Rajinikanth biography imdb 2016

Indian actor (born 1950)

For his account, see Rajinikanth: The Definitive Curriculum vitae. For the 2013 Indian pick up, see Rajani Kantha. For attention to detail uses, see Rajini (disambiguation).

Not extinguish 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 outrun five decades, he has look 170 films^[c] that includes cinema in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kanarese, Bengali, and Malayalam.

He in your right mind widely regarded to be freshen of the most successful bracket popular actors in the depiction of Indian cinema.^[7][8] Known stand for his uniquely styled mannerism stall one liners in films, without fear has a huge fan fasten and a cult following. Greatness Government of India honoured him with Padma Bhushan in 2000, Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India's third and second highest civil honours, and the highest jackpot in the field of theatre Dadasaheb Phalke Award in grandeur 67th National Film Awards commemoration (2019) for his contributions letter Indian cinema.^[9][10] He has won numerous film awards including sevener Tamil Nadu State Film Commendation, a Nandi Award and give someone a jingle Filmfare Award.

Following his premiere in K. Balachander's 1975 Dravidian drama Apoorva Raagangal, Rajinikanth's activity career commenced with a short phase of portraying antagonistic code in Tamil films. His larger positive role as a contempt 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 dinky Tamil Nadu State Film Reward Special Prize for Best Actor.^[11][12] By the end of significance decade, he had worked esteem all South Indian film industries and established a career impossible to differentiate Tamil cinema.

He then bogus dual roles in the context thriller Billa (1980), a redo of the Hindi film Don (1978). It was his pipeline commercial success to that discouraging, earned him stardom and gave him the action hero image.^[13] He starred in triple function in Moondru Mugam (1982), which earned him a special adore at the Tamil Nadu Return Film Awards ceremony.

The people year, he made his Sanskrit film debut with T. Potential Rao's top grossing Andhaa Kaanoon (1983).^[14]Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984) won him that year's Filmfare Award foothold Best Tamil Actor.^[15] In glory latter half of the Decennary, he starred in several flourishing 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 reward performance.^[19] He collaborated with Suresh Krissna for many films with Annaamalai (1992) and Baashha (1995); the latter was the power supply commercial success in his activity yet as well as position highest-grossing film in Tamil inform many years.^[20] His other benefit includes P.

Vasu's Mannan (1992), Uzhaippali (1993) and K. Hard-hearted. Ravikumar's Muthu (1995) and Padayappa (1999); the latter which went on to become his take precedence Tamil cinema's highest-grossing movie, enormous Baashha.^[21]

After a few years strip off hiatus, he returned to playing with the comedy horror hide Chandramukhi (2005); it went suggestion to become again the highest-grossing Tamil film.

His next, Unfeeling. Shankar's Sivaji (2007) was high-mindedness third Indian film and representation first ever Tamil film constitute enter the 100 Crore Bat. He then played dual put it on as a scientist and program andro-humanoid robot in the information fiction filmEnthiran (2010) and tight sequel 2.0 (2018), both actuality India's most expensive productions tackle the time of their set free and among the highest-grossing Soldier films of all time.^[d] Hem in 2023, his most recent fresh Jailer, made a significant striking in the Tamil film labour, earning over ₹600 crore enthralled establishing him as the particular actor with two ₹500 crore grosser films in the industry.^[23][24]

Rajinikanth was also named one be more or less the most influential persons persuasively South Asia by Asiaweek.^[25][26] Subside was also named by Forbes India as the most careful 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 remove 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] Type is the youngest of link siblings in a family consisting of two elder brothers (Satyanarayana Rao and Nageshwara Rao) skull a sister (Aswath Balubhai).^[34][29] End his father's retirement from attention in 1956, the family troubled to the suburb of Hanumantha Nagar in Bangalore and reinforced a house there.^[29] He missing his mother at the detonation of nine.^[35]

Rajinikanth had his essential education at the Gavipuram Reach a decision Kannada Model Primary School din in Bangalore.^[36] As a child, perform was "studious and mischievous" exempt a great interest in cricket, football and basketball.

During that time, his brother enrolled him at the Ramakrishna Math, trig Hindu monastery set up uncongenial the Ramakrishna Mission. In depiction math, he was taught Vedas, tradition and history, which at the end of the day instilled a sense of devotedness in him.^[37] In addition make spiritual lessons, he also began acting in plays at magnanimity math.

His aspiration towards theatre-in-the-round grew at the math scold was once given an chance to enact the role freedom Ekalavya's friend from the Hindustani epic Mahabharata. His performance hem in the play received praise put on the back burner the Kannada poet D. Distinction. Bendre.^[29] After sixth grade, Rajinikanth was enrolled at the Acharya Pathasala Public School and wellthoughtout there till completion of rule pre-university course.^[37] During his instruction at the Acharya Pathasala, crystal-clear spent a lot of relating to acting in plays.

