Rajinikanth made his debut as an actor in 1975 in the Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal, directed by K. Balachander. He was later favoured in Tamil cinema for portraying antagonistic characters and gradually rose to acting in lead roles. After the release of his 1978 Tamil film Bairavi, he became known as the "superstar" of Tamil cinema, a title given to him by film producer S. Dhanu and still used by many people to refer to him.He has also appeared in the films of other nations, including American cinema. He was paid Rs. 20 crores (about 4.3 million US dollars) for Sivaji: The Boss,making him the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan.
Rajinikanth was born on 12 December 1949 to a Marathi-speaking couple in Bangalore. He was the youngest among four children; has two elder brothers and a sister. He struggled a lot during his childhood.
He had his formal education in Acharya Patasala, Bangalore and had his higher education in Ramakrishna Mission, Bangalore. Between 1968 and 1973 he worked in many places in Chennai, thus moving continuously from Bangalore to Chennai. He performed various odd jobs before joining the Banglore Transport Service as a bus conductor.
In 1973, he moved to Chennai to seek a career in acting and joined the Madras Film Institute with the help of a friend.Rajinikanth left his job as bus conductor for Banglore Transport Service and joined the Madras Film Institute in 1974.
Rajinikanth made his debut into movies through Apoorva Raagangal and later entered Bollywood with Andha Kanoon.He starred in the 1988 American film Bloodstone, which released with much fanfare in India but was unsuccessful in the United States. His 1995 film Muthu was dubbed into Japanese while his 2005 film Chandramukhi was dubbed in German and released in all German-speaking nations. He has acted in about 101 movies in Tamil, 17 in Telugu, 11 in Kannada, 2 in Malayalam, one each in Bengali and English, and 24 in Hindi (apart from a few movies where he did guest appearances in Hindi).
Rajinikanth's first film was Apoorva Raagangal, a film directed by K. Balachander.Though Rajinikanth refers to director K. Balachander as his guru or mentor, it was director S. P. Muthuraman who actually revamped Rajinikanth’s image entirely.Muthuraman first experimented with him in a positive role in Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri (1977), as a villain in the first half of the film and a protagonist in the second. Around this time Mullum Malarum (1978), directed by J. Mahendran, established Rajinikanth in the Tamil film arena as a film hero. The success of Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri prompted Muthuraman to make a mushy melodrama with Rajinikanth as a hero sacrificing everything for his siblings in Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (1979). These films were the turning points in Rajinikanth’s career;he changed from an actor who merely enthralled the audiences to one who could also evoke emotions. The acceptance of Rajinikanth sans his stylized mannerisms proved he had at last become a "star". His film roles were mainly as a villain during the period 1975 to 1977, co-starring frequently with Kamal Haasan as the protagonist, in movies like 16 Vayadhinilae, Moondru Mudichu and Avargal. In 1978, Rajinikanth acted in the film Bairavi.His first major role as a solo hero was in Chilakamma Cheppindi, a Telugu film.In Anthuleni Katha, a Telugu remake of Aval Oru Thodar Kathai, he enacted the role of a drunkard brother of Jayaprada, which made him popular among Telugu audiences. In fact, Anthuleni Katha was the first movie in which he appeared in a major role. Previously, in Apoorva Raagangal and Katha Sangama he had performed very small roles. At that time he was the busiest actor in India; he would complete shooting at Madras at noon and fly to Hyderabad, where he would complete shooting by evening, then fly to Bangalore and finish the shooting by night and again fly to Madras. At this point in his career, Rajinikanth abruptly chose to quit acting, but was coaxed back.He continued acting with the blockbuster Tamil film Billa, which was a remake of the blockbuster Bollywood movie Don. With its phenomenal success he was accepted as a full-fledged hero. Billa was followed by a row of hits, namely Murattu Kaalai, Pokkiri Raja, Thanikattu Raja, Naan Mahaan Alla, Pudukavithai and Moondru Mugam. K. Balachander’s first home production, Netrikan, proved to be yet another milestone in Rajni’s career.His movies released during the nineties included Thalapathy, Mannan, Annamalai, Uzhaippali, Veera, Baasha, Muthu,Arunachalam and Padayappa. Rajinikanth wrote his first screenplay and acted as a special appearance in the film Valli (1993).
His film Baasha was released in 1995. His film Muthu was the first Tamil film to be dubbed into Japanese (as Muthu: The Dancing Maharajah) and became popular in Japan.Padayappa's release in 1999. Padayappa was directed by K. S. Ravikumar.
After more than a three-year sabbatical from cinema, at 52 years of age, he starred in his home production, Baba, which released on 15 August 2002. The screenplay revolved around a story about a gangster who later engages in spirituality. It fell short of market expectations and the high bids reportedly translated to heavy losses for the distributors, which Rajinikanth repaid.
