Rajinikanth: Difference between revisions

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎Notable filmography: Sortability of filmography
No edit summary
Line 7: Line 7:
| birth_name = Shivaji Rao Gaikwad
| birth_name = Shivaji Rao Gaikwad
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1950|12|12|df=y}}<ref name="DOB"/>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1950|12|12|df=y}}<ref name="DOB"/>
| birth_place = {{nowrap|[[Bangalore]], [[Mysore State]], India}}
| birth_place = {{nowrap|[[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka State]], India}}
| residence = {{nowrap|[[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India}}
| residence = {{nowrap|[[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India}}
| occupation = [[Film actor]], [[Film producer|producer]], [[screenwriter]]
| occupation = [[Film actor]], [[Film producer|producer]], [[screenwriter]]
Line 16: Line 16:
| homepage =
| homepage =
}}
}}
'''Rajinikanth''' ({{lang-ta|ரஜினிகாந்த்}}; born 12 December 1950 as '''Shivaji Rao Gaikwad''') is an Indian [[film actor]], [[celebrity|media personality]], and [[cultural icon]]. He made his debut as an actor in the [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]]-winning motion picture ''[[Apoorva Raagangal]]'' (1975), directed by [[K. Balachander]], whom the actor considers his mentor. He is also the "Chuck Norris" of India.
'''Rajinikanth''' ({{lang-kn|ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್}})({{lang-ta|ரஜினிகாந்த்}}; born 12 December 1950 as '''Shivaji Rao Gaikwad''') is an Indian [[film actor]], [[celebrity|media personality]], and [[cultural icon]]. He made his debut as an actor in the [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]]-winning motion picture ''[[Apoorva Raagangal]]'' (1975), directed by [[K. Balachander]], whom the actor considers his mentor. He is also the "Chuck Norris" of India.


After a brief phase of portraying antagonistic characters in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] films, he gradually rose to become an established film actor. Within a few years of his career, he was claimed to be the [[superstar]] of [[Tamil cinema]] and has since continued to hold a [[matinee idol]] status in the [[popular culture]] of India.<ref name="mass_popularity" /> His mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue in films contribute to his mass popularity and appeal.<ref name="mass_popularity" /> While working in other regional film industries of India, he also appeared in the cinemas of other nations, including in [[Cinema of the United States|that of the United States]]. After being paid {{INR}}26 [[crore]] ([[US$]]5.9 million) for his role in ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'' (2007), he became the highest paid actor in Asia after [[Jackie Chan]].<ref name="businessofcinema"/><ref name="shivajireview"/> Other than acting, Rajinikanth also worked as a [[film producer|producer]] and [[screenwriter]]. Apart from his film career, he is also a [[philanthropist]], [[spiritualist]] and serves as an influence in [[Dravidian politics]].
After a brief phase of portraying antagonistic characters in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] films, he gradually rose to become an established film actor. Within a few years of his career, he was claimed to be the [[superstar]] of [[Tamil cinema]] and has since continued to hold a [[matinee idol]] status in the [[popular culture]] of India.<ref name="mass_popularity" /> His mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue in films contribute to his mass popularity and appeal.<ref name="mass_popularity" /> While working in other regional film industries of India, he also appeared in the cinemas of other nations, including in [[Cinema of the United States|that of the United States]]. After being paid {{INR}}26 [[crore]] ([[US$]]5.9 million) for his role in ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'' (2007), he became the highest paid actor in Asia after [[Jackie Chan]].<ref name="businessofcinema"/><ref name="shivajireview"/> Other than acting, Rajinikanth also worked as a [[film producer|producer]] and [[screenwriter]]. Apart from his film career, he is also a [[philanthropist]], [[spiritualist]] and serves as an influence in [[Dravidian politics]].
Line 23: Line 23:


==Early life==
==Early life==
Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad ({{lang-mr|शिवाजीराव गायकवाड}}) in a [[Marathi people|Maharashtrian]] family,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/oct/06/when-rajnikanth-met-his-god.htm |title=When Rajnikanth met his 'god': Rediff.com Movies |publisher=Movies.rediff.com |date= |accessdate=2010-10-06}}</ref> to mother Jijabai and father Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, on December 12, 1950 in the Indian city of [[Bangalore]] in [[Mysore State]], which was the name of present-day [[Karnataka]].<ref name="DOB">{{cite web|author=RUMA SINGH, TNN | Jul 6, 2007, 12.00am IST |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bangalore/Even_more_acclaim_will_come_his_way/articleshow/2178985.cms |title='Even more acclaim will come his way' - The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2007-07-06 |accessdate=2011-04-20}}</ref> He was the youngest of four siblings and has two brothers and a sister. After the death of his mother at his age of 5,<ref name="tamilomovie1">{{cite web|url=http://www.tamilomovie.com/exclusive/3017-60-things-about-superstar-rajnikanth |title=60 things about Superstar Rajnikanth |publisher=Tamilomovie.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-09}}</ref> he struggled with an impoverished lifestyle during his childhood. During that time, he often did odd jobs as a [[coolie]] in his community. He attended the Acharya Patasala for elementary education and had his secondary education at the Ramakrishna Mission in Bangalore.<ref name="Rajini history">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/history.htm |title=History |publisher=RajiniKanth.com |date=1949-12-12 |accessdate=2011-06-11}}</ref>
Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad ({{lang-mr|शिवाजीराव गायकवाड}}) in a [[Marathi people|Maharashtrian]] family,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/oct/06/when-rajnikanth-met-his-god.htm |title=When Rajnikanth met his 'god': Rediff.com Movies |publisher=Movies.rediff.com |date= |accessdate=2010-10-06}}</ref> to mother Jijabai and father Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, on December 12, 1950 in the Indian city of [[Bangalore]] in [[Mysore State]], which was the name of present-day [[Karnataka]].<ref name="DOB">{{cite web|author=RUMA SINGH, TNN | Jul 6, 2007, 12.00am IST |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bangalore/Even_more_acclaim_will_come_his_way/articleshow/2178985.cms |title='Even more acclaim will come his way' - The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2007-07-06 |accessdate=2011-04-20}}</ref> He was the youngest of four siblings and has two brothers and a sister. After the death of his mother at his age of 5,<ref name="tamilomovie1">{{cite web|url=http://www.tamilomovie.com/exclusive/3017-60-things-about-superstar-rajnikanth |title=60 things about Superstar Rajnikanth |publisher=Tamilomovie.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-09}}</ref> he struggled with an impoverished lifestyle during his childhood. During that time, he often did odd jobs as a [[coolie]] in his community. He attended the Acharya Patasala for elementary education in Kannada and had his secondary education at the Ramakrishna Mission in Bangalore.<ref name="Rajini history">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/history.htm |title=History |publisher=RajiniKanth.com |date=1949-12-12 |accessdate=2011-06-11}}</ref>


