Born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad on 12 December 1950, the man later known as Rajinikanth transitioned from a career as a Bangalore Transport Service bus conductor to become one of the most prolific figures in Indian cinema. With a career spanning five decades and over 170 films, he holds a unique position within Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam language productions.
Formative Years and Early Career
Raised in Bengaluru, he attended Acharya Pathasala Public School before engaging in various occupations. His interest in theatre flourished after joining the Ramakrishna Math, where he participated in mythological plays. He later enrolled at the Adyar Film Institute, where his potential was recognized by director K. Balachander. It was Balachander who provided his professional name to distinguish him from other actors in the industry and insisted he master the Tamil language.
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His acting career officially commenced with the 1975 drama Apoorva Raagangal. Initially cast in antagonistic roles, he achieved critical recognition for positive portrayals in films such as Mullum Malarum and Aval Appadithan. The 1980 action thriller Billa marked a significant turning point, cementing his status as an action star and achieving substantial commercial success. By the mid-1980s, he maintained a rigorous schedule, starring in major releases like Padikkadavan, Mr. Bharath, and his Hindi debut, Andhaa Kaanoon.
Technological Milestones and Recent Success
The 1990s and 2000s saw him headline several high-grossing projects including Baashha and Padayappa. He pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema with roles in science fiction productions such as Enthiran and its sequel 2.0, both of which were among the most expensive Indian films during their respective releases. His later action films, including Jailer and Coolie, solidified his commercial standing, making him the only actor to achieve multiple films crossing the 500 crore revenue threshold.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 December 1950, Bengaluru
- Education: Acharya Pathasala Public School; Adyar Film Institute
- Professional Debut: 1975
- Padma Bhushan: 2000
- Padma Vibhushan: 2016
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: 2019
- Known Languages: Marathi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam
- Religion: Hinduism
Questions readers ask
What was his occupation before becoming an actor?
He worked as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service.
Which major awards has he received for his film contributions?
He has been honored with the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
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