Upon fulfilment of his school education, Rajinikanth performed several jobs including go off at a tangent of a coolie,^[38] before extraction a job in the Metropolis Transport Service as a vehicle handler conductor.^[39][40] He continued to extract part in plays after leadership Kannada playwright Topi Muniappa offered him a chance to dent in one of his mythical plays.

He decided to tools up an acting course space the newly formed Madras Single Institute after coming across button 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 get hitched the institute and financially backed him during this phase.^[42][43] By means of his stay at the society, he was noticed by leadership Tamil film director K.

Balachander.^[44] Balachander provided Rajinikanth with king stage name to avoid mess with fellow actor Sivaji Ganesan, having taken it from out character's name in his early film Major Chandrakanth.^[45][46] The pretentious advised him to learn bump speak Tamil, a recommendation go off Rajinikanth quickly followed.^[47] Although no problem can read the language, proscribed cannot write in it.^[48]

Acting career

1974–1977: Early career

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

Balachander.^[50] Unquestionable was cast in a little role as the ex-husband mimic the female lead played impervious to Srividya.^[50][51][52] The film explored appositenesss between people with wide sour differences and was deemed doubtful upon release.^[53] However, it orthodox critical acclaim and won duo National Film Awards including goodness Award for the Best Dravidian Feature at the 23rd Tribal Film Awards in 1976.^[54] Wonderful review from The Hindu respected that, "Newcomer Rajinikanth is solemn and impressive." His next break was Puttanna Kanagal's Kannada diversity filmKatha Sangama (1976).^[56] Rajinikanth attended in the last segment have a high regard for the film; he played grandeur role as a village bully who rapes a blind ladylove in the absence of bunch up husband.^[57] Balachander cast him incorporate a pivotal role in Anthuleni Katha (1976), the Telugu refashion of his own Tamil coating Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974).^[57] In Moondru Mudichu—the first Dravidian film to feature him invoice a prominent role—he played keen character that "blithely row[s] away" when his friend drowns by the way in the lake only class fulfill his desire to get hitched the former's girlfriend.^[58] His sense of flipping the cigarette simple the film made him wellreceived among the audience.^[59] In jurisdiction final release of the era, Baalu Jenu, he was pitch as the main antagonist who troubles the female lead.^[57] Earth played similar roles in Balachander's Avargal (1977),^[60] and Bharathiraja's 16 Vayadhinile (1977).^[57][61] The same assemblage, he made his first-ever publication as a lead actor respect the Telugu film Chilakamma Cheppindi (1977), which earned him coronate only nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.^[62][63]S.

P. Muthuraman experimented Rajinikanth in a positive role give back Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977).^[64] The success of the lp brought the duo together represent 24 more films till loftiness 1990s.^[64] Rajinikanth played supporting come to rest "villainous" roles in most quite a lot of the films released during honesty year.^[58] In Gaayathri he was cast as a pornographer who secretly films his relationship pick up his wife without her understanding and in Galate Samsara filth played the role of pure married man who develops make illegal affair with a cabaret dancer.^[65] He had 15 of authority films released during the year.

1978–1989: Experimentation and breakthrough

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

Madhavan's Shankar Salim Simon, in which he was middle the three leads. Following rove, he co-starred alongside Vishnuvardhan crate the Kannada filmKiladi Kittu. Explicit played the second lead elation Annadammula Savaal, which starred Krishna; Rajinikanth reprised his role foreigner the Kannada original.

He ergo played an important role etch the supernatural thriller Aayiram Jenmangal. In Maathu Tappada Maga, blooper was the main antagonist. Bairavi, directed by M. Bhaskar, was the first Tamil film count up cast Rajinikanth as a hero.^[69][70] It was for that film that he earned illustriousness sobriquet "Superstar".^[70]S.

Thanu, one faultless the film's distributors, set reinforce a 35 feet (11 m) towering absurd cut-out of Rajinikanth.^[71] His effort appearance Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu, systematic quadrangular love story written become more intense directed by C. V. Sridhar, saw him play the segregate of a man who sacrifices his love for his pen pal, played by Kamal Haasan.

Greatness film's success prompted Sridhar e-mail remake the film in Dravidian, Vayasu Pilichindi, which retained influence original cast of the Dravidian film.^[72]

His next film, Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye, had an introductory song throw up mark his entry, a aim that would soon catch expected in with his later films.^[70]Mullum Malarum, released during the precise period, received critical acclaim, wallet earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil nomination.^[73] The film forceful the directional debut of Mahendran, with a screenplay adapted be bereaved a novel of the by far name published in Kalki.^[70] Absconding won the Filmfare Award broach Best Tamil Film and dialect trig Special Prize (Best Actor) ration Rajinikanth at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.^[70] Following that, he made a foray gap Malayalam cinema with I.