Between 1966 and 1973 he worked in many places in [[Chennai]] and [[Bangalore]]. He performed various jobs before joining the then [[Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation|Bangalore Transport Service]] (BTS) as a [[bus conductor]] in Bangalore.<ref name=Bmtc>{{cite web|last=M. D|first=Riti|title=You can see God in him at times|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/22friend.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=14 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Rajini jokes"/> He began to take part in stage plays after Kannada playwright and director Topi Muniappa offered him a chance to act in mythological moral plays, out of which the most notable role performed by him was that of the villainous ''[[Duryodhana]]''.<ref name="Rajini's debut"/> In 1973, his friend and co-worker Raj Bahadur motivated him to join the [[Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu|Madras Film Institute]] and also financially supported him for two years during his studies.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/16/stories/2007061612510100.htm |title=For two years from 1974, he gave the most part of his salary to Shivaji and ensured that he completed his course.|publisher=The Hindu |date=2007-06-16|accessdate=2010-11-04|location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/13ssraj.htm |title=Meet the bus driver Rajni worked with |publisher=Rediff.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-09}}</ref> His performance in a stage play eventually caught the eye of film director [[K. Balachander]].<ref name="Rajini's debut">{{cite web |url=http://business.in.com/article/recliner/why-rajinikanth-rocks/17592/1 |title=Why Rajinikanth Rocks |publisher=Forbes India |date= |accessdate=2011-04-09}}</ref> The director advised him to learn to speak [[Tamil language|Tamil]], a recommendation that Rajinikanth quickly followed and which proved to be extremely useful in his career.<ref>[http://business.in.com/article/person-of-the-year-10/rajinikanth-who-really-is-the-super-star/20452/2 Rajinikanth: Who Really Is the Super Star?], business.in.com By N.S. Ramnath, Nilofer D'Souza 22 Dec 2010.</ref>
Between 1966 and 1973 he worked in many places in [[Chennai]] and [[Bangalore]]. He performed various jobs before joining the then [[Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation|Bangalore Transport Service]] (BTS) as a [[bus conductor]] in Bangalore.<ref name=Bmtc>{{cite web|last=M. D|first=Riti|title=You can see God in him at times|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/22friend.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=14 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Rajini jokes"/> He began to take part in stage plays after Kannada playwright and director Topi Muniappa offered him a chance to act in mythological moral plays, out of which the most notable role performed by him was that of the villainous ''[[Duryodhana]]''.<ref name="Rajini's debut"/> In 1973, his friend and co-worker Raj Bahadur motivated him to join the [[Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu|Madras Film Institute]] and also financially supported him for two years during his studies.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/16/stories/2007061612510100.htm |title=For two years from 1974, he gave the most part of his salary to Shivaji and ensured that he completed his course.|publisher=The Hindu |date=2007-06-16|accessdate=2010-11-04|location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/13ssraj.htm |title=Meet the bus driver Rajni worked with |publisher=Rediff.com |date= |accessdate=2010-09-09}}</ref> His performance in a stage play eventually caught the eye of film director [[K. Balachander]].<ref name="Rajini's debut">{{cite web |url=http://business.in.com/article/recliner/why-rajinikanth-rocks/17592/1 |title=Why Rajinikanth Rocks |publisher=Forbes India |date= |accessdate=2011-04-09}}</ref> The director advised him to learn to speak [[Tamil language|Tamil]], a recommendation that Rajinikanth quickly followed and which proved to be extremely useful in his career.<ref>[http://business.in.com/article/person-of-the-year-10/rajinikanth-who-really-is-the-super-star/20452/2 Rajinikanth: Who Really Is the Super Star?], business.in.com By N.S. Ramnath, Nilofer D'Souza 22 Dec 2010.</ref>

Revision as of 16:05, 8 July 2011

"Rajini" redirects here. For other uses, see Rajini (disambiguation).
Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth during the audio launch of Enthiran in Mumbai in 2010.
Born
Shivaji Rao Gaikwad

(1950-12-12) 12 December 1950 (age 73)[1]
Bangalore, Karnataka State, India
Occupation(s)Film actor, producer, screenwriter
Years active1975–present
Spouse(s)Latha Rangachari
(1981–present)
ChildrenAishwarya Rajinikanth
Soundarya Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth (Kannada: ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್)(Tamil: ரஜினிகாந்த்; born 12 December 1950 as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad) is an Indian film actor, media personality, and cultural icon. He made his debut as an actor in the National Film Award-winning motion picture Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by K. Balachander, whom the actor considers his mentor. He is also the "Chuck Norris" of India.

After a brief phase of portraying antagonistic characters in Tamil films, he gradually rose to become an established film actor. Within a few years of his career, he was claimed to be the superstar of Tamil cinema and has since continued to hold a matinee idol status in the popular culture of India.[2] His mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue in films contribute to his mass popularity and appeal.[2] While working in other regional film industries of India, he also appeared in the cinemas of other nations, including in that of the United States. After being paid ₹26 crore (US$5.9 million) for his role in Sivaji (2007), he became the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan.[3][4] Other than acting, Rajinikanth also worked as a producer and screenwriter. Apart from his film career, he is also a philanthropist, spiritualist and serves as an influence in Dravidian politics.

He was bestowed the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, in the year 2000 for his contribution to Indian cinema.[2] He was named one of the most influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek.[2][5] He was also named by Forbes India as the most influential Indian of the year 2010.[6]

Early life

Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad (Marathi: शिवाजीराव गायकवाड) in a Maharashtrian family,[7] to mother Jijabai and father Ramoji Rao Gaekwad, on December 12, 1950 in the Indian city of Bangalore in Mysore State, which was the name of present-day Karnataka.[1] He was the youngest of four siblings and has two brothers and a sister. After the death of his mother at his age of 5,[8] he struggled with an impoverished lifestyle during his childhood. During that time, he often did odd jobs as a coolie in his community. He attended the Acharya Patasala for elementary education in Kannada and had his secondary education at the Ramakrishna Mission in Bangalore.[9]

