Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), Karnataka, India, he initially worked as a bus conductor before entering the world of acting. Rajinikanth's acting career spans over four decades, during which he has appeared in more than 150 films, predominantly in Tamil cinema, but he has also worked in other Indian film industries such as Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and B
engali. He is known for his charismatic screen presence, unique style, and larger-than-life performances. His breakthrough came with the 1975 Tamil film "Apoorva Raagangal," directed by K. Balachander. Since then, he has starred in numerous blockbuster films, including "Mullum Malarum," "Billa," "Thalapathi," "Padayappa," "Sivaji," "Enthiran," and "Kabali," among others. Rajinikanth is not only famous for his acting prowess but also for his dialogue delivery, mannerisms, and mass appeal, which have earned him a huge fan following worldwide. He is often referred to as "Thalaivar" (meaning leader or boss) by his fans. Apart from his film career, Rajinikanth is also known for his philanthropic work and his foray into politics. In 2017, he announced his intention to enter politics in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, but the specifics of his political journey and its impact are still unfolding. Rajinikanth's contributions to Indian cinema and culture have earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, conferred upon him by the Government of India in 2000. He continues to be a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry, and his films are eagerly awaited by fans around the world.
