Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, in a modest Marathi family in Bangalore, Rajinikanth worked as a coolie, carpenter, and bus conductor before pursuing acting.
Encouraged by his friend Raj Bahadur, Rajinikanth honed his acting skills at the Madras Film Institute, where he was discovered by filmmaker K. Balachander, who renamed him Rajinikanth.
Rajinikanth made his acting debut in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal, marking the start of a legendary career spanning over four decades.
His role in Bairavi (1978) established him as a superstar, followed by blockbusters like Billa, Thalapathi, Annamalai, and Mullum Malarum that showcased his versatility.
Rajinikanth has acted in over 200 films across multiple languages, including hits like Sivaji: The Boss, Robot, Kabali, Jailer, and 2.0. His Bollywood repertoire includes ChaalBaaz and Hum.
With a net worth exceeding $53 million, Rajinikanth charges Rs. 50-60 crores per film and dedicates a significant portion of his earnings to charitable causes.
He owns a luxurious residence in Chennai, valued between Rs. 35-40 lakhs, alongside high-end properties and vehicles, including a Bentley Limousine worth Rs. 22 crore and a Lamborghini Urus valued at Rs. 3.1 crore.
Rajinikanth is married to Latha Rangachari, whom he met during an interview for her college magazine. They have two daughters, Aishwarya and Soundarya, both involved in creative fields.
Revered by fans worldwide, Rajinikanth’s fan base transcends borders, with temples dedicated to him. Known for his humility, he actively contributes to social causes and supports numerous charitable organizations.