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Shivaji Rao Gaekwad (born 12 December 1950), known professionally as Rajinikanth, is an Indian actor, producer, and screenwriter who works predominantly in Tamil cinema. Often referred to as the "Superstar" of Indian cinema, he has appeared in over 170 films across a career spanning more than five decades. Rajinikanth began his acting journey in 1975 with a supporting role in K. Balachander's Tamil drama Apoorva Raagangal, initially portraying antagonistic characters before transitioning to lead roles. His unique style, charismatic screen presence, and signature mannerisms—such as cigarette flips and rapid dialogue delivery—have made him a cultural icon.
By the late 2000s, Rajinikanth had become one of the highest-paid actors in Asia, earning ₹26 crore for Sivaji (2007), surpassing Jackie Chan at the time. He has expanded his work to other Indian film industries and international projects, including appearances in American and Japanese-dubbed films. As of 2026, Rajinikanth has received numerous accolades, including six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (four for Best Actor and two Special Awards), a Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award, the Padma Bhushan (2000), Padma Vibhushan (2016), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019), and the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award (2025). Beyond acting, he is known for his philanthropy, spiritualism, and brief foray into politics.
Early Life
Rajinikanth was born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on 12 December 1950 in Bangalore, Mysore State (now Karnataka), into a Marathi family. His father, Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, was a police constable, and his mother, Jijabai, was a homemaker. Named after the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji, he grew up speaking Marathi at home and Kannada outside. His ancestors originated from Mavadi Kadepathar in Pune, Maharashtra, and Nachikuppam in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. He was the youngest of four siblings, with two elder brothers, Satyanarayana Rao and Nageshwara Rao, and a sister, Aswath Balubhai.
After his father's retirement in 1956, the family relocated to Hanumantha Nagar in Bangalore. Rajinikanth lost his mother at age nine, which profoundly affected him. He attended Gavipuram Government Kannada Model Primary School, where he developed interests in cricket, football, and basketball. His brother enrolled him in the Ramakrishna Math, where he learned Vedas, history, and spirituality, fostering a lifelong devotion. There, he began acting in plays, earning praise for his role as Ekalavya's friend in a Mahabharata adaptation from poet D. R. Bendre.
He continued his education at Acharya Pathasala Public School, participating in plays like Kurukshetra, where he portrayed Duryodhana. After school, he worked as a coolie and carpenter before joining the Bangalore Transport Service (BTS) as a bus conductor. During this time, he acted in mythological plays under playwright Topi Muniappa. In 1973, encouraged by friend Raj Bahadur, he enrolled in the Madras Film Institute to study acting. There, director K. Balachander discovered him and advised him to learn Tamil, marking the start of his film career.
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Acting Career
Early Career (1975–1977)
Rajinikanth debuted in Apoorva Raagangal (1975) as an abusive husband, earning acclaim for his dignified performance. The film won three National Film Awards. He appeared in Kannada film Katha Sangama (1976) as a ruffian and Telugu remake Anthuleni Katha. In Moondru Mudichu, he played a selfish character, popularizing his cigarette-flipping style. Films like Baalu Jenu, Avargal, and 16 Vayathinile featured him in antagonistic roles. His first lead in Telugu was Chilakamma Cheppindi (1977), and Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri marked his collaboration with S. P. Muthuraman. He had 15 releases in 1977, mostly as villains.
Experimentation, Breakthrough, and Health Challenges (1978–1989)
In 1978, Rajinikanth had an unprecedented 20–21 releases across Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada languages, often dubbing his own lines and working tirelessly round the clock. This intense workload led to severe exhaustion and a nervous breakdown, causing him to fall seriously ill. Actress Sripriya reportedly helped him recover, while mentor K. Balachander convinced him not to quit acting and instead work with established banners to manage stress and avoid burnout. He contemplated leaving films for a "normal life" but returned stronger.
His first solo hero film, Bairavi (1978), earned him the "Superstar" title with massive cut-outs. Mullum Malarum won Filmfare and state awards for its acclaim. He ventured into Malayalam with Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum and starred in Dharma Yuddam. Inspired by Amitabh Bachchan, he remade Hindi hits like Amar Akbar Anthony as Shankar Salim Simon. By 1980, Billa (remake of Don) was a commercial success, establishing him as South India's top star, surpassing Kamal Haasan.
The 1980s saw hits like Murattu Kaalai, Netrikan, Thillu Mullu (his first comedy), Thee (remake of Deewaar), and Moondru Mugam (triple role). Rajinikanth made his Hindi film debut in 1983 with Andhaa Kaanoon, directed by T. Rama Rao, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. The film was a major blockbuster and one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year, opening doors for his Bollywood ventures. His Bollywood debut was a success, and he went on to appear in several Hindi films throughout the decade.
Other successes included Sri Raghavendra (1985) portraying a saint, and Bewafai (1985) as a commercial hit. Films like Mr. Bharath, Velaikaran, Guru Sishyan, and Raja Chinna Roja (first with animation) solidified his stardom. He appeared in American film Bloodstone (1988).