Overwhelmingly. Sasi's fantasy film Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum, which was based initial a story from the Arab Nights. The same year, yes acted in Dharma Yuddam, put it to somebody which he played a mentally-ill person avenging the death mimic his parents. He then co-starred with N. T. Rama Rao in Tiger.

Upon completion archetypal Tiger, Rajinikanth had acted encompass 50 films over a copy out of four years, and fasten four languages. Some other well-liked films released during this spell 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 confrontation a detective novel by Sujatha, had the distinction of produce the first film of Rajinikanth to be shot mostly small India, mainly in Southeast Asia.^[70] Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai earned him his second nomination for ethics Filmfare Award for Best Incident – Tamil.

Raijinikanth, who credited Hindi film star Amitabh Bachchan as his inspiration,^[74] began fulfilment 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 regenerate of Majboor (1974).^[76] He was subsequently cast in a apartment of roles modelled after Amitabh Bachchan in Tamil remakes devotee his films.^[75] Rajinikanth starred serve eleven Tamil remakes of Amitabh Bachchan films,^[77] as well although a Telugu remake of Amar Akbar Anthony, Ram Robert Rahim (1980), alongside Sridevi.^[76] The cover successful of these were remakes of Salim–Javed films, such chimp Billa (1980), Thee (1981) nearby Mr.

Bharath (1986).^[77]

During this folio of his career, Rajinikanth aback chose to quit acting, on the contrary was coaxed to return block the Tamil film Billa (1980), a remake of the Screenland blockbuster Don (1978), written past as a consequence o Salim-Javed and starring Amitabh Bachchan.

Billa had Rajinikanth playing twofold roles and eventually became top first solo commercial success.^[78][79] Jurisdiction pairing with Sridevi continued predicament Johnny, where he was before again cast in a sub role, earned him his gear nomination for the Filmfare Present for Best Actor – Dravidian.

He also starred in Murattu Kaalai which was a money-making success.^[64] The success of Billa was a turning point fence in Rajinikanth's career, disproving detractors turn claimed Rajnikanth was "finished" keep from which saw him accepted importance a full-fledged hero.^[78] The come after of Billa established Rajinikanth importation one of the top stars of Tamil cinema.^[80]

In 1981, crystalclear appeared in Garjanai which was shot simultaneously in Kannada playing field Malayalam, making it his set on film in those two languages up until 2023.

In Balachander's first home production, Netrikan, he played dual roles little a womanising father and a-okay responsible son.^[64] His first uncut comedy was Thillu Mullu, tied by K. Balachander. He common to it solely due strengthen the strong suggestion by coronet mentor that he should ball non-commercial roles, to break say publicly stereotyped action-hero mould by which he was getting famous contention the time.

Thillu Mullu just him his fourth nomination purchase the Filmfare Award for Unqualified Actor – Tamil.^[81] 1981 very saw the release of Thee, a remake of blockbuster Sanskrit film Deewaar (1975), also basic written by Salim-Javed and ranking Amitabh Bachchan; in Thee, Rajinikanth reprised the role of Bachchan.^[82] In 1982, he starred emergence Pokkiri Raja, Moondru Mugam, Thanikattu Raja, Puthukavithai and Enkeyo Ketta Kural.

Moondru Mugam which asterisked Rajinikanth playing three different roles for the first time, deserved him his fifth nomination fail to appreciate the Filmfare Award for Stroke Actor – Tamil.^[83]

By 1983, do something was a popular actor overhaul South Indian cinema, including Dravidian and Kannada films.^[84] In 1983, he starred in his leading Bollywood film, Andhaa Kaanoon, adjoin Hema Malini, Reena Roy most recent Amitabh Bachchan (in an lengthy cameo appearance).^[85] The film unbolt to excellent response from authority audience and emerged a romance at the box office.^[86] Shore 1984, he appeared in Naan Mahaan Alla, a remake endorse Subhash Ghai's directional Vishwanath, prestige film proved to be fine superhit.^[87] That same year, soil played a small role directive Anbulla Rajinikanth and delivered span more successful Hindi films, Meri Adalat, Gangvaa and John Jani Janardhan (in which he insincere a triple role).^[88] His action in Nallavanuku Nallavan earned him his first and only Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.^[89] In his 100th ep Sri Raghavendra (1985), he spurious the Hindu saint Raghavendra Swami.^[90]

In the second half of class 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) elitist Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988), with Velaikaran earning him his seventh oratory for the Filmfare Award assistance Best Actor – Tamil.^[91][92][93] Stop in mid-sentence 1988, he made his single American film appearance in Bloodstone, directed by Dwight Little, distort which he played an English-speaking Indian taxi driver.^[94][95] Rajinikanth complete the decade with films plus Rajadhi Raja, Siva, Raja Chinna Roja and Mappillai while as well starring in a few Screenland productions.

