Rajinikanth

Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, professionally known as Rajinikanth, born on December 12, 1950, is a revered Indian actor primarily active in Tamil cinema, with a career spanning over five decades and encompassing 169 films across various languages including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam. Hailed as one of the most successful and beloved actors in Indian cinematic history, Rajinikanth has garnered an immense global fanbase and attained cult status for his distinctive style and charismatic performances. Rajinikanth’s contributions to cinema have been duly recognized by the Government of India, honoring him with the Padma Bhushan in 2000, the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019, the highest accolade in the realm of Indian cinema. His career commenced with the 1975 Tamil drama “Apoorva Raagangal,” leading to a notable phase of portraying antagonistic characters before transitioning into positive roles, earning critical acclaim for films like “Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri” (1977) and “Mullum Malarum” (1978). By the end of the 1970s, Rajinikanth had established himself across South Indian film industries, cementing his prominence in Tamil cinema with iconic roles in films like “Billa” (1980) and “Moondru Mugam” (1982). His foray into Bollywood with “Andhaa Kaanoon” (1983) further expanded his reach. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he delivered a string of successful films, including “Baashha” (1995), a career-defining milestone that catapulted him to unparalleled stardom. After a hiatus, Rajinikanth made a triumphant return with “Chandramukhi” (2005) and “Sivaji” (2007), the latter marking his entry into the 100 Crore Club. His portrayal of dual roles in “Enthiran” (2010) and its sequel “2.0” (2018) showcased his versatility and contributed to their status as landmark productions in Indian cinema. In 2023, his blockbuster “Jailer” surpassed 600 crores at the box office, solidifying his position as the sole actor with two 500 crore-grossing films in Tamil cinema history. Rajinikanth’s stellar career has earned him numerous accolades, including a National Film Award, seven Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, a Nandi Award, and a Filmfare Award. Recognized as one of the most influential figures in South Asia by Asiaweek and named the most influential Indian of 2010 by Forbes India, Rajinikanth continues to captivate audiences with his unparalleled charisma and unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema.