Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth Biography

•Full Name- Shivajirao Gaekwad  
•Screen name- Rajnikanth
•Born- 12th December , 1950 in Bangalore
•Other  names- Rajini , Thalevar, Universal Superstar , Superstar , Style manan
•Relationship status- Married to  Latha Rangarchari (1981- present)  
•Professional Career- Film actor , Producer,  Screen writer
•First Film- Katha Sangamam (1975)(Kannada)
•First Film-  Apoorva  Raagangal (1975)(Tamil)
•First Film-  Andha Kanoon  (1983) (Hindi)
•Years present- (1975-present)
•Height – 5.9

There has a been a lot written about this man. Describing him as a superstar would be  incorrect as it fails to suit his larger than life on screen persona. He is a phenomenon as far as the film industry is concerned.  Even at the age that he is today he can give a new film star a run for his money. While his contemporaries and many of those after him may settle for roles that center off the coveted lead, Rajnikanth clings on to it with supremacy like no other.  He is not just a superstar confined to the Tamil film industry but is loved and respected not only within the country but also the world over.  Apart from that his story is not just a rags to riches tale but one that truly inspires.

Rajnikanth Early life- Shivaji Rao Gaekwad was born on the 12th December, 1950 in Bangalore to a Marathi family. He was born the fourth child to Ramoji Rao and Jijabi. His brothers are Sathyanarayana Rao and Nageshwar Rao.  The actor lost his mother at the tender age of 5. He schooled at the Acharaya Paathshala in Bangalore and then at the Vivekananda Balak Sangh which is a unit of the Ramkrishna Mission.  Shivaji's childhood was that off struggle and poverty. After completing his formal education he took up various jobs in the city of Bangalore all in the need to sustain himself and his family.  He worked as a coolie and then as a Bus conductor in the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation.

He used to all practice stunts at the Ram Hanuman temple which was near the place where he lived. He had a deep and mystical love for  films and for acting.  He acted in many amateur plays and is remembered for the role of Duryodhana.  On the insistence of his friend Raj Bahadur the actor decided to join the Madras Film Institute to groom his talent and his friend supported him whole heartedly and even financially.

It was at the film institute that  the actor’s raw acting prowess came to the fore. In the words of Sreenivasan one of his mates at the institutes ‘ Here Rajni practiced and worked hard to be the actor, be it his action , rapid dialogue delivery and  also the various tricks that we have loved  on the silver screen. Sreenivasan is the script writer for the movie which was made in Tamil as Kuselan.  If you look closer the life of the actor has a resemblance to the story and invariably so.  It was in one of his amateur plays that the film Director K Balchander noticed the actor and offered his first film role.

Rajnikanth Film Career- Rajni made his debut in films in the movie Katha Sangamam (1975). The film was the actor’s first movie at the box office. Although this was his first appearance in films is not remembered. The film that established him as a notable part in the industry is the K Balchander's  Apoorva Raagangal. The actor starred in the movie opposite Kamal Hassan and Srividya. The actor essayed a negative role. Rajni has always maintained  that K Balachander’s is his mentor. Rajni was known in his movie particularly for his signature locks and prominent dialogue delivery that was appreciated by the audiences.

He was known as a new cold blodded villain with a difference. After doing a number of villainy roles in Tamil films, including “Moondru Mudhichu” (1976), “16 Vayadhinile” (1976), “Avargal” (1977), he finally landed a positive role in the film “Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri” (1977), in which he was a villain in the first half and became a kind-hearted person in second half. S.P. Muthuraman is accredited with revamping the image of Rajnikanth entirely, by offering him this role. Thereafter, Rajnikanth started receiving lead roles in films. “Mullum Malarum” (1978), the directorial venture of J. Mahendran. S.P. Muthuraman "Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai" (1979) further strengthened his position as the lead actor. However at this point in time he also considered quitting films.