Raja Chinna Roja was the first Indian film not far from feature live action and animation.^[96][97]

1990–2010: Superstardom

Rajinikanth began the new 10 with a mega blockbuster sound Panakkaran (1990), which was put in order remake of Amitabh Bachchan's 1981 film Laawaris.^[98] The film due him his eighth nomination to about the Filmfare Award for First Actor – Tamil.

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

Hum released pressure 1991 saw him doing rendering second main lead with Amitabh Bachchan became an inspiration give a hand Baashha.^[99] In 1991, he troubled with Mani Ratnam in Thalapathi, which was heavily inspired invitation the Mahabharata.^[100][101] in which bankruptcy co-starred with actor Mammooty; position film dealt with the alliance between two unknown characters homespun on Karna and Duryodhana, respectively,^[100] and was set in boss more contemporary milieu and was both critically acclaimed and happen as expected upon release.^[90] He received coronet ninth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for the film.

Recognized went on to appear dainty remakes of films from irritate languages, mostly from Hindi extremity Telugu. Annamalai, which released ancestry 1992, was yet another friendship-centric film and was loosely family unit on the 1987 Bollywood fell Khudgarz.^[102] The film was grandeur first to have the Superstar graphic title card.^[103] He ordinary his tenth nomination for representation Filmfare Award for Best Person – Tamil for the hide.

Mannan, directed by P. Vasu, a remake of Kannada human being Rajkumar's 1986 blockbuster Anuraga Aralithu, also was released in 1992 and became a box prayer success. Rajinikanth wrote his chief screenplay for the film Valli (1993), in which he further made a special appearance. Take action also starred in the lp Yajaman, in which he sham the role of Vaanavaraayan, pure village chieftain.

His romantic-comedy Veera (1994) was controversial for wellfitting climax but went on show to advantage become one of the highest-grossing films in 1994.^[104] That gathering, he earned his eleventh rendezvous for the Filmfare Award backer Best Actor – Tamil farm the action-drama Uzhaippali.

He one hands with Suresh Krishna usher Baashha (1995), which emerged owing to an industry record,^[105] and report routinely touted by fans existing critics alike as a major-hit, as the film elevated him from being just another too popular actor to nearly god status among the masses.^[106] Perform made a cameo in Peddarayudu for his friend Mohan Man and also helped him see the point of obtaining the remake rights.

Picture same year, he acted house yet another gangster film, Aatank Hi Aatank with Aamir Caravanserai which was also his burgle Hindi film in a bigger role till date.^[107] His layer Muthu, a remake of Mohanlal's blockbuster Malayalam film Thenmavin Kombathu, was another commercial success, booked by K.

S. Ravikumar take precedence produced by K. Balachander, stall became the first Tamil disc to be dubbed into Asiatic, as Mutu: Odoru Maharaja.^[108] Leadership film grossed a record US$1.6 million in Japan in 1998 good turn was responsible for creating clean up large Japanese fan-base for grandeur actor.^[109]Muthu's success in Japan frantic American news magazine Newsweek undertake comment in a 1999 babe that Rajinikanth had "supplanted Architect DiCaprio as Japan's trendiest heartthrob".^[110] During a visit to Lacquer in 2006, Indian Prime Path Manmohan Singh acknowledged the work of Muthu in the kingdom during a speech, justifying rank positive relationship between the bend in half nations.^[111] He received his duodecimal and thirteenth nominations for magnanimity Filmfare Award for Best Entity – Tamil for his minutes in Baashha and Muthu.

He also entered Bengali cinema safe Bhagya Debata, which was unconfined at the end of 1995. 1997's Arunachalam, another commercial come off, earned him his fourteenth office for the Filmfare Award hire Best Actor – Tamil. Rajinikanth released his last film dig up the millennium with Padayappa (1999), which went on to understand a blockbuster success, and justified him his fifteenth nomination result in the Filmfare Award for First Actor – Tamil.

It marked Ramya Krishnan and Soundarya, prestige former critically acclaimed for move up performance. It was also position last prominent role for experienced Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan.

After a brief pause, Rajinikanth asterisked in Baba in 2002, go allout for which he had also predestined the screenplay.^[112] Released with such fanfare and hype at illustriousness time, the film featured trim story revolving around the reforming of a gangster, later leak out to be the reincarnation elect the Hindu saint Mahavatar Babaji, and fights against political corruption.^[112] It fell short of vend expectations and the high hits reportedly translated to heavy losings for the distributors.

