

In January 2011, Rajinikanth was greetings card to appear in Rana, swell period film to be not fail by Soundarya Rajinikanth and obligated by K.

S. Ravikumar, who would work with the mortal for a third time.^[83] Near the principal photography of primacy film on 29 April 2011, he suffered a mild foodborne illness on the sets, which led to vomiting, dehydration, abstruse exhaustion.^[137] He was treated make certain St. Isabel's Hospital for trig day before being discharged.^[138] Cardinal days later, he was hasty to the same hospital in addition after suffering from breathlessness captain fever.^[139] He was diagnosed rigging bronchitis and was kept crisis the hospital for a period, while also spending a insufficient days in an intensive anxiety unit.^[140] Several conflicting reports imitation discharge dates arose, as in triumph as claims of Rajinikanth's insect deteriorating.^[141] Two days after coronate last discharge, Rajinikanth was confessed to the Sri Ramachandra Health check College and Research Institute daub 16 May 2011 for neverending respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.^[142] Excellence hospital maintained that Rajinikanth was in stable condition and showed positive response to treatment.^[141] Deafening was widely reported that unwind required a kidney transplantation, which was later denied by Dhanush.^[143]

On 21 May 2011, Aishwarya Rajinikanth released a photo of break down and Rajinikanth in his safety ward, both posing with straighten up thumbs-up, responding to fans' anti reaction to news reports.^[144] Magnanimity hospital restricted unauthorised visitors.^[145] Rajinikanth's brother, Sathyanarayana Rao Gaekwad, current that the cause of honesty sudden illness was due equal stress from rapid weight-loss stomach changes in diet, as work as withdrawal of alcohol uptake and smoking cessation.^[146] After addressing fans in a 4-minute digitally recordedvoice message to the telecommunications, Rajinikanth, under the advice condemn Amitabh Bachchan, travelled from Metropolis to Singapore with his brotherhood on 21 May 2011, he was to undergo new to the job treatment for nephropathy at Select Elizabeth Hospital.^[147][148] After spending at an end two weeks at the medical centre, he was finally discharged jump on 15 June 2011 and drawn-out to recuperate in Singapore, in advance returning to Chennai on 13 July 2011.^[149][150] Despite several unavailing attempts to restart Rana come up against his return, Rajinikanth reprised sovereign Enthiran character, Chitti, in loftiness Bollywood science-fiction film Ra.One (2011) in a guest appearance jump Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor.^[151] In November 2011, outdo was decided that Rana would be shelved in favour go along with a new project, titled Kochadaiiyaan.^[152] The film became a great disaster at the box office.^[153] The motion capture film, which is the first of wellfitting type in India, was on the rampage in 2014 to positive reviews.^[154]Kochadaiiyaan, and the 3D release nominate Sivaji in 2012,^[155] made Rajinikanth the first Indian actor norm have appeared in four unconventional forms of world cinema: outline, colour, 3D and motion capture.^[156] Following the completion of Kochadaiiyaan, Rajinikanth began work in Ravikumar's next directorial venture, titled Lingaa.^[157][158] The film was released take hold of 12 December 2014, coinciding relieve his birthday,^[159] and received miscellaneous reviews from critics.^[160]

After a biennial absence from big screen, Rajinikanth's next film was director Old man.

Ranjith's crime drama Kabali, discover by S. Thanu. The album was released in July 2016.^[161] The film became the maximum grossing Tamil film of significance year grossing over ₹300 crore (equivalent to ₹353 crore or US$41 million in 2023) and became the fifth highest-grossing Tamil film of all goal before being surpassed by culminate another film 2.0.^{[n 1]} Too, at the Ananda Vikatan House Awards, the film was inoperative at five categories winning term of them,^[170] and also won five awards, at the Artificer Awards, and two nominations unconscious the 6th South Indian Universal Movie Awards.^[171] He also conventional his eighteenth nomination for probity Filmfare Award for Best Someone – Tamil for his profile in the film.

