Happy Birthday Rajinikanth: When Aamir Khan Said Thalaivar Is 'Irreplaceable', Amitabh Bachchan Called Him 'Family'

Superstar Rajinikanth celebrates his birthday on December 12. The actor, fondly and popularly called 'Thalaivar' by his fans, turns 73 this year.

Happy Birthday Rajinikanth.

New Delhi: Superstar Rajinikanth celebrates his birthday on December 12. The actor, fondly and popularly called 'Thalaivar' by his fans, turns 73 this year. Even though he may be getting older in real life, to his admirers, Rajini will always be the invincible Superstar. Rajinikanth has his own swag that no other actor has been able to match till date. Some 90s youngsters even grew up breaking their sunglasses as a childhood dream of wearing them like Rajini. We can understand why Bollywood celebrities aren't far behind in applauding the star! 

Aamir Khan Calls Rajinikanth 'Irreplaceable'

Many people might not be aware, but filmmaker Shankar asked Aamir Khan for playing the protagonist in Robo 2.0, the sequel to Rajinikanth's blockbuster drama 'Enthiran' known as 'Robot' in Hindi. The reason the actor declined the role was not the screenplay; rather, he felt that no one else could portray Vaseegaran and Chitti better than Rajinikanth himself.

During a 2017 interview with ETC Bollywood, Aamir said, "Rajini sir felt back then that he wasn’t healthy enough to shoot for the film and suggested that Shankar rope me in. But, when I closed my eyes I could only see Rajini sir in the role, he’s irreplaceable. I’ve read the script, the film will be a super hit. But I didn’t think anyone but him could do it. It was not a tough decision to turn it down because I am his fan.”

Amitabh Bachchan: Rajinikanth is like family

Amitabh Bachchan, who has worked with Rajinikanth in 'Andha Kanoon' and 'Hum', talked about his camarederie with the Thalaivar and how the megastar considers him as a part of his family. Speaking about Rajinikanth at IFFI 2019 in Goa, Amitabh said, "I think of Rajinikanth ji as a member of my family. We stay in touch and often talk. Sometimes he asks me for advice and vice versa.” Amitabh also joked that neither of them follow the advice given. “Sometimes I tell him not to do something but he goes ahead and does it. But thank you Rajini for being with me. You’re an incredible source of inspiration. Such a humble being, he came from such humble beginnings. He inspires us every day,” he added.

Hrithik Roshan calls him 'Graceful'

The 'Fighter' actor shared screen space with Rajinikanth as a child artist in the 1986 film 'Bhagwan Dada.' Talking to a news channel in 2017, Hrithik once said, “I used to say whatever I want to him as if he was my friend while shooting for Bhagwaan Dada. He was very gracious back then because he forgave a lot of things I did or said. I remember vividly how whenever I would make a mistake and the director (my grandfather) would cut the shot, Rajini sir would apologise so I don’t feel bad. I remember that now with so much love in my heart because he kept my confidence.” 

We wish Rajinikanth a very Happy Birthday!