Between 1966 and 1973 he worked in many places in Chennai and Bangalore. He performed various jobs before joining the then Bangalore Transport Service (BTS) as a bus conductor in Bangalore.[10][11] He began to take part in stage plays after Kannada playwright and director Topi Muniappa offered him a chance to act in mythological moral plays, out of which the most notable role performed by him was that of the villainous Duryodhana.[12] In 1973, his friend and co-worker Raj Bahadur motivated him to join the Madras Film Institute and also financially supported him for two years during his studies.[13][14] His performance in a stage play eventually caught the eye of film director K. Balachander.[12] The director advised him to learn to speak Tamil, a recommendation that Rajinikanth quickly followed and which proved to be extremely useful in his career.[15]

Career

Early work: 1975-1977

In 1975, Rajinikanth began his career in Tamil cinema through Apoorva Raagangal.[16] Starring Kamal Haasan, the film was directed by K. Balachander,[16] who gave Rajinikanth a relatively small role as an abusive husband of Srividya.[17] The film went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil at the following year's ceremony.[18] His second film, a Kannada film, Katha Sangama, was directed by Puttanna Kanagal and released in 1976. His next film Anthuleni Katha, a Telugu film directed by K. Balachander which was a remake of his own Tamil film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974), had Rajinikanth playing a more pivotal role. In the following years, he continued to perform a variety of negative roles: a sadistic husband of Sujatha in Avargal,[19] a womaniser in Moondru Mudichu,[20] and a lust-filled village rowdy in P. Bharathiraja's 16 Vayadhinile.[21][22] In 1977, he accepted his first-ever lead role in the Telugu film Chilakamma Cheppindi. Though Rajinikanth always refers to K. Balachander as his mentor,[23] it was S. P. Muthuraman who revamped his image.[24] Muthuraman first experimented with him in a positive role in Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri (1977), as a failed lover in the first half of the film and a protagonist in the second half.[24] The duo went on to work in 25 films till the 1990s.[24]

Breakthrough: 1978-1990

The 1978 film Bairavi was the first Tamil film to cast him as a main hero. Later, Mullum Malarum won him critical acclaim.[25] 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). Following this, he made his Malayalam film-debut through Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum. In the same year, he acted in Dharma Yuddam, in which he played a mentally ill person taking revenge for his parents' death. He also shared the screen with N. T. Rama Rao in his 50th film Tiger. Some of the popular films that also released during this period are the youthful entertainer Ninaithale Inikkum, Priya, and the Telugu film Amma Evarikkaina Amma.[26]

By the end of 1970s, he became a popular actor in the South Indian cinema.[27] During this phase of his career, Rajinikanth abruptly chose to quit acting, but was coaxed back.[28] He made a comeback with the Tamil film Billa, which was a remake of the Bollywood film Don (1978). It had Rajinikanth playing dual roles and eventually became his first ever commercial success.[29] His pairing with Sridevi continued in Johnny where he was once again cast in a double role. In 1981, he appeared in Garjanai which was shot simultaneuosly in Kannada and Malayalam, making it his last film in those two languages till date. He also starred in Murattu Kaalai. In K. Balachander’s first home production, Netrikan, he performed dual roles as a womanising father and a responsible son.[24] He acted in Thillu Mullu directed by K. Balachander, which was Rajinikanth's first full-length comedy. He agreed to it solely due to the strong suggestion by his mentor that he should do non-commercial roles, to break the stereotyped action-hero mould by which he was getting famous at the time.[30] In 1982, he starred in Pokkiri Raja and Thanikattu Raja. Moondru Mugam had Rajinikanth playing three roles for the first time.

In 1983, he starred in his first Bollywood film, Andha Kanoon, alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. The film went on to become one of the highest grossing films of that time.[31] His 1984 film, Naan Mahaan Alla, was directed by Muthuraman and produced by K. Balachander. He acted in his first cameo role in the film Anbulla Rajinikanth.[32] He played a triple role in John Jani Janardhan. His performance in Nallavanuku Nallavan earned him a Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award.[33] In his 100th movie, Sri Raghavendra (1985), he played the Hindu saint Raghavendra Swami.[34]

Rajinikanth films that include Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985), Padikkathavan (1985), Mr. Bharath (1986), Velaikaran (1987), and Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988). In 1988, he made his only English film appearance in Bloodstone, directed by Dwight Little.[35] Rajinikanth finished the decade with films including Rajadhi Raja, Siva, Mappillai and Athisaya Piravi, while also starring in a few Bollywood productions. His film Raja Chinna Roja was the first Indian film to use animated characters with actors.[36]

Commercial stardom: 1991-2001

During this decade, Rajinikanth established himself as a commercial entertainer. Almost all the films released during this period were highly successful at the box office. His stint with Bollywood continued since the past decade as he went on to star in more Hindi films. Hum released in 1991 saw him doing the second main lead with Amitabh Bachchan became an inspiration for Badsha.[37][38] In 1991, he worked with Mani Ratnam in Thalapathi, which was heavily inspired from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata.[39][40] Also starring Mammooty, the film dealt with the friendship between two characters based on Karna and Duryodhana, respectively,[39] and was set in a more contemporary milieu and was both critically acclaimed and successful upon release.[34] He went on to appear in remakes of films from other languages, mostly from Hindi and Telugu. Annamalai, which released in 1992, was yet another friendship eccentric film and was loosely based on the 1987 Bollywood film Khudgarz. Mannan, directed by P. Vasu, also became a box-office success. Rajinikanth wrote his first screenplay for the film Valli (1993), in which he also made a special appearance. His romantic-comedy Veera (1994) was controversial for its climax but went on to become one of the highest grossing films in 1994.[41] He joined hands with Suresh Krishna for Badsha (1995), which emerged as an industry record[42] and is routinely touted by fans and critics alike as a major-hit, as the film elevated him from being just another very popular actor to nearly a demigod status among the masses.[43] He made a cameo in Peddarayudu for his friend Mohan Babu and also helped him in obtaining the remake rights. The same year, he acted in yet another gangster film, Aatank Hi Aatank with Aamir Khan which was also his last Hindi film in a major role till date.[37] His film Muthu was another commercial success, directed by K. S. Ravikumar and produced by K. Balachander, and became the first Tamil film to be dubbed into Japanese, as Mutu: Odoru Maharaja.[44][45] The film grossed a record $1.6 million in Japan in 1998 and was responsible for creating a large Japanese fan-base for Rajinikanth, which was unique among international film stars outside of the United States.[46] Muthu's success in Japan led American news magazine Newsweek to comment in a 1999 article that Rajinikanth had "supplanted Leonardo DiCaprio as Japan's trendiest heartthrob".[47] He also entered Bengali cinema through Bhagya Debata, which released at the end of 1995.