However he appeared in Billa (1978) that was a remake of the Hindi film Don.  The actor continued to allure audiences in terms of his performance, style and dialogue delivery. Bairavi (1978) was the first Tamil film in which he played a solo hero role. He made his Malayalam debut in Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum (1979). Then went on to act in Dharma Yuddham (1979), Tiger (1979) sharing screen space with N.T. Rama Rao, Garjanai (1981) and youthful films like Ninaithale Inikkum, Priya and Amma Evarikkaina Amma. It was in the end of the 70’s and the  beginning if the 80’s that the actor emerged to being a familiar name in the four languages in the south. The actor mesmerized  audiences with his superlative style of acting and action.

Apart from that he was one of the first superstar in the country to relate to the layman with his performances.  The eighties saw him consolidate his stand in the industry. It was also at this time that the actor made his Bollywood debut with the film Andha Kanoon in 1983. The film was not a hit and did consolidate the actor at first. But with a series of films in Hindi the actor made a name for himself. Films life Geraftaar (1985), Uttar Dakshan (1987) Chaalbaaz (1989) and Hum (1991) were appreciated by audiences. However at first Rajnikanth did not like to work in the industry as he was unhappy of the lack of punctuality and the tantrums thrown in by stars. The 1990’s consolidated Rajnikanth's stand and stature in the industry like no other. His films from the 1990’s were screened throughout the country and even in box offices outside the country.

He continued a series of hit and blockbuster films that are considered his best performance “Thalapathi” (1991), “Annamalai” (1992), “Ejaman” (1993), “Muthu” (1995), “Basha” (1995), “Arunachalam” (1997), Padaiyappa (1999). He extended his popularity beyond the realm of superstardom and was the crown prince as far as superstardom was concerned.  He was  more than a superstar so much so that in one of his films the sequence of his death had to be redone. Post the 2000’s Rajni statrred in  Baba which he claimed  would be his last film at the box office. There was much hype and expectation surrounding the film. However it bombed at the box office.

The film had a religious idea and was not accepted by the audiences. There were many reason for this.  The actor was criticised for the glorification of alcohol and smoking on the silver screen. The film felt short of the indices and the distributors were hurt as a result of the same. The actor himself repaid the losses incurred by distributors.  There were many who remarked the end of his career. Despite whatever was said and written about him the actor maintained a silence and refrained from acting. He also refrained offers from novice directors wanting to do films with him.  The actor returned three years later with the film Chandramukhi (2005) that was a remake of the 1993 hit Malayalam film Manchitrataru.

The film was a hit and went on to become the longest running film of the year. It was fitting reply to the superstar’s detractors in true Rajni style.  He turned the tide again with another blockbuster Shivaji: the boss. The film was Rajni 100 film in the lead role and was another blockbuster hit. Then, came the sci-fi blockbuster Enthiran (2010), India’s costliest film, which also became the highest grossing film of its time. Rajnikanth, who is known not to charge fees for working in his films, was paid a remuneration of a whooping Rs. 45 crores for the film. This film also became of one of the highest grossing films and earned heavily as well in terms of  foreign box office collection.

Rajni kanth Upcoming Films- Rajnikanth upcoming Film Kochidiyaan  is slated for released for release next year. The film is one of the first in the country to be shot in complete 3D with performance capturing technology.

Rajnikanth Personal Life- Rajnikanth tied the knot with Latha Rangachari in February 26, 1981. The couple has two daughters - Aishwarya and Soundarya. The elder daughter - Aishwarya is married to Tamil actor Dhanush. The younger one, Soundarya is a graphic designer and also works as a film director and producer. She has worked with her father in a number of Tamil films, including ‘Shivaji - The Boss’ and ‘Chandramukhi’. Rajnikanth’s wife is currently running a school named ‘The Ashram’, in Chennai. The actor has also maintained a low key about his personal life. A very religious person he is a follower of Hinduism and spiritualism 

He has also continued to remain spiritual. As in one of his interviews he disclosed that at one part of his career he was a through workaholic and this took a toll on his health and spiritual life. He found solace in religion and his spiritual guru Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Swami Satchidananda, Ragavendra Swami, Mahavatar Babaji,  and Ramana Maharishi . He is also known for making spiritual pilgrimages to the Himalayas. Rajnikanth suffered multiple health complications in April 2011 while working for his film Rana.  He had to go to Singapore for treatment for two weeks. After that Rajnikanth’s health stabilised in late 2011.