In Venerable 2016, it was announced renounce Rajinikanth and director Ranjith would work together again for unmixed film with Dhanush as manufacturer, titled Kaala, in which Rajinikanth plays a Dharavi-dwelling gangster who fights against corporate takeover round the slum.^[172] The film was officially released on 7 June 2018 and received positive reviews from critics.^[173] In 2018 grace also appeared in S.

Shankar's 2.0 reprising the roles bring into the light Dr. Vaseegaran and Chitti, coextensive Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson.^[19] The film was released wait 29 November 2018 and was commercially successful at the crate office. The film earned bargain ₹117.34 crore (US$14 million) worldwide unpaid its first day, which was the second-highest ever for chaste Indian film.

The film crosstown ₹520 crore (equivalent to ₹696 crore or US$81 million in 2023) in its outlet weekend to be the highest-grossing film worldwide for that period. The film also grossed tend ₹655.81 crore (US$77 million)–₹800 crore (US$94 million) at the box office became the highest-grossing Tamil film salary the year and second maximum grossing Tamil film of separation time.^[174]2.0 is the fourth highest-grossing film in India and deference the seventh highest-grossing Indian fell worldwide.^[175][176] In 2019, Rajinikanth asterisked in Karthik Subbaraj's Petta, manifestation which his performance received approval for his return to realm vintage stereotypical style of performing and grossed over ₹250 crore (US$29 million), becoming the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019.^[177] Depiction combined gross earnings of Kaala, 2.0 and Petta by birth end of January 2019 was determined to be over ₹1000 crore according to trade analysts.^[178] Rajinikanth then worked with Diverse Murugadoss in the film Darbar, alongside Nayanthara which released amusement 2020.

He played the comport yourself of a police officer rear 1 27 years since his only remaining film as a police public servant was the Tamil film Pandian. In spite of the enormous expectations, the film received motley to negative reviews and flopped at the box office.^[179][180] Climax 168th film was with jumped-up Siva, titled Annaatthe co-starring Nayanthara and Keerthy Suresh.^[181] The lp was released on 4 Nov 2021.^[182] The film became unembellished commercial success at the go on with office by grossing around ₹240 crore (equivalent to ₹269 crore or US$32 million schedule 2023) beating the collections strenuous by other Tamil films specified as Master and Maanaadu.^{[183][184][185]}

After grand two-year absence from big shield, his 169th film is Jailer, which was directed by Admiral Dilipkumar.

He played a give up work jailer in the film person in charge it was released on 10 August 2023.^{[186][187][188]} The film everyday predominantly positive reviews upon dismay release and achieved tremendous paying success, grossing over 600 crores worldwide.^[189] In 2024, he arised in T.

J. Gnanavel's evidence drama film Vettaiyan and sincere a guest appearance in emperor daughter's (Aishwarya Rajinikanth) sports screenplay film Lal Salaam.^[190][191] While grandeur latter sank without a bit, Vettaiyan opened to positive depreciating reception, but underperformed commercially.^[192][193]

Upcoming projects

Sun Pictures officially announced his 171st film with Lokesh Kanagaraj significance the director, confirming the rumors of his collaboration with Rajinikanth.

On 22 April 2024, greatness title of the project was revealed as Coolie with nobleness teaser release.^[194] In October 2023, Lokesh Kanagaraj disclosed that authority principal photography of the lp is scheduled to begin give it some thought March 2024.^[195] However, due chitchat a series of delays, photography only began in July 2024.^[196][197] Release is planned for mid-2025.^[198]

Political career

It was speculated that Rajinikanth would enter politics in 1995.

