Rajinikanth is a name known by millions in India and across the world. As of August 14, 2025, he is 75 years old and is celebrated as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. Born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, Karnataka, Rajinikanth’s journey to stardom is truly inspiring for many.
Early Life And Family
Rajinikanth was born into a simple Marathi family. His father was named Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, and his mother was Ramabai. He had three siblings, including a sister and two brothers. Growing up, Rajinikanth attended local schools in Bangalore and completed a diploma in acting from the prestigious Madras Film Institute in Chennai. Before entering films, he worked as a bus conductor in Bangalore. Even in this job, he was popular because of his friendly behavior and unique style, which attracted the attention of many passengers.
Rajinikanth Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Son, Family
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shivaji Rao Gaekwad |
| Stage Name | Rajinikanth |
| Date of Birth | December 12, 1950 |
| Birthplace | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Family Background | Marathi family; father: Ramoji Rao Gaekwad; mother: Jijabai; 3 siblings |
| Early Life | Worked as a bus conductor in Bangalore; actively participated in theatre plays |
| Education | Diploma in Acting from Madras Film Institute (1973) |
| Film Debut | 1975 in Tamil film "Apoorva Raagangal" |
| Early Career | Mainly antagonist and supporting roles before becoming lead actor |
| Rise to Stardom | Notable films: "Billa" (1980), "Moondru Mudichu" (1976), "16 Vayathinile" (1977), "Aval Appadithan" (1978) |
| Major Hits | "Baashha" (1995), "Padayappa" (1999), "Sivaji" (2007), "Enthiran" (2010), "2.0" (2018) |
| Language Industries | Predominantly Tamil, also Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan (2000), Padma Vibhushan (2016), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019), multiple State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards |
| Personal Life | Married to Latha Rajinikanth since 1981; two daughters, Aishwarya and Soundarya |
| Philanthropy & Influence | Known for humility, spirituality, and philanthropy; major influence in Indian cinema |
| Current Status | Celebrating 75 years in 2025; continues to act with recent blockbuster "Jailer" (2023) |
| Nickname | "Superstar," "Thalaivar" (meaning leader or boss) |
Career Began
Rajinikanth’s film career began in 1975 with a small role in the Tamil film "Apoorva Raagangal," directed by K. Balachander. This director played a vital role in introducing Rajinikanth to Tamil cinema and gave him important roles that helped him showcase his talent. Initially, Rajinikanth played villainous and supporting roles. His style, unique mannerisms, and powerful dialogue delivery made him stand out. In the beginning, many people recognized him as a "bad guy" in films, but his charm soon turned him into a hero loved by millions.
Debut
By the late 1970s, Rajinikanth started getting lead roles. His first film as a main lead was "Bhairavi" in 1978. Over time, he became famous for his style and action movies. Some of his early popular films include "Moondru Mudichu," "16 Vayathinile," and "Aval Appadithan," where he showed not only his talent but also his ability to connect with audiences emotionally. His films were known for their mix of drama, action, humor, and romance.
Popularity
Through the 1980s and 1990s, Rajinikanth’s popularity grew immensely. He became known as the "Superstar" of Tamil cinema. Many of his movies broke box office records. Films like "Billa" (1980), "Thalapathi" (1991), "Baasha" (1995), and "Padayappa" (1999) were huge hits and added to his legendary status. His unique mannerisms—like flipping a cigarette, bending coins, and his iconic walk—became a part of popular culture. Fans started calling him "Thalaivar," meaning leader or boss.
Rajinikanth’s influence is not limited to Tamil movies. He has acted in several languages including Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam. One of his notable Hindi films is "Hum" (1991), which earned him recognition all over India. His work crossed regional boundaries, making him a pan-Indian star.
In the 2000s, Rajinikanth took a short break but returned with strong films such as "Chandramukhi" (2005) and "Sivaji" (2007). "Sivaji" was one of the highest-grossing Tamil films and earned him huge respect for production values and storytelling.
Rajinikanth pushed his career even further with science fiction films like "Enthiran" (2010) and its sequel "2.0" (2018). These films were loved for their special effects, story, and his performance. They are among the most expensive and highest-grossing Indian films ever made.
Even in recent years, Rajinikanth continues to amaze audiences. Films like "Petta" (2019), "Darbar" (2020), "Annaatthe" (2021), and "Jailer" (2023) have been commercial successes. "Jailer" particularly broke records by earning over ₹600 crore worldwide, showcasing his lasting appeal.
Besides being a superhit actor, Rajinikanth is also known for his humility and philanthropic work. He has inspired many sons and daughters of India to dream big and work hard, regardless of their background. He married Latha Rajinikanth in 1981, and they have two daughters named Aishwarya and Soundarya, both involved in the film industry.
Achievements
Rajinikanth’s achievements are recognized by the government and film institutions. He was honored with prestigious awards like the Padma Bhushan in 2000, the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2020, which is the highest honor in Indian cinema.
In summary, Rajinikanth’s life is a story of hard work, talent, and an extraordinary connection with his fans. From working as a bus conductor to becoming the "Superstar" of Indian cinema, his journey teaches us that simple beginnings can lead to great success. His films, style, and personality continue to inspire millions, making him not just an actor but an icon of Indian popular culture. As he celebrates 75 years in 2025, Rajinikanth’s legacy shines brightly and promises to entertain and inspire future generations.