Happy Birthday Rajinikanth: Celebrating legacy of this cinematic icon

Beginning

Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, India. He was named after the Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Early Life:

Raised in a Marathi-speaking family, he initially spoke Marathi and Kannada before learning Tamil while pursuing a diploma in acting at the Madras Film Institute.

Career Beginnings:

Before entering the film industry, Rajinikanth worked various jobs, including as a bus conductor, coolie, and carpenter. His acting career started with villainous roles in films before transitioning to positive characters

Rise to Stardom:

His breakthrough came with the film Billa (1980), where he played a mafia don. This role marked the beginning of his ascent to superstardom, earning him the title of Superstar after his lead role in Bairavi (1978)

Filmography:

Over his career spanning more than five decades, Rajinikanth has acted in approximately 170 films across various languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada. Notable films include Sivaji (2007) and the science fiction blockbuster Enthiran (2010)

Cultural Impact:

Rajinikanth is celebrated for his unique mannerisms and dialogue delivery, which have made him a pop culture phenomenon. His fans often refer to him as Thalaivar, meaning leader

Awards and Honors:

He has received numerous accolades, including Indias third highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan (2000), the second highest, the Padma Vibhushan (2016), and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019) for his contributions to Indian cinema

Influence and Recognition:

Rajinikanth was recognized by Forbes India as the most influential Indian of 2010 and has been featured in educational syllabi for his inspiring life story from bus conductor to superstar

Recent Successes:

His recent film, Jailer (2023), grossed over ₹600 crore at the box office, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in Tamil cinema

Legacy:

Rajinikanths influence extends beyond cinema; he is often worshipped by fans who celebrate his films with grand displays and cutouts. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers