Rajinikanth, often referred to as the “Superstar” of Indian cinema, is not just a name but a phenomenon. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Rajinikanth has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. His unique style, charisma, and humility have made him a beloved figure not just in India but across the globe.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the life of Rajinikanth—covering his age, height, family, career, movies, songs, awards, net worth, and much more!
Age and Birthdate
Rajinikanth was born on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, India. As of 2024, he is 73 years old. Despite his age, Rajinikanth continues to command a massive fan following, showcasing his timeless appeal.
Height and Physical Appearance
Rajinikanth stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). His simple, down-to-earth persona combined with his signature style of delivering punch dialogues has always been iconic.
Family and Early Life
Born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, Rajinikanth hails from a humble Marathi family in Bangalore. His father, Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, was a police constable, and his mother, Rambai Gaekwad, was a homemaker. He lost his mother at a young age, which greatly impacted him.
Rajinikanth married Latha Rangachari in 1981, and the couple has two daughters, Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth. Both daughters have carved their own paths in the entertainment industry—Aishwarya as a director and Soundarya as a producer and director of animated films.
Career – From Bus Conductor to Superstar
Rajinikanth’s journey to stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Before becoming a film star, he worked as a bus conductor in Bangalore. His passion for acting led him to join the Madras Film Institute in 1973, where his talent caught the eye of Tamil film director K. Balachander.
Rajinikanth made his debut in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), playing a minor role. From there, his acting career skyrocketed. Over time, Rajinikanth transformed from playing villainous roles to becoming the ultimate hero. His stylish mannerisms, powerful screen presence, and relatable on-screen persona turned him into a cultural icon.
Movies – A Legendary Filmography
Rajinikanth’s filmography is vast, spanning Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. Some of his most iconic movies include:
- Billa (1980) – The Tamil version of the Bollywood hit “Don.”
- Mullum Malarum (1978) – A film that showcased his versatility as an actor.
- Baasha (1995) – One of the biggest hits of his career, where he played a don with a hidden past.
- Padayappa (1999) – Another blockbuster with memorable punch dialogues.
- Sivaji (2007) – A film that marked his comeback to mainstream cinema in style.
- Enthiran (2010) – Known as “Robot” in Hindi, this science fiction film became a pan-Indian success.
- Kabali (2016) and Kaala (2018) – His roles in these films solidified his status as a versatile actor.
Songs – A Musical Legacy
Though Rajinikanth isn’t known for singing, his films have delivered some of the most iconic soundtracks in Indian cinema. Some memorable songs from his movies include:
- “Oruvan Oruvan Mudhalali” from Muthu (1995)
- “Athiradi Kaara” from Sivaji (2007)
- “Style” from Sivaji (2007)
- “Marana Mass” from Petta (2019)
The music in Rajinikanth’s films, especially when composed by legends like Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman, has always been a huge part of his movies’ success.
Awards and Achievements
Over the years, Rajinikanth has received numerous accolades for his contributions to cinema. Some notable awards include:
- Padma Bhushan (2000) – India’s third-highest civilian award.
- Padma Vibhushan (2016) – India’s second-highest civilian award.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2021) – The highest honor in Indian cinema.
- Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Best Actor on multiple occasions.
In addition to these, He has a massive global fan base, which can be considered an award in itself.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Rajinikanth’s estimated net worth is around $50 million (INR 400 crore). His earnings come from his successful film career, endorsements, and investments. Rajinikanth is known for his simplicity and has often spoken about living a life free of luxury, despite his massive wealth.
Philanthropy and Humble Nature
Despite his superstardom, He is admired for his humility. He has always maintained a low profile, avoiding the glamorous lifestyle typically associated with film stars. Rajinikanth is also a philanthropist, actively involved in various charitable initiatives, including supporting underprivileged children and contributing to relief efforts during natural disasters.
Conclusion
His life story is one of perseverance, hard work, and humility. From his humble beginnings as a bus conductor to becoming one of the most celebrated actors in the world, Rajinikanth’s journey is an inspiration to many. Whether through his films, his iconic dialogues, or his off-screen persona, Rajinikanth continues to be a legend who transcends generations.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan- Age, Height, Education, Wife, Kids, Love Life, Net Worth
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is Rajinikanth’s real name?
A: Rajinikanth’s real name is Shivaji Rao Gaekwad.
Q: How old is Rajinikanth?
A: As of 2024, Rajinikanth is 73 years old, born on December 12, 1950.
Q: What is Rajinikanth’s height?
A: Rajinikanth’s height is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).
Q: Who is Rajinikanth’s wife?
A: Rajinikanth’s wife is Latha Rangachari, whom he married in 1981.
Q: How many children does Rajinikanth have?
A: Rajinikanth has two daughters, Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth.
Q: What is Rajinikanth’s net worth?
A: As of 2024, Rajinikanth’s estimated net worth is $50 million (INR 400 crore).
Q: What are some of Rajinikanth’s most famous movies?
A: Some of Rajinikanth’s most iconic films include Baasha, Padayappa, Sivaji, Enthiran (Robot), Kabali, and Kaala.
Q: Has Rajinikanth won any major awards?
A: Yes, Rajinikanth has won several prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Q: How did Rajinikanth start his career?
A: Rajinikanth started his career as a bus conductor before pursuing his passion for acting at the Madras Film Institute. He made his film debut in Apoorva Raagangal (1975).
Q: Is Rajinikanth involved in charity?
A: Yes, Rajinikanth is known for his philanthropy and has contributed to various charitable causes, including education for underprivileged children and disaster relief efforts.