Rajinikanth
Indian actor with a career spanning over five decades.
Shivaji Rao Gaikwad (born 12 December 1950), known professionally as Rajinikanth, is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. He is widely regarded to be one of the most successful and popular actors in the history of Indian cinema.
- born
- 12 December 1950
- field
- Actor
- nationality
- Indian
- known_for
- Tamil cinema, uniquely styled mannerism and one liners in films, huge fan base and cult following
Lore & Background
Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad on 12 December 1950 in a Marathi family in Bangalore, Mysore State (present day Karnataka). His mother was a homemaker, and his father Ramoji Rao Gaekwad was a police constable. He is the youngest of four siblings. He lost his mother at the age of nine. He had his primary education at the Gavipuram Government Kannada Model Primary School and later at the Acharya Pathasala Public School. He performed several jobs including that of a coolie and bus conductor before joining the Madras Film Institute. There he was noticed by Tamil film director K. Balachander, who gave him the stage name Rajinikanth and advised him to learn Tamil. His acting career began with K. He initially portrayed antagonistic characters in Tamil films. His major positive role as a scorned lover in S. P. His Hindi film debut was with T.
Reader's Guide
Rajinikanth's significance in Indian cinema is marked by his extraordinary commercial success and enduring popularity. He has won numerous awards including the National Film Award, eight Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, a Nandi Award, a Filmfare Award, and two Maharashtra State Film Awards. Forbes India named him the most influential Indian of the year 2010.
Did You Know?
- Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad on 12 December 1950 in Bangalore, Mysore State.
- He worked as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service before joining the Madras Film Institute.
- His stage name was given by director K. Balachander, taken from a character in his earlier film Major Chandrakanth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rajinikanth?
Rajinikanth is the professional name of Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, an Indian actor born on 12 December 1950 who has become a towering figure in Tamil-language cinema over a career lasting more than fifty years. He is widely considered one of the most bankable and beloved performers in the entire history of Indian film.
What is Rajinikanth famous for?
Beyond raw acting skill, he built a cult identity around his trademark entrance choreography, sardonic one-liners, and highly stylized physical mannerisms that audiences recognize instantly. These signature elements elevated him from a star to a near-mythical cultural symbol far beyond the silver screen.
Why does Rajinikanth command such a massive fan following?
Decades of consistent screen presence, a larger-than-life persona, and a fan community that treats his public appearances almost like religious gatherings have created a devotion unmatched in Indian cinema. The blend of his unique on-screen style and his warm, approachable off-screen personality keeps multiple generations of fans deeply connected to him.
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