He performed dual roles in Arunachalam which was released in 1997. He shared his income from the film with eight other people from the film industry as profit shares.[48] It was also during this time that he started taking active participation in politics as his films began to take on a whole new dimension in terms of expectations, hype and revenue. His political clout also steadily rose with the cinematic tide, a trend which actually began with the release of Annamalai in 1992 and arguably climaxed during the time of Padayappa's release in 1999. Being his 150th film, Padayappa, directed by Ravikumar, turned out to be the largest blockbuster in his career at that time.[49] The following two years, he was less active and only committed to making a guest appearance in the Bollywood film Bulandi (2000).[37][50]

Sabbatical after Baba: 2002

After a brief gap, Rajinikanth starred in Baba in 2002, for which he had also written the screenplay.[51] Released with much fanfare and hype at the time, the film featured a story revolving around the reforming of a gangster, who is revealed to be the reincarnation of the Hindu saint Mahavatar Babaji, and fights against political corruption. It fell short of market expectations and the high bids reportedly translated to heavy losses for the distributors. Rajinikanth himself repaid the losses incurred by the distributors.[52][53] The film was received with comments such as "the bloom was off the rose" and that "the gold does not glitter anymore".[54] Pattali Makkal Katchi leader S. Ramadoss condemned him for smoking and posing with beedis in the film. He was criticised for spoiling Tamil youth by glorifying smoking and drinking. PMK volunteers attacked theatres which screened the movie Baba and usurped film rolls and burnt it.[55]

Amidst controversies and negative criticism, Rajinikanth kept himself away from acting. Despite this, a few novice directors approached him with scripts, all of which he rejected.[56]

Resurgence and acclaim: 2005-present

Rajinikanth signed up for P. Vasu's Chandramukhi, a horror-comedy film featuring an ensemble cast. The film eventually broke the record of being the longest running Tamil film as of 2007.[57] It was also dubbed in Turkish and German as Der Geisterjäger and released in those respective nations.[58]

Following Chandramukhi's release, it was reported that AVM Productions were set to produce a film directed by S. Shankar starring Rajinikanth—the largest collaboration yet for a Tamil film. The film was Sivaji and released in the summer of 2007, following two years of filming and production. It became the first Tamil film to be charted as one of the top-ten best films of United Kingdom and South Africa box-offices upon release.[59][60] Rajinikanth received a salary of ₹26 crores, approximately US $5.3 million at the time, for his role in the film, which made him become the second highest paid actor in all of Asia.[3][4][61] He worked with P. Vasu again for Kuselan, a remake of the Malayalam film Kadha Parayumbol, in which Rajinikanth played an extended cameo role as himself, a star in the Indian film industry, and as a best friend to the main character. According to Rajinikanth, the film somewhat narrated his early life.[62][63] It, however, performed poorly at box offices and led to many distributors incurring major losses.[64] Rajinikanth also stated that he would work with Pyramid Saimira again in order to compensate for Kuselan.[65]

Rajinikanth worked again with S. Shankar for the science fiction film, Enthiran.[66] The film was released worldwide in 2010 as the most expensive Indian film ever made, ultimately becoming the highest-grossing film in India of its time.[67][68][69][70] Rajinikanth was paid a remuneration of ₹45 crores for the film.[71][72] As of 2011, Rajinikanth is slated for appearance in Rana, a period film to be produced by his daughter and directed by Ravikumar, who will work with Rajinikanth for the third time.[73][74] During the production of Sivaji, Soundarya Rajinikanth announced her intention of producing Hara, an animation film starring an animated version of her father. As of 2011, the film is still under production.[75][76]

Popularity

Rajinikanth has been called the most popular South Indian film actor of his time.[77][78][27] Rajinikanth's popularity has been attributed to "his uniquely styled dialogues and idiosyncrasies in films, as well as his political statements and philanthropy".[79] Many also cite reasons for Rajinikanth's popularity as coming from his larger-than-life super-hero appearance in many films, supported by gravity-defying stunts and charismatic expressions, all while attempting to maintain modesty in real-life.[80] Almost every film of Rajinikanth has punchlines delivered by him in an imitable style, and these punchlines often have a message or even to warn the film's antagonists. These dialogues are usually fabricated to create new ones or even taken in a comical way, but do not fail to create a sense of entertainment among viewers.[81][82] It is suggested by the media that some popular actors who worked with Rajinikanth earlier in their careers, such as Gouthami Tadimalla and Nayanthara, were recognized because of their association with Rajinikanth, giving other aspiring actors the urge to work with him.[83] Some fellow actors, such as Cho Ramaswamy, have commentated that Rajinikanth has the potential to be successful in Indian politics due to his popularity and fan base alone.[84]

During a visit to Japan in 2006, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh acknowledged the success of Muthu in the country during a speech, justifying the positive relationship between the two nations.[85][86] Chandramukhi is notable for being the longest-running Tamil film in India, playing for a total of over 800 days. Sivaji was instrumental in making one of the largest releases for an Indian film in the world; the film entered the list of top ten films of the United Kingdom upon release. Chandramukhi and Sivaji were also released in South Africa, where they eventually became high box-office grossers.[87] In December 2010, it was reported that students of the post-graduate management program at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad would use Enthiran as a case study to analyse the business of cinema and its success story, as part of an elective course called Contemporary Film Industry: A Business Perspective. The course would also study Muthu.[88] "Rajinikanth facts" or "Rajinikanth jokes" are satirical factoids about Rajinikanth. They are widely circulated in text messages and over the internet.[11] Many Rajinikanth jokes are said to be inspired by Chuck Norris facts. Rajinikanth jokes usually surface before the expected release of one of his movies.[89] These satirical jokes have also inspired an iPad application.[90][91][92] A clip from his 1990 Tamil film Athisaya Piravi, featuring himself and fellow actor Thavakalai, became a hugely popular viral video titled "Little Superstar" on YouTube in 2006.[93]

A survey conducted in 2008 by Loyola College in Chennai suggested that Rajinikanth's popularity was decreasing in Tamil Nadu. The survey saw actors M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan, as well as Vijay, topping the list with Rajinikanth closely following them, though he was still ahead of other actor-turned-politicians, such as Vijayakanth. However, Rajinikanth's low ranking in the survey was linked to Kuselan, which released at the time of the survey with an unsuccessful outcome at box offices.[94]

Personal life

Family

File:Rajini-Latha.jpg
Rajinikanth along with his wife Latha

He married Latha Rangachari, an Iyengar, on February 26, 1981, at the age of 31 in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.[95] They have two daughters named Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth. His wife, Latha Rajinikanth, currently runs a school named The Ashram. His elder daughter, Aishwarya, married actor Dhanush on November 18, 2004 and they have two sons named Yathra and Linga.[96] His younger daughter, Soundarya, works in the film industry as a director, producer and graphic designer. She married industrialist Ashwin Ramkumar on September 3, 2010.[97]

Religious views

Rajinikanth is a follower of Hinduism, spiritualism, and a strong believer of spirituality.[98] As a reader, he also enjoys books on such topics.[99] He is also a practitoner of yoga and meditation.[8] Rajinikanth is known for visiting temples prior to the release of each of his films; for instance he visited the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple before the release of Sivaji in 2007 and visited Sathya Sai Baba at Prasanthi Nilayam in Andhra Pradesh before the release of Kuselan the following year.[100][101] He also occasionally leaves for pilgrimage to the Himalayas.[8] He has often referred to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,[102] Swami Satchidananda, Ragavendra Swami,[103] Mahavatar Babaji,[104] and Ramana Maharishi[102] as his favourite spiritual leaders.