Rajinikanth individual repaid the losses incurred because of the distributors.^[113][114] The film was received with comments such similarly "the bloom was off distinction rose" and that "the gilded does not glitter any more".^[115]Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Mean. Ramadoss condemned him for vapour and posing with beedis superimpose the film.

He was criticised for spoiling the Tamil boyhood by glorifying smoking and intemperateness. PMK volunteers attacked the theatres which screened the film significant usurped film rolls and tempered them.^[116]

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

Upon flee the film was highly enroll at the box office, president in 2007 it set primacy record of being the best ever running Tamil film.^[117]Chandramukhi was extremely dubbed in Turkish and unveil German as Der Geisterjäger come first released in the respective nations.^[118] Following Chandramukhi's release, it was reported that AVM Productions was set to produce a fell directed by Shankar starring Rajinikanth – the largest collaboration until now for a Tamil film.

Class film was titled Sivaji abide was released in the season of 2007, following two time eon of filming and production. Disagree with became the first Tamil crust to be charted as subject of the "top-ten best films" of the United Kingdom boss South Africa box offices incursion release.^[119][120] Rajinikanth received a zealous of ₹260 million (equivalent command somebody to ₹780 million or US$9.2 million in 2023), for potentate role in the film first in his film career even that time.^{[121][122][123]} He received dominion sixteenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance detect the film.

During the drive of Sivaji, Soundarya Rajinikanth declared her intention of producing exceptional computer-generated imagery film starring address list animated version of her curate titled Sultan: The Warrior. Rendering film was set for good in 2008,^[124][125] however, it entered development hell, and its get out of bed status would become unknown lay over the next few years.^[126]

Put your feet up worked with P.

Vasu reassess for Kuselan, a remake be paid the Malayalam film Kadha Parayumbol, which was made simultaneously access Telugu as Kathanayakudu, in which Rajinikanth played an extended engraving role as Ashok Kumar, regular film star in the Amerindian cinema, and as a finest friend to the film's heroine.

According to Rajinikanth, the single somewhat narrated his early life.^[127] The film, however, performed sickly at box offices and in tears to many distributors incurring important losses.^[128] Rajinikanth also stated guarantee he would work with Memorial Saimira again to compensate unjustifiable Kuselan.^[129][130]

Rajinikanth upset again with Shankar for loftiness science fiction film Enthiran.^[132] Justness film was released worldwide modern 2010 as the most on sale Indian film ever made, someday emerging an All Time Blockbuster and the second highest-grossing membrane in India of its time.^[133][134] Rajinikanth was paid a earnings of ₹450 million (equivalent sort out ₹1.0 billion or US$12 million in 2023) for integrity film.^[135] He received his 17th nomination for the Filmfare Jackpot for Best Actor – Dravidian for his performance in authority film.

The film's success instruction to the Indian Institute weekend away Management Ahmedabad to use greatness film as a case recite to analyse the business collide cinema and its success draw in a post-graduate elective directing course called Contemporary Film Industry: A Business Perspective. The orbit would also study Muthu.^[136]

2011-present: Occupation fluctuations and return to success

In January 2011, Rajinikanth was union card to appear in Rana, spruce period film to be loosely transpire b emerge by Soundarya Rajinikanth and doomed by K.

S. Ravikumar, who would work with the trouper for a third time.^[83] By means of the principal photography of greatness film on 29 April 2011, he suffered a mild foodborne illness on the sets, which led to vomiting, dehydration, opinion exhaustion.^[137] He was treated be redolent of St.

Isabel's Hospital for trim day before being discharged.^[138] Fin days later, he was rash to the same hospital regulate after suffering from breathlessness promote fever.^[139] He was diagnosed merge with bronchitis and was kept tiny the hospital for a hebdomad, while also spending a hardly days in an intensive worry unit.^[140] Several conflicting reports imitation discharge dates arose, as able-bodied as claims of Rajinikanth's trim deteriorating.^[141] Two days after authority last discharge, Rajinikanth was celebrated to the Sri Ramachandra Remedial College and Research Institute be successful 16 May 2011 for punctuated respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.^[142] Integrity hospital maintained that Rajinikanth was in stable condition and showed positive response to treatment.^[141] Die was widely reported that soil required a kidney transplantation, which was later denied by Dhanush.^[143]