Rajnikanth Quotes-
•Perspective- “Meditation is the key to his energy.”
•On happiness- “The happiest men in this world are a child, lunatic and a sage.”

Rajnikanth Jokes- there are many jokes circulating on the internet regarding the actor. These jokes in a manner highlight the supremacy that the actor exercises on cinema.  When  asked about the same the actor commented that he does read about and has a hearty laugh at the end of it. He also stated that he himself is enamored of the  status he enjoys despite the  fact that he is not more than just an actor.

Rajnikanth Controversies- The actor despite having nor the least inclination to controversies has been pulled into controversies at time.  One of the many controversies in recent times include they flak he received for the film Baba. Rajinikanth was under the storm of criticism by Tamil Film Industry for his public apology on the Hogenakkal issue. Senior actors like Sathyaraj, Sarathkumar and Radha Ravi have angrily reacted to his apology statement. The actor was again stormed by another controversy during the Tamil Assembly  he stated that he had voted for a party that  would make a difference for the people.

Rajnikanth latest news-

Style Mannan Rajinikanth turns 63

Rajnikant Awards:
Rajnikant has won 43 out of the 46 award categories in which he has been nominated.

Year: 1977 * Film : 16 Vayathinile - Type: Best Actor | Award: Arima Sangam.
Year: 1977 * Film : Bhuvana Oru Kelvikuri - Type: Best Supporting Actor Award: | Award: Thirai Kathir.
Year: 1978 * Film : Mullum Malarum - Type: Best Actor | Award:Tamil Nadu Government.
Year: 1978 * Film : Mullum Malarum - Type: Best Actor | Award:Arima Sangam.
Year: 1979 * Film : Aarilirundu Arubadhu Varai - Type: Best Actor | Award:Filmfans Association.
Year: 1979 * Film : Aarilirundu Arubadhu Varai - Type: Best Actor | Award:Devar Award.
Year: 1982 * Film : Moondru Mugam - Type: Best Actor | Award:Tamil Nadu Government.
Year: 1982 * Film : Engeyo Ketta Kural - Type: Best Actor | Award:Tamil Nadu Film Fans Association.
Year: 1984 * Film : Nallavanuku Nallavan - Type: Best Actor | Award: Filmfare Awards.
Year: 1984 * Film : Nallavanuku Nallavan - Type: Best Actor | Award: Cinema Express.
Year: 1984 * Film : Nallavanuku Nallavan - Type: Best Actor | Award: Filmfans Association.
Year: 1984 * Film : - - KALAIMAMANI | Award : Tamil Nadu Government.
Year: 1985 * Film : Sri Raagavendirar - Type: Best Actor | Award: Filmfans Association.
Year: 1985 * Film : Sri Raagavendirar - Type: Best Actor | Award: Cinema Express.
Year: 1985 * Film : Sri Raagavendirar - Type: Best Actor | Award: Filmalaya.
Year: 1987 * Film : Velaikkaran - Type: Best Actor | Award: Sunflash Award.
Year: 1988 * Film : Blood Stone - Type: Best Achiever | Award: inema Express.
Year: 1989 * - Type: MGR AWARD | Award: Tamil Nadu Government.
Year: 1991 * Film : Thalapathy - Type: Best Actor | Award:Cinema Express.
Year: 1991 * Film : Thalapathy - Type: Best Actor | Award:Filmfans Association.
Year: 1992 * Film : Annamalai - Type: Best Actor | Award:Cinema Express.
Year: 1992 * Film : Annamalai - Type: Best Actor | Award:Ambika Awards.
Year: 1993 * Film : Valli - Type: Best Story Writter | Award: Cinema Express.
Year: 1993 * Film : Valli - Type: Best Story Writter | Award: Filmfans Association.
Year: 1993 * Film : Valli - Type: Best Film Producer | Award: TamilNadu Murpokku Sangam.
Year: 1995 * - Type: KALAICHELVAM AWARD Award: Nadigar Sangam.
Year: 1995 * Film : Peaddarayadu - Type: Best Actor | Award:Screen Awards.
Year: 1995 * Film : Baadsha - Type: Best Actor | Award: Cinema Express.
Year: 1995 * Film : Baadsha - Type: Best Actor | Award: Filmfans Association.
Year: 1995 * Film : Muthu - Type: Best Actor | Award: Cinema Express.
Year: 1995 * Film : Muthu - Type: Best Actor | Award: Kalasagar Award (Bombay).
Year: 1995 * Film : Muthu - Type: Best Actor | Award: Filmfans Association.
Year: 1995 * - Type: OSHOBISMIT AWARD for his Spirituality | Award: Rajinish Ashram Award .
Year: 1999 * Film : Muthu - Type: Best Actor | Award: Tamil Nadu Government.
Year: 1999 * Film : Padayappa - Type: Best Actor | Award: Tamil Nadu Government.
Year: 2000 * - Type: PADMABHUSHAN AWARD Award: Central Government of India.