Influence in politics

In 1995, Rajinikanth began supporting the Indian National Congress after meeting Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. An opinion poll conducted by the magazine Kumudam predicted that Congress with Rajinikanth's support might win up to 130 seats in Tamil Nadu Assembly. In 1996, when the Congress Party decided to align with All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Rajinikanth supported Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) alliance. The TMC used a bicycle as their election symbol and used an image of Rajinikanth riding a bicycle from the film Annamalai in their posters. Rajinikanth said, "Even God cannot save Tamil Nadu if AIADMK returns to power." Rajinikanth wholeheartedly supported the DMK and TMC alliance and asked the people of Tamil Nadu and his fans to vote for that alliance. This alliance had a complete victory in 1996. In 1996, Rajinikanth supported the DMK-TMC alliance in parliamentary elections.[105]

In 2002, Rajinikanth undertook a daylong fast to protest the Government of Karnataka's decision to not release Kaveri River water into Tamil Nadu[106] and announced that he would contribute ₹10 million toward a plan to interlink the Indian rivers. He met with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and many experts to canvass support for the project.[107] However, most other members of the Tamil film industry, including members of the South Indian Film Artistes' Association (SIFAA), organized their own solidarity protest. Film director Bharathi Raja stated that Rajinikanth was on the verge of dividing the film industry and called him "traitor who had a tacit understanding with the Karnataka government".[108]

During the 2008 hunger strike organized by SIFAA during the Hogenakkal water dispute, he reprimanded politicians in Karnataka. Further, he appealed to leaders not to inflame the water project issue for political gains and requested that the issue should be resolved soon. He urged the Karnataka politicians "to speak the truth". "They cannot be fooled and will not remain silent if you continue to act in such manner," he stated.[109] Vatal Nagaraj, a Kannada activist and leader of the Kannada Chaluvali Paksha, demanded an apology from Rajinikanth and threatened that he would not be allowed in the state of Karnataka and all his films would be boycotted for Rajinikanth's speech against Kannada politicians.[110] Following the release of Kuselan in Karnataka, Rajinikanth publicly thanked the Kannada film industry for allowing the release of the film and lifting the ban, which was imposed following his speech at the hunger strike. Actors Sathyaraj, Radha Ravi, and R. Sarathkumar condemned the apology as a "disgrace to Tamils".[111]

Local fan associations of Rajinikanth in Tamil Nadu continuously speculated his entry in politics. In this regard, a few fans in Coimbatore began a political party in 2008 for Rajinikanth, in an attempt to pressure his entry. The party was named the Desiya Dravadar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (DDMMK), introducing its own flag and symbol for the party.[112] After learning about this, Rajinikanth wrote an open letter to the media and declared that he had no connection with these events and warned fans not to indulge in such activities and that he would take legal action if they failed to adhere. He also mentioned that he was not interested in politics and thus, was only committed to working in films. He added that nobody can force him to enter politics, just as no one can stop him from entering it.[113]

In 2008, Rajinikanth also took part in the SIFAA-organized one-day hunger strike with other Tamil film personalities, demanding the government of Sri Lanka to stop the civil war and to provide Sri Lankan Tamils their rights and traditional land in the island nation.[114] The hunger strike was responsible for sparking a series of protests in different parts of the world for the same cause. In 2010, Rajinikanth supported actor Ajith Kumar, who spoke against the forceful inclusion of Tamil cinema personae in political affairs, which broke into a controversy.[115]

Health

Rajinikanth attended the principal photography of Rana on 29 April 2011 where he suffered a mild foodborne illness that caused emesis, resulting in subsequent dehydration and exhaustion.[116] He was treated at St. Isabel's Hospital for a day before being discharged.[117] On 4 May 2011, five days after his last hospital visit, he was rushed to the same hospital again after complaining of breathlessness and fever.[118] He was diagnosed with bronchitis and was kept at the hospital for a week, while spending a few days under an intensive care unit.[119] Two days after his last discharge, Rajinikanth was admitted to the Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre on 16 May 2011 for recurring respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.[120] The hospital, however, continued to maintain that Rajinikanth was in a stable condition and showed positive response to treatment.[121] On 19 May 2011, he was shifted to the intensive care unit after showing initial signs of renal failure and was undergoing temporary dialysis.[122] On 27 May 2011, Rajinikanth travelled from Chennai to Singapore with his family, where he was to undergo further treatment for nephropathy at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital.[123] After spending over two weeks at the hospital, he was finally discharged on 15 June 2011 and continued to stay in Singapore for vacation, before returning to Chennai.[124]

Rajinikanth's brother, Sathyanarayana Rao Gaikwad, reported that the cause of the sudden illness was due to stress from rapid weight-loss and changes in diet, as well as withdrawal of alcohol consumption and smoking cessation.[125] Each report of Rajinikanth's hospitalization was followed by a mass unrest among fans and a spike in social media activity. Members of the media and fans began to crowd outside St. Isabel's Hospital in Chennai's Mylapore neighbourhood while Rajinikanth was there. Several conflicting reports of discharge dates had arised, as well as claims of Rajinikanth's health deteriorating,[121] which were continuously denied by Latha Rajinikanth and Dhanush, who also denied reports of Rajinikanth requiring a kidney transplantation.[126] At the time of his second hospital admission, CNN-IBN reported that "Rajinikanth dead" was one of the top trends on Twitter and most searched term on Google in India.[127] On 21 May 2011, Aishwarya Rajinikanth released a photo of her and Rajinikanth, both posing with a thumbs signal in his hospital ward, responding to fans' negative reaction to news reports.[128] The hospital restricted unauthorized visitors and Latha requested media and the public to not crowd outside the hospital in order to allow Rajinikanth to rest.[129][130] Despite this, a number of film personalities and politicians had gone to visit him, including Narendra Modi,[131] Chandrababu Naidu,[132] M. Karunanidhi,[133] Kamal Haasan,[134] Vijayakanth,[135] R. Sarathkumar,[136] and Vadivelu.[137] During a telephone inquiry about Rajinikanth's health, it was Amitabh Bachchan who recommended Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital to Latha.[138] Before leaving to Singapore, Rajinikanth released a 4-minute digitally recorded voice message to the media, in which he addressed fans and wellwishers.[139]