Commercial Stardom (1990–2001)
The 1990s featured blockbusters like Panakkaran, Athisaya Piravi, Dharmadorai, Thalapathi (with Mani Ratnam), Annamalai, Mannan, Yejaman, and Veera. Baashha (1995) became an industry benchmark, elevating his demigod status. Muthu was dubbed into Japanese as Mutu: Odoru Maharaja, grossing US$1.6 million and creating a Japanese fanbase. Arunachalam (1997) and Padayappa (1999) were massive hits, the latter featuring Sivaji Ganesan in his final major role.
Struggles, Resurgence, and Acclaim (2002–2010)
Baba (2002) underperformed, leading Rajinikanth to repay distributors' losses. Chandramukhi (2005) set records as the longest-running Tamil film. Sivaji (2007) was a global hit, topping UK and South Africa charts. Kuselan (2008) flopped, but Enthiran (2010) became India's highest-grosser, inspiring IIM case studies.
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Hospitalization and Return (2011–2018)
In 2011, health issues during Rana led to hospitalizations for bronchitis and nephropathy, treated in Singapore. Rana was shelved; he cameo-ed in Ra.One. Kochadaiiyaan (2014) used motion capture. Lingaa (2014) received mixed reviews. Kabali (2016) and Kaala (2018) explored social themes. 2.0 (2018), sequel to Enthiran, was India's most expensive film.
Continued Success and Recent Works (2019–Present)
In 2019, Petta grossed over ₹250 crore, praised for Rajinikanth's vintage style. Combined earnings from Kaala, 2.0, and Petta exceeded ₹1,000 crore. Darbar (2020) received mixed reviews and underperformed. Annaatthe (2021) was a blockbuster, grossing ₹240 crore. After a brief hiatus, Jailer (2023) earned over ₹600 crore, making him the only Tamil actor with three ₹500 crore films.
In 2024, he cameo-ed in daughter Aishwarya's Lal Salaam, which underperformed, and starred in Vettaiyan, an action drama with positive reviews but modest box office. Coolie (2025), directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, was his latest release. Upcoming projects include Jailer 2 (2026, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar) and Thalaivar 173 (tentative 2027 release, directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi, shooting possibly starting April 2026).
In February 2026, a historic reunion with Kamal Haasan was announced in the untitled film "KH x RK" (tentative), directed by Nelson and produced by Red Giant Movies—their first collaboration in 46 years since Apoorva Raagangal. Shooting is set to begin soon, with a potential 2027 release, generating immense anticipation.
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Political Career
Rajinikanth supported the Indian National Congress in 1995 and the DMK-TMC alliance in 1996, influencing their victory with statements against AIADMK. In 2004, he voted for BJP but withheld public support. Despite fan pressure, he announced his party, Rajini Makkal Mandram, on 31 December 2017, planning to contest all 234 Tamil Nadu seats in 2021. However, citing health concerns, he dissolved the party on 12 July 2021, ending his political ambitions.
Acclaim and Criticism
Rajinikanth's popularity stems from his larger-than-life roles, dialogues, and philanthropy. He is the only Indian actor featured in CBSE syllabus (From Bus Conductor to Superstar). His Twitter account gained 210,000 followers in 24 hours in 2014. A 2015 documentary, For the Love of a Man, explored his fandom. Critics praise his versatility, but some criticize glorification of smoking/drinking in films. Actresses like Nayanthara credit him for career boosts.
Comments on Social Issues
In 2002, he fasted against Karnataka's Kaveri water decision, donating ₹10 million for river interlinking. In 2008, he joined a Nadigar Sangam hunger strike on Hogenakkal. His 2018 comments on Thoothukudi protests drew backlash. In 2020, remarks on Periyar sparked controversy, but he refused to apologize.
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Personal Life
Family
Rajinikanth married Latha Rangachari on 26 February 1981 in Tirupati. They have two daughters: Aishwarya (married to Dhanush; sons Yatra and Linga) and Soundarya (married to Vishagan Vanangamudi in 2019 after divorcing Ashwin Ramkumar; son Ved Krishna). Latha runs "The Ashram" school. As of 2026, he has four grandchildren.
Spiritual Views
A devout Hindu and spiritualist, Rajinikanth practices yoga and meditation. He visits temples like Tirumala Venkateswara before releases and pilgrimages to the Himalayas annually. In 2025, he visited Badrinath Dham. His inspirations include Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Satchidananda, Ragavendra Swami, Mahavatar Babaji, and Ramana Maharshi.
Philanthropy
Rajinikanth's efforts are often low-key. In the 1980s, he campaigned for eye donation. In 2011, he supported Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement. During 2015 floods, he offered lodging. His fan clubs organize blood/eye donation camps on his birthday (12 December).
Awards and Honours
Rajinikanth has won Filmfare Best Tamil Actor (1984 for Nallavanuku Nallavan), six Tamil Nadu State Awards, Kalaimamani (1984), M.G.R. Award (1989), Kalaichelvam (1995), Padma Bhushan (2000), Padma Vibhushan (2016), Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award (2009), NDTV Entertainer of the Decade (2011), Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality (2014), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019, conferred 2021), and Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFI (2025). He was named among Asiaweek's most influential South Asians and Forbes India's Most Influential Indian (2010). In 2013, NDTV honored him as one of 25 Greatest Global Living Legends.
Last Updated: 25 February 2026