Rajinikanth

Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, known to the world as Rajinikanth, is an Indian actor who has dominated Tamil cinema for over five decades. With more than 170 films across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, he commands a fan following that treats his releases as festivals. The Government of India has honored him with the Padma Bhushan (2000) and the Padma Vibhushan (2016), and he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019, the highest recognition in Indian cinema.

His on-screen style, characterized by signature mannerisms and punchy one-liners, has made him a cultural phenomenon. Fans affectionately call him Thalaivar, meaning leader. He continues to act in major productions, and his influence extends beyond films into politics, where he announced his entry in 2017. [edit]

Born into a Marathi-speaking family in Bangalore, Rajinikanth lost his mother when he was nine. His father, a police constable, retired in 1956, and the family settled in Hanumantha Nagar. He studied at Gavipuram Government Kannada Model Primary School and later at Acharya Pathasala Public School.

Before acting, he worked odd jobs and then as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service. A film buff since childhood, he decided to pursue acting and enrolled at the Madras Film Institute. There, director K. Balachander noticed him and cast him in a villainous role in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), marking his breakthrough. [edit]

Rajinikanth's career took off in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal, but it was the 1980 action thriller Billa that established his action-hero image. He made his Hindi debut in Andhaa Kaanoon (1983), opposite Amitabh Bachchan, which became that year's highest-grossing film. His 100th film, Sri Raghavendra (1985), saw him play a Hindu saint.

In 1995, Baashha became a landmark success, cementing his superstar status. Sivaji (2007) was the first Indian film to enter the 100 Crore Club. He has since appeared in blockbusters like Enthiran (2010), Kabali (2016), and 2.0 (2018). In 2017, he announced his entry into politics, though he has yet to contest an election. [edit]

Rajinikanth's public image is built on his unique style: a distinctive walk, cigarette flick, and dialogue delivery that fans imitate endlessly. He is known for his humility off-screen despite his superstar status. His films often carry social messages, and he has a cult following that celebrates his releases with garlands, milk baths, and firecrackers. He maintains a relatively low profile on social media, but his fan clubs across Tamil Nadu organize events and charity work in his name. [edit]

Rajinikanth's fanbase, while lacking a single formal name, is a deeply organized and devoted community. Fans commonly refer to themselves as 'Rajini Fans' or 'Rajinikanth Fans,' and their activities are coordinated through the Rajinikanth Fan Welfare Association (RFWA), established in 1986. This quasi-political body mobilizes volunteers for charity and political support, and fans are known for rituals like the 'Rajini Salute' and for organizing theatrical strikes. Their devotion has translated into remarkable feats: after the 2004 tsunami, fans raised millions for relief, and their coordinated social media pushes have driven global trends for his releases.

This cultural phenomenon is reflected in his standing within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. As of August 2026, Rajinikanth holds the 45th most famous person in India and the 75th most famous person from India, both holding steady from the previous cycle. Regionally, he is the 50th most famous person in South Asia, also holding steady. Within his industry, he ranks the 7th most famous person in Tollywood / South Indian Cinema, a placement that has remained unchanged. These rankings, published by the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, underscore his enduring global impact.[edit]

Rajinikanth is a tea connoisseur, reportedly drinking several cups daily, and is a devout spiritualist, often visiting the Sathya Sai Baba ashram. His famous dialogue from Baashha, "Naan oru thadava sonna, nooru thadava sonna madhiri," became a pop culture staple. He was the first Indian actor to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds in London, unveiled in 2002. His fans have performed rituals like pouring milk over his cutouts before film releases.

Among the legends that surround him, one enduring story is that audiences physically fainted during screenings of Mullum Malarum (1978) and Billa (1980), prompting theaters to keep oxygen cylinders on hand. Another tale, verified by actress Shriya Saran, recounts that she was so starstruck when meeting him for the first time during the launch of Sivaji: The Boss that she could barely speak. More recently, his endorsement of the film Dhruva Natchathiram in 2026 was credited with turning it into a massive hit, a moment fans now call the 'Lokesh-Rajini Reunion.'[edit]

Rajinikanth married Latha Rangachari on 26 February 1981. She is the daughter of a prominent doctor and the sister of a close friend. They have two daughters: Aishwarya, a filmmaker, and Soundarya, a producer and director. The family lives in Chennai. Rajinikanth lost his mother at age nine and was raised by his father, a police constable, along with two elder brothers and a sister. [edit]

Rajinikanth was discovered by director K. Balachander, who cast him in Apoorva Raagangal. He co-starred with Amitabh Bachchan in Andhaa Kaanoon. His debut was directed by Puttanna Kanagal. He also worked with American director Dwight H. Little in Bloodstone (1988). His family includes wife Latha and daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya, both involved in filmmaking. [edit]

Rajinikanth married Latha Rangachari on 26 February 1981. She was the daughter of a prominent doctor and the sister of a close friend. They met through mutual connections in the film industry and social circles. The couple has two daughters, Aishwarya (born 1982) and Soundarya (born 1984). Their marriage has lasted over four decades, with no public reports of separation or divorce. As of 2026, Rajinikanth remains married to Latha. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Rajinikanth's net worth at $100 million. His primary income derives from acting fees, with reports suggesting he charges between ₹50-100 crore per film. He also earns from brand endorsements, appearances, and his production company. His 2007 film Sivaji was the first Indian film to gross over ₹100 crore, and subsequent hits like Enthiran and 2.0 have been among the highest-grossing Indian films. He owns properties in Chennai and Bangalore, including a farmhouse. His wealth has grown steadily over the years, reflecting his enduring box-office draw.[edit]

Rajinikanth has received numerous awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019), the highest honour in Indian cinema. He has won eight Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, one Nandi Award, two Maharashtra State Film Awards, and a Filmfare Award for Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984). He also received the Padma Bhushan (2000) and Padma Vibhushan (2016) from the Government of India. [edit]