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In Indian cinema, when someone says “Superstar,” the first name that comes to mind is Rajinikanth. A legendary actor who needs no introduction, Rajinikanth’s unique style, dialogue delivery, humility, and simple lifestyle have taken him to extraordinary heights. On the occasion of his 75th birthday today, fans and film celebrities from across the world are extending their wishes to him.
Born on December 12, 1950, in a middle-class Marathi family in Bengaluru as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, Rajinikanth faced hardships early in life. His father, Ramojirao, was a police constable and his mother, Jijabai, was a homemaker. Losing his mother at a young age deeply affected him. As the family’s financial situation worsened, Rajinikanth took up a job as a bus conductor in the Bengaluru Transport Service after completing his education. But his passion for acting never faded. He saved money from his salary and joined acting classes to pursue his dream.
That passion eventually took him to the Chennai Film Institute—where he met the man who changed his life forever: director K. Balachander. Impressed by Rajinikanth’s energy and performance, Balachander told him, “From now on your name is Rajinikanth... You will become a star,” and introduced him to the film industry. Rajinikanth first appeared on screen in Apoorva Raagangal in 1975, and even in a small role, he grabbed audience attention. Between 1975 and 1978, he acted in over 50 films, gaining recognition through negative and intense roles. The 1978 film Bhairavi earned him hero status—and the title “Superstar” became popular from there.
He went on to showcase his range through films like Annamalai, Mullum Malarum, Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai, and Moondru Mugam. The 1980–1990 period cemented his god-like mass craze in South India. Baasha (1995) became a landmark film in his career, with iconic dialogues like “If I say it once, it’s as good as saying it a hundred times” taking his stardom to the next level.
Later, massive blockbusters like Sivaji (2007), Enthiran/Robot (2010), and 2.0 (2018) turned Rajinikanth into a pan-India and international star. He acted in Hindi films as well and gained nationwide popularity. His collaboration with director S.P. Muthuraman delivered more than 20 hits, making them an iconic duo in Tamil cinema. Rajinikanth is also known for performing most of his action sequences himself. Even after facing severe health issues in 2011, he bounced back following treatment in Singapore—showcasing his remarkable mental strength. When he joined social media in 2014, he gained over 1.5 lakh followers on the very first day, proving his global popularity. His film Muthu set records in Japan, and his recent blockbuster Jailer grossing over Rs 500 crore reaffirmed his unmatched charisma.
As Rajinikanth turns 75 on December 12, 2025, fans across the globe are celebrating it like a festival—with special posters, massive cutouts, and social service activities. A special re-release of his blockbuster Narasimha/Padayappa has also generated huge excitement. Even at 75, Rajinikanth continues to impress with the same style, energy, and screen presence—a true phenomenon of Indian cinema.
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