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year : 1975
Award: National Award * Film: Aboorva Raagangal - Type: Best Regional Tamil Film.
Award: Filmfare * Film: Aboorva Raagangal - Type: Best Tamil Film.
Award: Arima Sangam * Film: Aboorva Raagangal - Type: Best Tamil Film.
Award: Filmfans * Film: Aboorva Raagangal - Type: Best Tamil Film.
Award: Filimalaya * Film: Aboorva Raagangal - Type: Best Tamil Film.
Award: Cinema Express * Film: Aboorva Raagangal - Type: Best Tamil Film.

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1976
Award: Filmfans * Film: Best Telugu Film - Type: Anthu Leni Katha.
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies
Awardsfor RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1977
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best Tamil Film: Bhuvana Oru Kelvikuri (1lakh Rupees Remuneration)
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Tamil Film: Bhuvana Oru Kelvikuri
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Best Tamil Film: 16 Vayathinile
Award: Filmfans * Best Tamil Film: 16 Vayathinile
Award: ThiraiKadhir * Best Tamil Film: 16 Vayathinile
Award: Arima Sangam * Best Tamil Film: 16 Vayathinile

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1978
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best - Tamil Film: Ilamai Oonjaladugirathu
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best - Tamil Film: Sadhurangam (1 lakh Rupees Remuneration)
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best Tamil Film: Bhuvana Oru Kelvikuri (1lakh Rupees Remuneration)
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Tamil Film: Mullum Malarum
Award: Lions Club * Type: Best Tamil Film: Mullum Malarum
Award: Filmfare * Type: Best Tamil Film: Mullum Malarum
Award: Filmfare * Type: Best Tamil Film: Mullum Malarum
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best Tamil Film: Aval Appadithan
Award: Filmfanes * Best Tamil Film: Priya

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1979
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Tamil Film: Aarilirundu Arubaduvarai
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1980
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Tamil Film: Murattukalai

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1980
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best Tamil Film : Engeyo Ketta Kural
Award: Filmfare * Type: Best Tamil Film : Engeyo Ketta Kural
Award: Tamil Nadu Filmfans * Type: Best Tamil Film : Engeyo Ketta Kural
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best Tamil Film : Moondru Mugam

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1984
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Tamil Film : Anbulla Rajnikanth
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Tamil Film : Anbulla Rajnikanth

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1989
Award: Santhome Communications * Type: Best Tamil Film : Raja Chinna Roja
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Tamil Film : Anbulla Rajnikanth

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1991
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Tamil Film : Thalapathy

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1992
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best Lyrics, Best Art, Best Editing - Film Name: Pandiyan

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1996
Award: Cinema Express * Type: Best Telugu Film - Film Name: Peaddarayadu
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Telugu Film - Film Name: Peaddarayadu

Awards for RajiniKanth Movies:
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1997
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best Tamil Film - Film Name: Arunachalam
Award: Filmfans * Type: Best Telugu Film - Film Name: Peaddarayadu
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies
Awards for RajiniKanth Movies in the Year: 1999
Award: Tamil Nadu Government * Type: Best Tamil Film - Film Name: Padayappa (including 5 state awards)

Other Award:
NDTV Entertainer of the Decade
Vijay Award for Best Hero for Shivaji (2007)
Vijay Award for Best Villian for  Enthiran (2012)