Awards and honours

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth received his first Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actor in 1984 for Nallavanuku Nallavan.[33] He later received Filmfare Award nominations for his performances in Muthu (1995), Sivaji (2007) and Enthiran (2010). Rajinikanth also received Tamil Nadu State Film Awards in the Best Actor category for his roles in Muthu (1995), Padayappa (1999), Chandramukhi (2005), and Sivaji (2007). He also received numerous awards from Cinema Express and Filmfans' Association for his on-screen performances and off-screen contributions in writing and producing

Rajinikanth received the Kalaimamani award in 1984 and the M. G. R. Award in 1989, both from the Government of Tamil Nadu. In 1995, the South Indian Film Artistes' Association presented him with the Kalaichelvam Award. He was named and honored with the Padma Bhushan award, India's third highest civilian honour, in 2000 from the Government of India.[140] He was selected as the Indian Entertainer of the Year for 2007 by NDTV, competing against the likes of Shahrukh Khan.[141][142] The Government of Maharashtra honoured him with the Raj Kapoor Award the same year. He received the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema at the 2010 ceremony of the Vijay Awards.[143]

Rajinikanth was awarded the Entertainer of the Decade Award by NDTV in 2011 by Indian Home Minister of Affairs P. Chidambaram.[144]

Notable filmography

Further information: Rajinikanth filmography
Year Film Role Language Notes
1975 Apoorva Raagangal Pandiyan Tamil
1976 Anthuleni Katha Murthy Telugu
1976 Moondru Mudichu Prasath Tamil
1977 16 Vayathinile Parattai Tamil
1978 Mullum Malarum Kaali Tamil Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize
1979 Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai Santhanam Tamil
1980 Billa
  • Billa,
  • Raja
 Tamil
1980 Murattu Kaalai Kaalaiyan Tamil
1981 Thillu Mullu
  • Indran
  • (Chandran)
 Tamil
1982 Moondru Mugam
  • Alex Pandian,
  • Arun,
  • John
 Tamil Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize
1984 Nallavanuku Nallavan Manickam Tamil Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Tamil
1985 Sri Raghavendra Raghavendra Swami Tamil
1991 Thalapathi Surya Tamil
1992 Annamalai Annamalai Tamil
1995 Badsha
  • Manickam
  • (Manick Badsha)
 Tamil
1995 Muthu
  • Muthu,
  • Ejamaan
 Tamil
1999 Padayappa Aarupadayappan Tamil Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
2005 Chandramukhi
  • Dr. Saravanan,
  • King Vettaiyan
 Tamil Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
2007 Sivaji Sivaji Arumugam Tamil
2010 Enthiran
  • Dr. Vaseegaran,
  • Chitti Babu
 Tamil