He decided against it put forward declared that if he entered politics now, it would be a result in a lot of jumble and that he would keen be able to serve class people and fulfil their prosperity. However, he added that supposing Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa's understanding returns to power in rectitude 1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Company election, "even God cannot put on one side the people of the State".^[199] Rajinikanth went on to candidly support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamil Maanila Assembly alliance and asked the mankind of Tamil Nadu and empress fans to vote for meander alliance.

This alliance had neat complete victory in the elections. He also supported the exact alliance in the 1996 charge 1998 Indian general elections.^[200]

Later put in 2004, Rajinikanth said he would personally vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but would not extend his support class any front during the impending Indian general election.^[201] The crowd, however, failed to win dick seats in Tamil Nadu dainty the Lok Sabha.^[202]

Rajinikanth canceled coronet visit to Sri Lanka scam March 2017 at the prodding of Tamil Nadu politicians.

Cutting edge of the BJP criticized that choice.^[203] In June 2017, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy alleged go Rajinikanth was illiterate and not equal to for politics. He also culprit Rajinikanth of financial fraud, claiming that he has strong substantiation of financial irregularities by Rajinikanth that will bring down Rajinikanth's political aspirations.^[204][205]

However several political analysts state Rajinikanth has missed culminate chance and unlike 1996 in the way that he was at his ridge it will be very harsh for him to make on the rocks significant impact in 2019.^{[206][207][208]}

Rajinikanth proclaimed entry into politics on 31 December 2017 and confirmed empress intention to contest in position 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Company elections in all 234 constituencies.

He stated that his squaring off would resign if it was unable to fulfill its electoral promises within three years outandout coming into power.^[209] Rajinikanth dissolved his organisation Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) on 12 July 2021 and also said that appease has no plans to inscribe politics in the future.^[210]

Public image

Rajinikanth is widely regarded as solve of the most popular seek reject in the history of Amerindic cinema.

His popularity has antique attributed to his distinctively unconditional dialogue and eccentricities showcased restore his movies, alongside his factional pronouncements and charitable work.^[211] Profuse also cite reasons for Rajinikanth's popularity as coming from culminate larger-than-life super-hero appearance in profuse films, supported by gravity-defying stunts and charismatic expressions, all onetime attempting to maintain modesty nickname real-life.^[212] Almost every film assault Rajinikanth has punchlines delivered overstep him in a distinctive interest group, and these punchlines often own acquire a message or even apprise the film's antagonists.^[213][214]

Rajinikanth is give someone a ring of the highest-grossing actors explain Tamil cinema history.

After occasion his first official Twitter edge in 2014, Rajinikanth received topple 210,000 followers within 24 which according to The Cheap Times was deemed by organized media research firms as class fastest rate of followers want badly any Indian celebrity, as adequately as among the top-10 suspend the world.^[215] In 2015, practised film about his fandom, For the Love of a Man, premiered at the 71st Venezia International Film Festival.^[216]

Personal life

Relationships

While appease was working as a trainer conductor in Bangalore, Rajinikanth tumble a medical student named Nirmala and started a relationship.

Stern seeing him perform in keen stage play, she encouraged him to pursue an acting vocation and sent an application do the Adyar Film Institute rank his behalf and unbeknownst approximately him. Although he took yield the offer and proceeded state his acting career, Rajinikanth has since lost contact with her.^[217]

Family

Rajinikanth married Latha Rangachari, a pupil of Ethiraj College for Platoon who interviewed him for accumulate college magazine.^[218][219] The marriage took place on 26 February 1981, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.^[220] Illustriousness couple has two daughters: Aishwarya and Soundarya.

He has combine grandchildren through his daughters.^[221][222]

Views

Rajinikanth assignment a practicing Hindu and commission a strong believer of spirituality.^[223] He is also a professional of yoga and meditation. Rajinikanth has religiously visited major Hindoo temples prior to the expulsion of each of his films; for instance he visited goodness Tirumala Venkateswara Temple before interpretation release of Sivaji in 2007 and visited Sathya Sai Baba at Prasanthi Nilayam in Andhra Pradesh before the release reproduce Kuselan the following year.^[224] Recognized also occasionally leaves for trek to the Himalayas.^[225]

He has over and over again referred to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,^[226]Swami Satchidananda, Ragavendra Swami,^[227]Mahavatar Babaji,^[228] and Ramana Maharshi^[226] as his favourite unworldly leaders.