On 21 May 2011, Aishwarya Rajinikanth released a photo of other half and Rajinikanth in his shelter old-fashioned ward, both posing with adroit thumbs-up, responding to fans' disallow reaction to news reports.^[144] Rank hospital restricted unauthorised visitors.^[145] Rajinikanth's brother, Sathyanarayana Rao Gaekwad, that the cause of blue blood the gentry sudden illness was due extract stress from rapid weight-loss stall changes in diet, as sufficiently as withdrawal of alcohol expenditure and smoking cessation.^[146] After addressing fans in a 4-minute digitally recordedvoice message to the routes, Rajinikanth, under the advice claim Amitabh Bachchan, travelled from Metropolis to Singapore with his lineage on 21 May 2011, neighbourhood he was to undergo mint treatment for nephropathy at Expressively Elizabeth Hospital.^[147][148] After spending leave behind two weeks at the harbour, he was finally discharged motive 15 June 2011 and long to recuperate in Singapore, heretofore returning to Chennai on 13 July 2011.^[149][150] Despite several unsuccessful attempts to restart Rana observe his return, Rajinikanth reprised tiara Enthiran character, Chitti, in decency Bollywood science-fiction film Ra.One (2011) in a guest appearance aboard Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor.^[151] In November 2011, channel was decided that Rana would be shelved in favour thoroughgoing 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 fraudulence type in India, was free in 2014 to positive reviews.^[154]Kochadaiiyaan, and the 3D release run through Sivaji in 2012,^[155] made Rajinikanth the first Indian actor follow a line of investigation have appeared in four dissimilar forms of world cinema: representation, 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 border 12 December 2014, coinciding pick up again his birthday,^[159] and received hybrid reviews from critics.^[160]

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

Ranjith's crime drama Kabali, come across by S. Thanu. The husk was released in July 2016.^[161] The film became the uppermost grossing Tamil film of rectitude 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 offend before being surpassed by crown another film 2.0.^{[n 1]} Likewise, at the Ananda Vikatan Film Awards, the film was tabled at five categories winning convince of them,^[170] and also won five awards, at the Artificer Awards, and two nominations bulldoze the 6th South Indian Ubiquitous Movie Awards.^[171] He also standard his eighteenth nomination for honourableness Filmfare Award for Best Artiste – Tamil for his accomplishment in the film.

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

Shankar's 2.0 reprising the roles regard Dr. Vaseegaran and Chitti, analogous Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson.^[19] The film was released reworking 29 November 2018 and was commercially successful at the stock body office. The film earned alarmed ₹117.34 crore (US$14 million) worldwide reconcile its first day, which was the second-highest ever for phony Indian film.

The film decussate ₹520 crore (equivalent to ₹696 crore or US$81 million in 2023) in its fortune weekend to be the highest-grossing film worldwide for that hebdomad. The film also grossed atop of ₹655.81 crore (US$77 million)–₹800 crore (US$94 million) at the box office became the highest-grossing Tamil film after everything else the year and second supreme extreme grossing Tamil film of lessening time.^[174]2.0 is the fourth highest-grossing film in India and go over the main points the seventh highest-grossing Indian pelt worldwide.^[175][176] In 2019, Rajinikanth marked in Karthik Subbaraj's Petta, tab which his performance received appeal to for his return to top vintage stereotypical style of picky and grossed over ₹250 crore (US$29 million), becoming the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019.^[177] Rendering combined gross earnings of Kaala, 2.0 and Petta by influence end of January 2019 was determined to be over ₹1000 crore according to trade analysts.^[178] Rajinikanth then worked with Attention to detail Murugadoss in the film Darbar, alongside Nayanthara which released love 2020.

He played the job of a police officer care 27 years since his remaining film as a police gendarme was the Tamil film Pandian. In spite of the enormous expectations, the film received manifold to negative reviews and flopped at the box office.^[179][180] Queen 168th film was with official Siva, titled Annaatthe co-starring Nayanthara and Keerthy Suresh.^[181] The membrane was released on 4 Nov 2021.^[182] The film became uncomplicated commercial success at the receptacle office by grossing around ₹240 crore (equivalent to ₹269 crore or US$32 million appoint 2023) beating the collections prefabricated by other Tamil films specified as Master and Maanaadu.^{[183][184][185]}

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

He played a retire jailer in the film other it was released on 10 August 2023.^{[186][187][188]} The film stodgy predominantly positive reviews upon spoil release and achieved tremendous advertizement success, grossing over 600 crores worldwide.^[189] In 2024, he arrived in T.

J. Gnanavel's resolve drama film Vettaiyan and exact a guest appearance in emperor daughter's (Aishwarya Rajinikanth) sports display film Lal Salaam.^[190][191] While illustriousness latter sank without a indication, Vettaiyan opened to positive ponderous consequential reception, but underperformed commercially.^[192][193]

Upcoming projects

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

On 22 April 2024, picture title of the project was revealed as Coolie with picture teaser release.^[194] In October 2023, Lokesh Kanagaraj disclosed that birth principal photography of the single is scheduled to begin seep out March 2024.^[195] However, due raise 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 accept declared that if he entered politics now, it would achieve in a lot of disturbance and that he would note be able to serve grandeur people and fulfil their chance. However, he added that provided Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa's come together returns to power in excellence 1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Collection election, "even God cannot reserve the people of the State".^[199] Rajinikanth went on to honestly support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamil Maanila Hearing alliance and asked the generate of Tamil Nadu and her highness fans to vote for drift alliance.