See also

References

  1. ^ a b RUMA SINGH, TNN (2007-07-06). "'Even more acclaim will come his way' - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2011-04-20. {{cite web}}: Text "Jul 6, 2007, 12.00am IST" ignored (help)
  2. ^ a b c d Asian Tribune. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  3. ^ a b "Sivaji: The Boss set to release on Friday". Business of Cinema. 14 June 2007. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  4. ^ a b Reviews - Shivaji "The Boss" Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  5. ^ THE INDEPENDENT Retrieved Sunday, 3 October 2010
  6. ^ "Now, a film on Rajinikanth's life - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2011-05-04.
  7. ^ "When Rajnikanth met his 'god': Rediff.com Movies". Movies.rediff.com. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  8. ^ a b c "60 things about Superstar Rajnikanth". Tamilomovie.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  9. ^ "History". RajiniKanth.com. 1949-12-12. Retrieved 2011-06-11.
  10. ^ M. D, Riti. "You can see God in him at times". Rediff.com. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
  11. ^ a b "Rajinikanth: Who Really Is the Super Star?". Forbes India. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  12. ^ a b "Why Rajinikanth Rocks". Forbes India. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  13. ^ "For two years from 1974, he gave the most part of his salary to Shivaji and ensured that he completed his course". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2007-06-16. Retrieved 2010-11-04.
  14. ^ "Meet the bus driver Rajni worked with". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  15. ^ Rajinikanth: Who Really Is the Super Star?, business.in.com By N.S. Ramnath, Nilofer D'Souza 22 Dec 2010.
  16. ^ a b "Super Star Rajnikanth turns 61: Fans celebrates enthusiastically". Asian Tribune. 13 December 2010. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  17. ^ "Fans celebrate Rajinikanth's 61st birthday". Indianexpress.com. 2010-12-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  18. ^ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Iffi.nic.in. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  19. ^ "Cinema Plus / Tribute : We will miss you, Sujatha". The Hindu. 2011-04-10. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  20. ^ Special Correspondent (2010-11-17). "News / National : Professor Viswanathan passes away". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  21. ^ "Friday Review Bangalore : Immortality ode". The Hindu. 2010-12-31. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  22. ^ "Cinema Plus / Film Review : Unabashed entertainer - Enthiran". The Hindu. 2010-10-03. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  23. ^ "Stars who hailed from KB's School". behindwoods.com. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
  24. ^ a b c d "Rajini acts in front of the camera, never behind it". rediff.com. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
  25. ^ "Critical acclaim for Mulum Malarum". theindiadaily.com. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  26. ^ "Popular actor in south India". iloveindia.com. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  27. ^ a b "The Rajini mystique". The Hindu. 2 July 2011. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  28. ^ Girija Jinnaa (2007-06-15). "'Yesterday I was a conductor, today I'm a star'". Expressindia.com. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  29. ^ "Billa promoted Rajini as superstar". kollycircle.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  30. ^ "Rajini's full length comedy entertainer". rajinikanth.com. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  31. ^ "Andhaa Kanoon boxoffice figures". ibosnetwork,com. Retrieved 18 April 2011. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  32. ^ "Commercial hero". indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2011-02-21.
  33. ^ a b Collections. Update Video Publication. 1991.
  34. ^ a b "Magazine : He's back". The Hindu. 2010-10-24. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  35. ^ "Ashok Amrithraj, Rajinikanth and Hollywood films". Behindwoods.com. March 13, 2008. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  36. ^ "Finger on people's pulse". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-04-28.
  37. ^ a b c "Rajnikanth to make his re-entry into bollywood". Hinducinema.com. 2011-01-21. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  38. ^ "It's India-Japan Friendship Year" (in Tamil). Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2006-12-15. Retrieved 2007-04-20.
  39. ^ a b "Looking at Mani Ratnam's landmark movies - Rediff.com Movies". Movies.rediff.com. 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  40. ^ "Tamil superstar Rajnikant turns 60, fans celebrate". Indianexpress.com. 2009-12-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  41. ^ "Inspiration for remakes". deccanherald.com. 2011-04-04.
  42. ^ "Rajni's 'Badsha' to speak in Hindi". Filmydum.com. Retrieved 2011-04-28.
  43. ^ "Baasha, a blockbuster film". cinedust.com. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  44. ^ "Mutu: Odoru Maharaja" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  45. ^ "Muthu was the first Tamil film to be dubbed into Japanese". itimes.com. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
  46. ^ "Brand Rajinikanth is hot in Japan - India - DNA". Dnaindia.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  47. ^ "Dancing Maharajas". Newsweek. May 10, 1999.
  48. ^ "Rajini's commecial success in the nineties". bollywoodsargam.com. 2011-04-04.
  49. ^ Gautaman Bhaskaran (January 6, 2002). "Rajnikanth casts spell on Japanese viewers". The Hindu. Retrieved 2007-05-10.
  50. ^ January 6, 2011 (2011-01-06). "Director Rohit Shetty eyes Rajinikanth". Southdreamz.com. Retrieved 2011-04-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  51. ^ "Rajini turns screenwriter". jointscene.com. Retrieved 2011-03-05.
  52. ^ N Sathiya Moorthy (May 3, 2003). "Film producer GV commits suicide". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  53. ^ Sudhish Kamath (May 12, 2004). "Superstar wannabes". Chennai, India: The Hindu: Metro Plus. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  54. ^ "Will Sivaji be Rajini's biggest hit?- History". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
  55. ^ "Rajini keeps everyone guessing". 2004-03-23. Archived from the original on 2007-03-09. Retrieved 2007-04-05.
  56. ^ "Baba suffers heavy loss". cinesouth.com. Retrieved 17 April 2011. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  57. ^ "The Final Verdict - History". Movie Buzz. Retrieved 2005-05-08.
  58. ^ "Rajni's 'Chandramukhi' in Turkish and German". Oneindia. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  59. ^ "United Kingdom Box Office June 15–17, 2007". BoxOfficeMojo.com. Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  60. ^ "South Africa Box Office August 3–5, 2007". BoxOfficeMojo.com. Retrieved 2007-06-08.
  61. ^ [1] "comeback after a 3 year sabbatical". Retrieved 05 March 2011.
  62. ^ "It is almost my story - Rajinikanth on 'Kathanayakudu'". indiaglitz.com. 31 July 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  63. ^ P, Krishnakumar (1 August 2008). "Pasupathy, the real star of Kuselan". Rediff.com. Rediff. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  64. ^ "'Kuselan' – A boon or bane to Tamil cinema - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  65. ^ "Rajinikanth budges, Exhibitor's still adamant - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  66. ^ "Chulbul Pandey Now Lives in Chennai". Indianexpress.com. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  67. ^ "Highest grossing Indian film". economictimes.com. Retrieved 2011-03-05.
  68. ^ "Rajini's Endhiran: A sell out in Chennai". NDTV Movies. Retrieved 26 September 2010.
  69. ^ "Ground Zero". intoday.in. Retrieved 2011-03-05. Superstar Rajinikanth becomes the official king of Indian cinema as Endhiran tops 250 crore in box office collection.
    • "Robot or Endhiran box office collection tops Rs 250 crore, highest in India". New Delhi Chronicle. 21 October 2010. Robot or Endhiran box office collection tops Rs 250 crore, highest in India. Rajnikanth's Robot is garnering immense success in foreign countries including UK, US and South Africa. It is the biggest hit which has grossed a total of Rs 250 crore rupees at box office collection.
    • "Rajinikanth's Robo crosses the 200 crore mark". News of AP. 16 October 2010. Rajinikanth's Robo crosses 200 crore mark! If the Bollywood trade analysts, N.P. Yadav and Amod Mehra, are to be believed then Endhiran or Robo collected around 215 crores within two weeks of release!
  70. ^ "Boxofficeindia.com". Boxofficeindia.com. 2010-11-01. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  71. ^ "Avatar technology powers Rajnikant in Enthiran", Indian Express, 28 August 2010, 16:33 hrs
  72. ^ "Rajinikanth's 'Endhiran' rewrote 2010 fortunes for Tamil cinema". Indianexpress.com. 2010-12-28. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  73. ^ "Rajini's next venture". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  74. ^ "Rajini's next venture". behindwoods.com. Retrieved 2011-03-05.
  75. ^ "Sultan The Warrior". behindwoods.com. 2010-10-22. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  76. ^ "Sultan becomes "Hara"". behindwoods.com. 2010-10-25. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  77. ^ "Rajni set for quiet birthday". The Hindu. 11 December 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