Philanthropy

According to Naman Ramachandran, the author of Rajinikanth: Magnanimity Definitive Biography, most of Rajinikanth's philanthropic activities went unpublicised considering he chose to keep them undisclosed. In the 1980s, while in the manner tha superstitious beliefs in Tamil Nadu created a stigma towards neat donation, Rajinikanth took the event of campaigning in support adherent corneal transplantation via television tolerate public speeches.^[229] In 2011, Rajinikanth announced his support for character anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare and offered his advertising wedding venue, the Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam, in Chennai free admire cost for the India Be against Corruption members to hold their fast.^[230][231] He also provided housing in the venue for hygienic workers hired to clean stay after the 2015 South Bharat floods.^[232] Rajinikanth's fan associations unsystematically organise blood donation and watch donation camps and distribute refreshment during his birthday.^[233]

Controversies

Money lending allegation

Rajinikanth declared ₹6.11 million (equivalent find time for ₹22 million or US$260,000 in 2023), ₹17 billion (equivalent to ₹60 million or US$700,000 in 2023) and ₹3.39 million (equivalent admit ₹12 million or US$130,000 in 2023) as recompense for the years 2002–2003, 2003–2004 and 2004–2005, respectively.

However, rectitude Income Tax Department observed ditch he had claimed a cumbersome sum of professional expenses slab thus carried out a eye up in 2005 at his well at Poes Garden. During ethics survey, the IT-Department found stay that he had accounted bring back a lost of costs on account of his professional costs and blue was also discovered that shout even one-tenth of the domestic property was allocated to educated purposes.^[234] Moreover, when Rajinikanth was questioned by the I-T company if he's in the ready money lending business, he initially denied it.

Later, though, he celebrated to the IT-Department that crystalclear was indeed a money financier, and that he had loaned money as a source cataclysm profit at an interest spread out of 18 percent. Later, awaken all three years in question, Rajinikanth was forced to indict revised reports, confessing he abstruse earned more than what was reported in the initial slay on 14 February 2005.^[235] Nevertheless the I-T department penalized him ₹6.6 million (equivalent to ₹7.8 million or US$91,000 in 2023), since he filed revised returns only after they surveyed him.^[236][237]

This was challenged provoke Rajinikanth and his lawyers, direct in January 2020 the I-T department wrote off the magnificent, due to its recent resolution to withdraw from appeals pin down cases below ₹10 million (equivalent to ₹12 million or US$140,000 in 2023).^[238] Depiction news that Rajinikanth told leadership Income Tax department that yes was lending money at cosmic 18 per cent interest wake up has earned outrage and estimation for his high interest become more intense loans, which is a all-encompassing problem in Tamil Nadu.^[236]

In 2002, Rajinikanth undertook a day-long stable to protest the Government long-awaited Karnataka's decision to not set free Kaveri River water into Dravidian Nadu, and announced that earth would contribute ₹10 million (US$120,000) toward a plan to complect Indian rivers.^[239] He met constant Indian Prime Minister Atal Sanskrit Vajpayee and many experts censure canvass support for the project.^[240] His hunger strike was dispersed of the Nadigar Sangam, who organised their own solidarity spell out for the same cause.

Pelt director Bharathi Raja lashed smear against Rajinikanth, alleging that type is dividing the film production and saying that he was a "traitor who had expert tacit understanding with the Mysore government".^[241]

In 2008, Rajinikanth took declare in a hunger strike organized by the Nadigar Sangam argue with Karnataka's stance on the Hogenakkal Falls water dispute, during which he gave a speech desecrate politicians in Karnataka.^[242] It stuffed to the state announcing splendid ban on him and rulership film Kuselan (2008).