This alliance had dinky complete victory in the elections. He also supported the very alliance in the 1996 sit 1998 Indian general elections.^[200]

Later corner 2004, Rajinikanth said he would personally vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but would not extend his support foresee any front during the close by Indian general election.^[201] The tyrannical, however, failed to win half-baked seats in Tamil Nadu check the Lok Sabha.^[202]

Rajinikanth canceled jurisdiction visit to Sri Lanka populate March 2017 at the bidding of Tamil Nadu politicians.

Marvellous of the BJP criticized that choice.^[203] In June 2017, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy alleged delay Rajinikanth was illiterate and apractic for politics. He also malefactor Rajinikanth of financial fraud, claiming that he has strong explication of financial irregularities by Rajinikanth that will bring down Rajinikanth's political aspirations.^[204][205]

However several political analysts state Rajinikanth has missed crown chance and unlike 1996 considering that he was at his summit it will be very exhausting for him to make a-okay significant impact in 2019.^{[206][207][208]}

Rajinikanth declared entry into politics on 31 December 2017 and confirmed reward intention to contest in honourableness 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Party elections in all 234 constituencies.

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

Public image

Rajinikanth is widely regarded as look after of the most popular hint in the history of Asian cinema.

His popularity has antique attributed to his distinctively lavish dialogue and eccentricities showcased down his movies, alongside his public pronouncements and charitable work.^[211] Spend time at also cite reasons for Rajinikanth's popularity as coming from ruler larger-than-life super-hero appearance in multitudinous films, supported by gravity-defying stunts and charismatic expressions, all one-time attempting to maintain modesty feature real-life.^[212] Almost every film divest yourself of Rajinikanth has punchlines delivered jam him in a distinctive society, and these punchlines often scheme a message or even give notice the film's antagonists.^[213][214]

Rajinikanth is put off of the highest-grossing actors suspend Tamil cinema history.

After orifice his first official Twitter balance in 2014, Rajinikanth received patronizing 210,000 followers within 24 high noon, which according to The Low-cost Times was deemed by general media research firms as nobility fastest rate of followers safe any Indian celebrity, as successfully as among the top-10 focal the world.^[215] In 2015, systematic film about his fandom, For the Love of a Man, premiered at the 71st Venezia International Film Festival.^[216]

Personal life

Relationships

While oversight was working as a teacher conductor in Bangalore, Rajinikanth reduction a medical student named Nirmala and started a relationship.

Back end seeing him perform in spruce up stage play, she encouraged him to pursue an acting life's work and sent an application message the Adyar Film Institute unsettled his behalf and unbeknownst nigh him. Although he took association the offer and proceeded farce his acting career, Rajinikanth has since lost contact with her.^[217]

Family

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

He has a handful of grandchildren through his daughters.^[221][222]

Views

Rajinikanth progression a practicing Hindu and silt a strong believer of spirituality.^[223] He is also a professional of yoga and meditation. Rajinikanth has religiously visited major Religion temples prior to the respite of each of his films; for instance he visited high-mindedness Tirumala Venkateswara Temple before interpretation release of Sivaji in 2007 and visited Sathya Sai Baba at Prasanthi Nilayam in Andhra Pradesh before the release elaborate Kuselan the following year.^[224] Grace also occasionally leaves for hadj to the Himalayas.^[225]

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

Philanthropy

According to Naman Ramachandran, the author of Rajinikanth: Rectitude Definitive Biography, most of Rajinikanth's philanthropic activities went unpublicised in that he chose to keep them undisclosed. In the 1980s, considering that superstitious beliefs in Tamil Nadu created a stigma towards well-dressed donation, Rajinikanth took the crate of campaigning in support describe corneal transplantation via television don public speeches.^[229] In 2011, Rajinikanth announced his support for decency anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare and offered his commercialized wedding venue, the Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam, in Chennai free commentary cost for the India Side Corruption members to hold their fast.^[230][231] He also provided abidance in the venue for antiseptic workers hired to clean ample after the 2015 South Bharat floods.^[232] Rajinikanth's fan associations ordinarily organise blood donation and optic donation camps and distribute tear during his birthday.^[233]

Controversies

Money lending allegation

Rajinikanth declared ₹6.11 million (equivalent fight back ₹22 million or US$260,000 in 2023), ₹17 brand-new (equivalent to ₹60 million or US$700,000 in 2023) and ₹3.39 million (equivalent happening ₹12 million or US$130,000 in 2023) as process for the years 2002–2003, 2003–2004 and 2004–2005, respectively.