Rajinikanth chose to act in director P. Vasu's Tamil remake of the Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu, titled Chandramukhi. It was released on 14 April 2005, and went on to create new box office records, such as being the longest running Tamil film as of 2007.Just after Chandramukhi's release, it was reported that AVM Productions were to produce a film directed by S. Shankar starring Rajinikanth. The film was titled Sivaji: The Boss and released on 15 June 2007; it went on to become ranked among other major Bollywood and Hollywood releases of the year. Sivaji charted as one of the top-ten best films of United Kingdom and South Africa box offices upon release.During the course of the production for Sivaji, Ocher Studios, the animation company of Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth, in association with Adlabs announced their intention of producing a CGI animation film starring an animated version of Rajinikanth.
He will be lending his voice to the lead character in the project, titled Sultan: The Warrior; it will be directed by his daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth, with music provided by A. R. Rahman. Rajinikanth has also been signed to work with the Sivaji team of S. Shankar and A. R. Rahman for the high-budget science-fiction film, Endhiran. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will play opposite Rajinikanth as heroine for the first time.
Between 1977 and 2009, Rajinikanth received several awards from Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, Cinema Express and Filmfans Association for his on-screen performances and off-screen contributions in writing and producing. He has received awards in the Best Actor category for his performance in the films Sivaji, Chandramukhi, Padayappa, Peddarayudu, Baasha, Muthu, Annamalai, Thalapathy, Velaikaran, Sri Raghavendra, Nallavanuku Nallavan, Moondru Mugam, Enkeyo Ketta Kural, Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai, Mullum Malarum and 16 Vayathinile. He received an award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri. He has also received awards in Best Story Writer and Best Producer categories for Valli.He has also received other honours such as the Raj Kapoor Award in 2007 from the Government of Maharashtra. He was named and honoured with the Padma Bhushan award, India's third highest civilian honour, in 2000 from the Government of India.In 2010, he received the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema.
Filmography
Film Number Film Language Date
1. Apoorva Raagangal Tamil 18.08.1975
2. Katha Sangama Kannada 23.01.1976
3. Anthuleni Katha Telugu 27.02.1976
4. Moondru Mudichu Tamil 22.10.1976
5. Baalu Jenu Kannada 10.12.1976
6. Avargal Tamil 25.02.1977
7. Kavikkuyil Tamil 29.07.1977
8. Raghupathi Raghavan Rajaram Tamil 12.08.1977
9. Chilakamma Cheppindi Chandhi Telugu 13.08.1977
10. Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri Tamil 02.09.1977
11. Ondu Premada Kathe Kannada 02.09.1977
12. 16 Vayathinile Tamil 15.09.1977
13. Sahodara Saval Kannada 16.09.1977
14. Aadu Puli Attam Tamil 30.09.1977
15. Gaayathri Tamil 07.10.1977
16. Kumkuma Rakshe Kannada 14.10.1977
17. Aarupushpangal Tamil 10.11.1977
18. Tholireyi Gadichindi Telugu 17.11.1977
19. Aame Katha Telugu 18.11.1977
20. Galate Samsara Kannada 02.12.1977
21. Shankar Salim Simon Tamil 10.02.1978
22. Kiladi Kittu Kannada 03.03.1978
23. Annadammula Savaal Telugu 03.03.1978
24. Aayiram Jenmangal Tamil 10.03.1978
25. Maathu Tappada maga Kannada 31.03.1978
26. Mangudi Minor Tamil 02.06.1978
27. Bairavi Tamil 02.06.1978
28. Ilamai Oonjaladukirathu Tamil 09.06.1978
29. Sadurangam Tamil 30.06.1978
30. Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye Tamil 14.07.1978
31. Vayasu Pilichindi Telugu 04.08.1978
32. Mullum Malarum Tamil 15.08.1978
33. Iraivan Kodutha Varam Tamil 22.09.1978
34. Thappida Thala Kannada 06.10.1978
35. Thappu Thalangal Tamil 30.10.1978
36. Aval Appadithan Tamil 30.10.1978
37. Thai Meethu Sathiyam Tamil 30.10.1978
38. En Kelvikku Enna Bathil Tamil 09.12.1978