  78. ^ "Rajinikanth's health condition improving, says wife". Sify.com. 14 May 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
  79. ^ "Who rules South Cinema – Rajinikanth or Kamal Haasan?". Breakingnewsonline.net. 2010-09-28. Retrieved 2011-04-20.
  80. ^ Hendrix, Grady (2010-09-27). "SUPERSTAR Rajinikanth!: The biggest movie star you've probably never heard of. - By Grady Hendrix - Slate Magazine". Slate.com. Retrieved 2011-04-20.
  81. ^ "Rajini's Punch dialogues". thesouthreports.com. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  82. ^ "It doesn't get bigger than Rajinikanth". Times of India. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  83. ^ Post To: (2009-07-17). "Namitha And Rajinikanth Together With The Movie | Latest Bollywood|Kollywood|Tollywood| News". Thebollywoodactress.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  84. ^ ""Rajinikanth should step into politics" Bollywood News, Telugucinema, Kollywood". Bharatwaves.com. 2008-03-06. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  85. ^ cinesouth (2006-12-16). "Dailynews - Praise for Rajini in Japan parliament!". Cinesouth.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  86. ^ "'Dancing Maharaja' Rajinikanth is Japan's favourite!". andhracafe.com. 2007-02-17. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  87. ^ "Sivaji to delight Japanese and South African fans". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  88. ^ "Rajinikanth's Enthiran - Case study in IIM A". Times of India. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  89. ^ "Rajinikanth jokes sell out faster than his tickets". ibnlive.in. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
  90. ^ "Outlook magazine". outlookindia.com. 2011-01-10. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
  91. ^ Dabangg ideas bloom in New Age Bollywood "Rajinikanth jokes". Times of India. Retrieved 2011-03-28. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  92. ^ "Rajinikanth global warming". Times of India. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
  93. ^ "Little superstar". Weird Asia News. 2009-03-14. Retrieved 2011-04-06.
  94. ^ "Will Rajinikanth enter politics? Bollywood News, Telugucinema, Kollywood". Bharatwaves.com. 2008-03-06. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  95. ^ "Rajini's personal life". weeksupdate.com. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
  96. ^ "Dhanush's son named Linga - Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  97. ^ Gladwin Emanuel, MUMBAI MIRROR, Sep 4, 2010, 10.46am IST (2010-09-04). "Soundarya Rajinikanth's celeb-studded wedding - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  98. ^ "Book Review: The Name Is Rajinikanth". Bollywoodhungama.com. 2008-04-14. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  99. ^ Post To: (2008-10-30). "Super Star Rajinikanth's Interesting Habit | Latest Bollywood|Kollywood|Tollywood| News". Thebollywoodactress.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  100. ^ "Andhra Pradesh / Anantapur News : Rajinikanth in Puttaparthi". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2008-04-14. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  101. ^ Post To: (2008-09-30). "Actor Ajith Follow The Rajinikanth's Spiritual Way | Latest Bollywood|Kollywood|Tollywood| News". Thebollywoodactress.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  102. ^ a b "Why does Rajini dwell in the hearts of millions?". cinefundas.com. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  103. ^ "Rajini blesses "Mahaan" actor". Indiaglitz.com. 22 September 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  104. ^ "Rajini's tribute to Babaji". Indiaglitz.com. 10 May 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  105. ^ "Tamil Cinema 1998-Year Highlights (Part-2)". Dinakaran. 1998-01-21. Archived from the original on June 20, 2008. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  106. ^ "Rediff India News: Rajinikanth fasts for Kaveri waters". Rediff.com. 2002-10-13. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  107. ^ "Rediff India News:Rajinikanth to meet Indian PM". Rediff.com. 2002-10-14. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  108. ^ "Rally exposes politicised film industry". 2002-10-12. Retrieved 2007-04-05.
  109. ^ "Rajnikanth blasts Karnataka over water project - Thaindian News". Thaindian.com. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  110. ^ "Karnataka groups demand apology". Sify.com. 2008-04-05. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  111. ^ "Rajini earns the wrath of Tamil cinema". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  112. ^ "Now, Rajnikanth's Fans Float Party: DDMMK". Extramirchi.com. 2008-10-08. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  113. ^ "No one can compel me to enter politics". Chennai, India: Thehindu.com. 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  114. ^ "Kollywood fasts over Eelam Tamils' plight" (PDF). Tamil Guardian. 2008-11-12. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
  115. ^ "Karunanidhi against bringing politics into film world: The Hindu". Chennai, India: http://www.hindu.com. 2010-02-07. Retrieved 2010-10-18. {{cite news}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  116. ^ http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_rajinikanth-admitted-to-hospital_1537595
  117. ^ "Rajinikanth hospitalised". Sify.com. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  118. ^ ITGD Bureau (2011-05-14). "Actor Rajinikanth hospitalised again : Celebrities: India Today". Indiatoday.intoday.in. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  119. ^ "Rajini writes letter to fans, says he will be back soon". Hindustan Times. 2011-06-18. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  120. ^ "Modi To Visit Rajini In Hospital". Movies.ndtv.com. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  121. ^ a b "Rajinikanth's Condition Stable: Hospital". Movies.ndtv.com. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  122. ^ "Rajini Back In Icu - Rajinikanth - Tamil Movie News". Behindwoods.com. 2011-05-19. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  123. ^ By ApunKaChoice (2011-05-28). "Rajinikanth admitted to the best hospital in Singapore | Rajinikanth". ApunKaChoice.com. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  124. ^ "Rajinikanth calls up Karunanidhi". Daijiworld.com. 2011-06-17. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  125. ^ "Rajini suffering from lung, liver ailment: Brother". Ndtv.com. 2011-05-17. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  126. ^ "Rajini will soon be back to complete 'Raana': Dhanush - Times Of India". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2011-06-01. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  127. ^ "Rajinikanth death rumours are false, says family - Trends News - IBNLive". Ibnlive.in.com. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  128. ^ "Rajinikanth out of ICU, moved into private ward - Times Of India". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2011-05-23. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  129. ^ "Rajini getting better, say docs as fans pray for their superstar - Times Of India". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2011-05-06. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  130. ^ "Rajnikanth cheerful, undergoing treatment says bulletin - Chennaionline News". News.chennaionline.com. 2011-05-16. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  131. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2023578.ece
  132. ^ "Rajini Suffering From Lung, Liver Ailment: Brother". Movies.ndtv.com. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  133. ^ "Karunanidhi visits Rajinikanth in Hospital". Kolly Talk. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  134. ^ "Kamal-Rajini overwhelmed by emotions". Kolly Talk. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  135. ^ "Vijaykanth and Kamal Haasan visits Rajini|Kamal Hassan|Movies". Movies.sulekha.com. 2011-05-20. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  136. ^ "Sarath visits hospital meets Latha Rajinikanth - Latest Tamil Cinema News". cinemamatters.com. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  137. ^ http://chennaionline.com/movies/cine-buzz/20111124021153/Vadivelu-denied-permission-to-visit-Rajini.col
  138. ^ http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/rajini-in-singapore-hospital-on-big-b-s-advice_709858.html
  139. ^ http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/international-newsthe-week/137480/on
  140. ^ "Civilian Awards announced on 26 January 2000" (in Tamil). Ministry of Home Affairs (India). Archived from the original on March 2, 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-20.
  141. ^ "NDTV presents Indian of the Year awards". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  142. ^ "Indian Entertainer of the year". itimes.com. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
  143. ^ "UniverCell Vijay Awards - Tamil Movie News - Rajini for excellence, Suriya for entertainment - UniverCell Vijay Awards | Rajnikanth | Ayan". Behindwoods.com. 2010-05-31. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
  144. ^ "Rajinikanth is the Entertainer of the decade". sify.com. 2010-05-31. Retrieved 2010-09-09.

Further reading

External links

Media related to Rajinikanth at Wikimedia Commons

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rajinikanth&oldid=438432131"