RAJINIKANTH

2. Rajinikanth – The Superstar of Indian Cinema

Early Life & Background

• Real Name: Shivaji Rao Gaikwad
• Born: December 12, 1950
• Birthplace: Bangalore, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India
• Parents: Ramoji Rao Gaikwad (police constable) & Jijabai
• Siblings: Three older siblings
• Education: Attended Government Model Primary School in Bangalore

Rajinikanth grew up in a Marathi-speaking family. His early life was financially challenging, and he took up various odd jobs, including working as a coolie and a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service. His passion for acting led him to join the Madras Film Institute, where he trained in acting.

Entry into Cinema

Rajinikanth was discovered by director K. Balachander, who gave him his first Tamil film role in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), where he played a supporting character. Initially, he was cast in negative roles in movies like Moondru Mudichu (1976) and 16 Vayathinile (1977). However, his unique style, charisma, and powerful screen presence made him an audience favorite.

Complete Filmography of Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth has acted in over 170 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam, and Bengali cinema. Below is the list of all his movies, categorized by decade.

1970s – Early Years

1. Apoorva Raagangal (1975) – Tamil (Debut)
2. Katha Sangama (1976) – Kannada (Debut)
3. Anthuleni Katha (1976) – Telugu (Debut)
4. Moondru Mudichu (1976)
5. Baalu Jenu (1976) – Kannada
6. Avargal (1977)
7. Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977)
8. 16 Vayathinile (1977)
9. Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (1979)
10. Ninaithale Inikkum (1979)

(Several other movies in this decade established his unique style and charisma.)

1980s – Rise to Stardom

11. Billa (1980)
12. Murattu Kaalai (1980)
13. Thee (1981)
14. Moondru Mugam (1982)
15. Thanikattu Raja (1982)
16. Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984)
17. Padikkadavan (1985)
18. Mr. Bharath (1986)
19. Velaikaran (1987)
20. Guru Sishyan (1988)
21. Dharma Durai (1988)
22. Rajadhi Raja (1989)

(Rajinikanth became the highest-paid South Indian actor during this time.)

1990s – Superstardom

23. Panakkaran (1990)
24. Thalapathi (1991)
25. Mannan (1992)
26. Annamalai (1992)
27. Veera (1994)
28. Baashha (1995) – One of his most iconic films
29. Muthu (1995) – A massive hit in Japan
30. Arunachalam (1997)
31. Padayappa (1999) – A landmark film

2000s – Global Recognition

32. Baba (2002)
33. Chandramukhi (2005) – Tamil cinema’s longest-running film
34. Sivaji: The Boss (2007) – First Tamil film to enter ₹100 crore club
35. Kuselan (2008)

2010s – Sci-Fi and Comeback

36. Enthiran (Robot) (2010) – Sci-fi blockbuster with Aishwarya Rai
37. Kochadaiiyaan (2014) – India’s first motion-capture film
38. Lingaa (2014)
39. Kabali (2016)
40. Kaala (2018)
41. 2.0 (2018) – Sequel to Enthiran, also starring Akshay Kumar
42. Petta (2019)

2020s – Present

43. Darbar (2020)
44. Annaatthe (2021)
45. Jailer (2023) – One of the biggest Tamil blockbusters
46. Thalaivar 170 (Upcoming in 2024)
47. Thalaivar 171 (Upcoming in 2025).

Awards & Honors of Rajinikanth 

Rajinikanth has received numerous awards and honors throughout his illustrious career spanning over five decades. Here is a detailed list of his major awards and recognitions.

 Civilian Awards (Government of India)

1. Padma Bhushan (2000) – India’s third-highest civilian award
2. Padma Vibhushan (2016) – India’s second-highest civilian award
3. Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2021) – India’s highest honor in cinema

These awards recognize his contributions to Indian cinema and his impact on culture.

 National Film Awards

1. Best Actor – Jailer (2023) – Special recognition at the National Film Awards
2. Best Feature Film (Producer) – Valli (1993)

 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

Rajinikanth has won 6 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including:

1. Best Actor – Mullum Malarum (1978)
2. Best Actor – Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (1979)
3. Best Actor – Moondru Mugam (1982)
4. Best Actor – Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984)
5. Special Prize – Padayappa (1999)
6. Special Award for Superstar Status – Chandramukhi (2005)

 Filmfare Awards (South)

1. Best Tamil Actor – Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984)

(He has also received multiple Filmfare nominations but has not actively competed for them after 1984.)

 Vijay Awards

1. Best Entertainer of the Year – Sivaji (2007)
2. Favorite Hero – Sivaji (2007)
3. Favorite Hero – Enthiran (2010)
4. Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema (2010)

South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA)

1. Best Actor – Kabali (2016)
2. Best Actor – Jailer (2023)

 International Honors

• Muthu (1995) became a blockbuster in Japan, making Rajinikanth one of the few Indian actors to gain international fame in East Asia.
• He was honored by Japan’s Prime Minister Office for his contributions to cinema.
• In 2014, he was named “Indian Film Personality of the Year” at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

 Other Recognitions

• Kalaimamani Award (1984) – Tamil Nadu’s highest artistic honor
• Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year (2014)
• NDTV Indian of the Year – Actor of the Decade (2010)

 Lifetime Achievement Awards

1. NDTV Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
2. CNN-IBN Indian of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)

 Honorary Titles

• “Superstar” of Tamil Cinema (Unofficial but widely accepted title)
• “Thalaivar” (Leader) – Given by his fans.

Personal Life

• Wife: Latha Rajinikanth (married in 1981)
• Children: Aishwarya Rajinikanth (director) & Soundarya Rajinikanth (producer)

Political Involvement

Rajinikanth has expressed interest in politics multiple times but has not officially entered electoral politics. His fans and followers have urged him to become a political leader, but he announced his decision to stay away from politics in 2021 due to health concerns.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6AYYpzoYbE&pp=ygUWcmFqaW5pa2FudGggbGlmZSBzdG9yeQ%3D%3D

INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/rajinikanth/

FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/Rajinikanth/

TWITTER : https://x.com/rajinikanth