Full Name & Nickname
Rajinikanth was born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, but to millions of admirers, he is simply “Thalaivar” (meaning “Leader” in Tamil) or “Superstar.”
Birth & Early Life
He was born on 12 December 1950 in Bangalore, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India. Rajinikanth grew up in a modest Marathi-speaking family. His father, Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, was a police constable, and his mother, Jijabai, was a homemaker. He was the youngest of four siblings, which gave him a strong sense of bonding and resilience from a young age.
He was born on 12 December 1950 in Bangalore, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India. Rajinikanth grew up in a modest Marathi-speaking family. His father, Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, was a police constable, and his mother, Jijabai, was a homemaker. He was the youngest of four siblings, which gave him a strong sense of bonding and resilience from a young age.
Childhood
Rajinikanth’s childhood was marked by financial challenges, especially after the loss of his mother when he was nine years old. He studied at Acharya Paathashala in Bangalore and later at the Government Model Primary School. Even as a boy, he displayed leadership qualities and a flair for acting in school plays.
Life Before Cinema
Before stepping into the limelight, Rajinikanth worked as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service. Known for his stylish way of punching tickets and whistling to signal departures, he became a local favorite among passengers. This unique style would later carry over to his on-screen persona.
Languages Spoken
Rajinikanth is fluent in Kannada, Tamil, Marathi, Hindi, and English, which has helped him work across multiple film industries in India.
Family & Marital Status
In 1981, he married Latha Rangachari, a college lecturer who had come to interview him. The couple has two daughters — Aishwarya and Soundarya — both involved in creative fields (Aishwarya as a director and Soundarya in film production and animation).
Film Career
Rajinikanth made his debut in 1975 with the Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal, directed by the legendary K. Balachander, whom he considers his mentor. Over the decades, he has acted in over 160 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam, and even Bengali cinema. He has also appeared in one English-language film — Bloodstone (1988).
Languages of Films
- Tamil – The majority of his work, establishing him as a Tamil cinema icon.
- Telugu & Kannada – Popular films in these languages expanded his South Indian appeal.
- Hindi – Starred in successful films like Andha Kanoon and Hum.
- Bengali – Appeared in Bhagya Debata.
- English – Played a role in Bloodstone (Hollywood production).
Direction & Production
Rajinikanth has not directed films, but he has ventured into film production, though sparingly, preferring to focus on acting. His rare production ventures include collaborations under his banner and partnerships with other producers.
Awards & Recognition
1. Padma Bhushan (2000) and Padma Vibhushan (2016) from the Government of India.
2. Multiple Filmfare Awards and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.
3. A global fan following so intense that his film releases are celebrated like festivals, with fans offering milk abhishekams (rituals) to his cutouts
Unique Style & Legacy
Rajinikanth’s unmatched screen presence, charismatic mannerisms — from flicking his sunglasses to tossing cigarettes into the air and catching them — have become part of cinematic folklore. His humility off-screen, combined with his larger-than-life image on-screen, has made him a cultural phenomenon.
Beyond Films
He has dabbled in politics, announcing his intention to enter Tamil Nadu politics, though health concerns led him to step back. Off-screen, Rajinikanth leads a simple, spiritual life, often visiting the Himalayas for meditation.
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