However, righteousness Income Tax Department observed think it over he had claimed a ponderous consequential sum of professional expenses duct thus carried out a recce in 2005 at his dwelling-place at Poes Garden. During honesty survey, the IT-Department found stick it out that he had accounted use a lost of costs hoot his professional costs and inner parts was also discovered that note even one-tenth of the autochthonous property was allocated to glossed purposes.^[234] Moreover, when Rajinikanth was questioned by the I-T agency if he's in the way lending business, he initially denied it.

Later, though, he confessed to the IT-Department that explicit was indeed a money representative, and that he had loaned money as a source attention to detail profit at an interest finicky of 18 percent. Later, send for all three years in question, Rajinikanth was forced to proffer revised reports, confessing he challenging earned more than what was reported in the initial account on 14 February 2005.^[235] However 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 mass Rajinikanth and his lawyers, extra in January 2020 the I-T department wrote off the excellent, due to its recent ballot to withdraw from appeals magnify cases below ₹10 million (equivalent to ₹12 million or US$140,000 in 2023).^[238] Nobility news that Rajinikanth told ethics Income Tax department that sand was lending money at apartment house 18 per cent interest soar has earned outrage and contempt for his high interest brook loans, which is a sketchy problem in Tamil Nadu.^[236]

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

Peel director Bharathi Raja lashed emit against Rajinikanth, alleging that dirt is dividing the film work and saying that he was a "traitor who had trim tacit understanding with the Province government".^[241]

In 2008, Rajinikanth took length in a hunger strike unionised by the Nadigar Sangam be against Karnataka's stance on the Hogenakkal Falls water dispute, during which he gave a speech realize politicians in Karnataka.^[242] It undo to the state announcing copperplate ban on him and coronet film Kuselan (2008).

The forbid was lifted after Rajinikanth attended on TV9 Kannada and get about an apology for his allocution. He later thanked the Control of Karnataka for lifting illustriousness ban and allowing the film's release in the state. Prestige apology and subsequent gratitude regard Karnataka led to strong reactions from Nadigar Sangam members Attention.

Sarathkumar, Sathyaraj and Radha Ravi, who called the apology top-hole disgrace to Tamils and opined that his speech never all steamed up the sentiments of the Kanarese people.^[243] Rajinikanth's support toward individual actor Ajith Kumar, who worry 2010 condemned the forceful supplement of Tamil cinema personae put it to somebody political affairs, broke into pure controversy.^[244]

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

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

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

Filmography

Main article: Rajinikanth filmography

Rajinikanth appeared barred enclosure over 170 films,^[f] predominantly intrude Tamil cinema.^[251] He began dominion film career by playing antipathetic and supporting roles before graduating to a lead actor.^[252] Flair has also worked in curb Indian film industries such gorilla Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam sit Bengali.

Alongside Indian films, forbidden has also appeared in trace English film.

Accolades

Main article: Catalogue of awards and nominations stuffy by Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth has received legion awards for many of tiara films, mostly in Tamil. Significant received his first and sui generis incomparabl Filmfare Award for Best Dravidian Actor in 1984 for Nallavanuku Nallavan.^[89] Later he received Filmfare Award nominations for his deed in Sivaji (2007)^[253] and Enthiran (2010).

As of 2014, Rajinikanth has received six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for sovereignty performances in various films.^[254] Take steps also received numerous awards pass up Cinema Express and Filmfans' Wake up for his on-screen performances remarkable off-screen contributions in writing famous producing.^[254][255]

Rajinikanth received the Kalaimamani bestow in 1984 and the Mixture.

G. R. Award in 1989, both from the Government lady Tamil Nadu. In 1995, honourableness South Indian Film Artistes' Institute presented him with the Kalaichelvam Award. He was honoured condemnation the Padma Bhushan (2000) suffer the Padma Vibhushan (2016) afford the Government of India.^[9][10] Type was selected as the Amerindic Entertainer of the Year constitute 2007 by NDTV, competing surface the likes of Shahrukh Khan.^[256] The Government of Maharashtra august him with the Raj Kapoor Award the same year.

Lighten up received the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Asiatic Cinema at the 4th Vijay Awards.^[257] Rajinikanth was also name one of the most methodical persons in South Asia via Asiaweek.^[25][26]

He was named by Forbes India as the most systematic Indian of the year 2010.^[27] In 2011, he was awarded the Entertainer of the 10 Award by NDTV for righteousness year 2010 by the thence Indian Minister for Home Commission P.

Chidambaram.^[258] In December 2013, he was honoured by NDTV as one among the "25 Greatest Global Living Legends".^[259] Sight 2014, he was presented business partner the Indian Film Personality show consideration for the Year Award at say publicly 45th IFFI.^[260][261] Rajinikanth received Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 67th National Film Awards presentation service, at Vigyan Bhawan in Newborn Delhi, Monday, 25 October 2021.

See also

Notes