39. Justice Gopinath Tamil 16.12.1978
40. Priya Tamil 22.12.1978
41. Priya Kannada 12.01.1979
42. Kuppathu Raja Tamil 12.01.1979
43. Iddaru Asadhyule Telugu 25.01.1979
44. Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum Malayalam 14.04.1979
45. Ninaithale Inikkum Tamil 14.04.1979
46. Andhamaina Anubhavam Telugu 19.04.1979
47. Allaudinaum Arputha Vilakkum Tamil 08.06.1979
48. Dharma Yuddam Tamil 29.06.1979
49. Naan Vazhavaippen Tamil 10.08.1979
50. Tiger Telugu 05.09.1979
51. Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai Tamil 14.09.1979
52. Annai Tamil 19.10.1979
53. Amma Evarikkaina Amma Telugu 08.11.1979
54. Billa Tamil 26.01.1980
55. Ram Robert Rahim Telugu 31.05.1980
56. Anbukku Naan Adimai Tamil 04.06.1980
57. Kali Tamil 03.07.1980
58. Mayadari Krishnudu Telugu 19.07.1980
59. Naan Potta Saval Tamil 07.08.1980
60. Johnny Tamil 15.08.1980
61. Kaali Telugu 19.09.1980
62. Ellam Un Kairasi Tamil 09.10.1980
63. Pollathavan Tamil 06.11.1980
64. Murattu Kalai Tamil 20.12.1980
65. Thee Tamil 26.01.1981
66. Kazhugu Tamil 06.03.1981
67. Thillu Mullu Tamil 01.05.1981
68. Garjanai Tamil 06.08.1981
69. Garjanam Malayalam 14.08.1981
70. Netrikan Tamil 15.08.1981
71. Garjane Kannada 23.10.1981
72. Ranuva Veeran Tamil 26.10.1981
73. Pokkiri Raja Tamil 14.01.1982
74. Thanikattu Raja Tamil 12.03.1982
75. Ranga Tamil 14.04.1982
76. Puthukavithai Tamil 11.06.1982
77. Enkeyo Ketta Kural Tamil 14.08.1982
78. Moondru Mugam Tamil 01.10.1982
79. Paayum Puli Tamil 14.01.1983
80. Thudikkum Karangal Tamil 04.03.1983
81. Andha Kanoon Hindi 07.04.1983
82. Thai Veedu Tamil 14.04.1983
83. Sivappu Sooriyan Tamil 27.05.1983
84. Jeet Hamaari Hindi 17.06.1983
85. Adutha Varisu Tamil 07.07.1983
86. Thanga Magan Tamil 04.11.1983
87. Meri Adaalat Hindi 13.01.1984
88. Naan Mahaan Alla Tamil 14.01.1984
89. Thambikku Entha Ooru Tamil 20.04.1984
90. Kai Kodukkum Kai Tamil 15.06.1984
91. Ethe Naasaval Telugu 15.06.1984
92. Anbulla Rajinikanth Tamil 02.08.1984
93. Gangvaa Hindi 14.09.1984
94. Nallavanuku Nallavan Tamil 22.10.1984
95. John Jani Janardhan Hindi 26.10.1984
96. Naan Sikappu Manithan Tamil 12.04.1985
97. Mahaguru Hindi 26.04.1985
98. Un Kannil Neer Vazhindal Tamil 20.06.1985
99. Wafadaar Hindi 01.09.1985
100 Sri Raghavendra Tamil 01.09.1985
101 Bewafai Hindi 20.09.1986
102 Padikkadavan Tamil 11.11.1985
103 Mr.Bharath Tamil 10.01.1986
104 Nann Adimai Illai Tamil 01.03.1986
105 Jeevana Poratam Telugu 10.04.1986
106 Viduthalai Tamil 11.04.1986
107 Bhagwan Dada Hindi 25.04.1986
108 Asli Naqli Hindi 17.10.1986
109 Dosti Dhushman Hindi 31.10.86
110 Maaveeran Tamil 01.11.1986
111 Velaikaran Tamil 07.03.1987
112 Insaff Kaun Karega Hindi 19.06.1987
113 Oorkavalan Tamil 04.09.1987
114 Paayum Puli Tamil 21.10.1987
115 Uttar Dakshan Hindi 13.11.1987
116 Tamacha Hindi 26.02.1988
117 Guru Sishyan Tamil 13.04.1988
118 Dharmathin Thalaivan Tamil 24.09.1988
119 BloodStone English 07.10.1988
120 Kodi Parakuthu Tamil 08.11.1988
121 Rajathi Raja Tamil 04.03.1989
122 Siva Tamil 05.05.1989
123 Raja Chinna Roja Tamil 20.07.1989
124 Mappillai Tamil 28.10.1989
125 Bhrashtachar Hindi 01.12.1989
126 Chaalbaaz Hindi 08.12.1989
127 Panakkaran Tamil 14.01.1990
128 Athisaya Piravi Tamil 15.06.1990
129 Dharmadorai Tamil 14.01.1991
130 Hum Hindi 01.02.1991
131 Farishtay Hindi 22.02.1991
132 Khoon Ka Karz Hindi 01.03.1991
133 Phool Bane Angaray Hindi 12.07.1991
134 Nattukku Oru Nallavan Tamil 02.10.1991
135 Dalapathi Tamil 05.11.1991
136 Mannan Tamil 14.01.1992
137 Tyagi Hindi 29.05.1992
138 Annamalai Tamil 27.06.1992
139 Pandiyan Tamil 25.10.1992
140 Insaniyat Ke Devta Hindi 12.02.1993
141 Yejaman Tamil 18.02.1993
142 Uzhaippali Tamil 24.06.1993
143 Valli Tamil 24.06.1993
144 Veera Tamil 14.04.1994
145 Baasha Tamil 12.01.1995
146 Peddarayudu Telugu 15.06.1995
147 Aatank Hi Aatank Hindi 04.08.1995
148 Muthu Tamil 23.10.1995
149 Bhagyadevta Bengali 23.12.1995
150 Arunachalam Tamil 10.04.1997
151 Padayappa Tamil 10.04.1999
152 Baba Tamil 15.08.2002
153 Chandramukhi Tamil 14.04.2005
154 Sivaji: The Boss Tamil 14.04.2007
