Rajinikanth: The Superstar of Indian Cinema

Introduction

Rajinikanth is an Indian actor, producer, and screenwriter who has starred in over 160 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. He is one of the most popular and influential actors in Indian cinema, and has been dubbed the "Superstar" of Indian cinema.

Early Life and Career

Rajinikanth was born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, on December 12, 1950. He began his career as a bus conductor in Bangalore, but left his job to pursue acting. He made his acting debut in the Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal in 1975, and went on to star in a number of successful films in the 1970s and 1980s, including Billa (1980), Thillu Mullu (1981), and Moondru Mugam (1982).

Superstar Status

Rajinikanth achieved superstar status in the 1990s with the release of films such as Baashha (1995), Muthu (1995), and Padayappa (1999). These films were huge commercial successes, and helped to cement Rajinikanth's status as one of the most popular actors in Indian cinema.

Political Career

In 1996, Rajinikanth launched his own political party, the Makkal Mandram. However, he withdrew from politics in 1997, and has not been involved in politics since then.

Personal Life

Rajinikanth is married to Latha Rangachari, and they have two daughters, Aishwarya and Soundarya. He is a devout Hindu, and is known for his philanthropy.

Legacy

Rajinikanth is one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema. He is known for his charismatic screen presence, his powerful dialogue delivery, and his unique style of action. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan, the highest civilian award given by the Government of India.