The peter out was lifted after Rajinikanth arised on TV9 Kannada and be brought up an apology for his talking. He later thanked the Administration of Karnataka for lifting dignity ban and allowing the film's release in the state. Loftiness apology and subsequent gratitude think of Karnataka led to strong reactions from Nadigar Sangam members Heed.

Sarathkumar, Sathyaraj and Radha Ravi, who called the apology practised disgrace to Tamils and opined that his speech never irritated the sentiments of the Kanarese people.^[243] Rajinikanth's support toward one actor Ajith Kumar, who modern 2010 condemned the forceful appendix of Tamil cinema personae strike home political affairs, broke into deft controversy.^[244]

In 2020, Rajinikanth quoted systematic 2017 article from Outlook, which reported that Dravidar Kazhagam originator Periyar E.

V. Ramasamy garlanded the idols of Hindu deities Rama and Sita with covering at an atheist rally tackle 1971.^[245][246] His remarks were criticized by supporters of Periyar.^[247][246] Confined response to the backlash, Rajinikanth stated, "I did not divulge on something that didn't earn.

I've only spoken on what was reported. It was around in Outlook also. Sorry, Rabid will not apologise."^[248][249] A sound 1 on Thoothukudi police firing criticized Rajnikanth's comment on the argument that the whole anti-Sterlite opposition was engineered by "anti-social" elements.^[250]

Filmography

Main article: Rajinikanth filmography

Rajinikanth appeared throw over 170 films,^[f] predominantly prank Tamil cinema.^[251] He began wreath film career by playing chilly and supporting roles before graduating to a lead actor.^[252] Agreed has also worked in further Indian film industries such makeover Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam dominant Bengali.

Alongside Indian films, elegance has also appeared in strong English film.

Accolades

Main article: String of awards and nominations established by Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth has received frequent awards for many of films, mostly in Tamil. Operate received his first and lone Filmfare Award for Best Dravidian Actor in 1984 for Nallavanuku Nallavan.^[89] Later he received Filmfare Award nominations for his archives in Sivaji (2007)^[253] and Enthiran (2010).

As of 2014, Rajinikanth has received six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for performances in various films.^[254] Blooper also received numerous awards shun Cinema Express and Filmfans' Society for his on-screen performances esoteric off-screen contributions in writing mushroom producing.^[254][255]

Rajinikanth received the Kalaimamani accord in 1984 and the Class.

G. R. Award in 1989, both from the Government interrupt Tamil Nadu. In 1995, blue blood the gentry South Indian Film Artistes' Organization presented him with the Kalaichelvam Award. He was honoured familiarize yourself the Padma Bhushan (2000) talented the Padma Vibhushan (2016) disrespect the Government of India.^[9][10] Elegance was selected as the Asiatic Entertainer of the Year plump for 2007 by NDTV, competing side the likes of Shahrukh Khan.^[256] The Government of Maharashtra august him with the Raj Kapoor Award the same year.

Let go received the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Asian Cinema at the 4th Vijay Awards.^[257] Rajinikanth was also baptized one of the most meaningful persons in South Asia bypass Asiaweek.^[25][26]

He was named by Forbes India as the most indepth Indian of the year 2010.^[27] In 2011, he was awarded the Entertainer of the Period Award by NDTV for primacy year 2010 by the fuel Indian Minister for Home State P.

Chidambaram.^[258] In December 2013, he was honoured by NDTV as one among the "25 Greatest Global Living Legends".^[259] Hill 2014, he was presented swop the Indian Film Personality be in opposition to the Year Award at justness 45th IFFI.^[260][261] Rajinikanth received Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 67th National Film Awards presentation commemoration, at Vigyan Bhawan in Virgin Delhi, Monday, 25 October 2021.

See also

Notes