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Rajinikanth
Born
Shivaji Rao Gaekwad
Other namesRajni, Superstar
OccupationFilm actor
Years active1975-present
Spouse(s)Latha Rajinikanth
(1981-present)

Shivaji Rao Gaekwad (born on December 12, 1949), [1][unreliable source?] best known by his stage name Rajinikanth (Tamil: ரஜினிகாந்த்; Kannada: ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್; Marathi: रजनीकांत; Malayalam: രജനികാന്ത്), is an Indian film actor. He received India's third highest honour, the Padma Bhushan, for his contribution to Indian cinema.[2] Other than acting, Rajinikanth worked as a screenwriter, film producer, and also a playback singer. Apart from his film career, he is a philanthropist and also serves as an influence in the politics of Tamil Nadu.

Rajinikanth debuted as an actor in 1975 under the direction of K. Balachander in supporting roles. He was later favored in portraying antagonistic characters and gradually rose to acting in lead roles. He also appeared in the cinemas of other nations, including American cinema. He was paid Rs. 26 crore [3] as of January 2009) for Sivaji: The Boss, plus 40 % share in the movie, making him the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan.[4]

Early life

Rajnikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad into a Marathi family in Bangalore, India. He was the fourth child of his parents, Jijabai and Ramojirao Gaekwad, a police constable.[1] He lost his mother at the age of five. He attended elementary school at the Acharya Paathshala in Basavanagudi, Bangalore and then at the Vivekananda Balaka Sangha. Rajinikanth struggled a lot during his early age because of his family's low income. Although his mother-tongue is Marathi,[5][6] he has not yet acted in any Marathi films.

He worked with various jobs in Bangalore and also attended a theatre for stage plays. Before starting his career in the film industry, he used to practice stunts at the Rama Hanuman Temple at a hill near his house. He then primarily worked as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service in Bangalore.[7] His charisma and style were noted by the passengers who travelled with him and gave him suggestions in becoming an actor. It was during this time that he nurtured his acting interests by performing in various stage plays.[7]

Acting career

Rajinikanth joined the Madras Film Institute in 1973. [citation needed]

Rajinikanth has acted in over 200 films, which includes Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, English and Bengali films. Rajinikanth made a foray into Bollywood with Andha Kanoon but did not make as much of an impact as he had in the south. He still appeared in several Hindi films, such as Chaalbaaz, Uttar Dakshan, Giraftaar and Hum. He made his debut in an American film, in a supporting role, with the movie Bloodstone in 1988 with much fanfare in India at the time of its release. However, the movie was unsuccessful in the United States. He also made brief stints in German- and Japanese film industries. His film Muthu was dubbed into Japanese. In 2005, his film Chandramukhi was dubbed in German and released in all German-speaking nations.

Supporting roles: 1975-1979

Rajinikanth's first film was in Tamil cinema, where he was initially casted in supporting roles, debuting as a cancer patient in Apoorva Raagangal in 1975.[8] The film was directed by K. Balachander, who is constantly referred to by Rajinikanth as his own "guru" or mentor.[citation needed] The following year, Rajinikanth acted in his first Kannada film, Katha Sangama, directed by Puttanna Kanagal. Though Rajinikanth refers to director K. Balachander as his mentor, it was director S. P. Muthuraman who actually revamped Rajinikanth’s image entirely.[citation needed] 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;[citation needed] 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" from a "common actor." 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, in which he was referred as Superstar.

1980-1989

During this phase of his career, Rajinikanth abruptly chose to quit acting, but was coaxed back.[9] 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[10] and Moondru Mugam. K. Balachander’s first home production, Netrikan proved to be yet another milestone in Rajni’s career. He acted in his first cameo role alongside Meena Durairaj, who was a child actor then, in the movie Anbulla Rajinikanth (1984). More box-office hits dominated the 80's with Padikkathavan, Thee, Velaikaran, Dharmathin Thalaivan, Mr. Bharath, and Maaveeran.[11] In his 100th movie, Sri Raghavendra, he played the Hindu saint Raghavendra Swami.

Leading roles: 1989-1999

The movies released during the nineties included Thalapathy, Mannan, Annamalai, Uzhaippali, Veera, Baasha, Muthu,[12] 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 very popular in Japan.[13][14] Padayappa's release in 1999. His 150th film, Padayappa was directed by K. S. Ravikumar.

2002

After more than a three year sabbatical from cinema, at 52 years of age, he starred in his home production, Baba which released on August 15, 2002. The screenplay revolved around the story about a gangster who later engages in spirituality. Although the film grossed enough to cover its budget, it was viewed as a tremendous loss when compared to his previous box office successes throughout his career. 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.[15][16] Rajinikanth thereafter reported that he was to quit acting, hence taking part in social and political activities.

2005 - present

Rajinikanth chose to act in director P. Vasu's Tamil remake of Manichithrathazhu, Chandramukhi. Many people within the industry had written Rajinikanth off after the Baba fiasco, essentially saying "the bloom was off the rose" and that "the gold does not glitter anymore".[17] Chandramukhi was released on April 14, 2005, and went on to create new box office records such as being the longest running Tamil film, as of 2007.[18] 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 June 15, 2007 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[19][20].

Following Sivaji, Rajinikanth worked with P. Vasu again for Kuselan, a remake of the Malayalam film Kadha Parayumbol, in which Rajinikanth was given only a cameo role. He acted as himself, a star in the Indian film industry, and as a best friend to the main character. Some distributors incurred major losses due to the film, for which Rajinikanth voluntarily settled with his own budget.[21][22]

Future projects

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 is titled Sultan: The Warrior; it will be directed by his daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth with music provided by A. R. Rahman. The movie is scheduled for a release in 2009. Rajinikanth has also been signed to work with the Sivaji team of S. Shankar and A. R. Rahman for another movie, tentatively entitled Endhiran. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will play opposite Rajinikanth as heroine for the first time.

A. R. Murugadoss had previously shown interest in directing Rajinikanth in his next feature film after Ghajini.[23] Rajinikanth has stated that he is interested in starring inPyramid Saimira's next production, in order to compensate for Kuselan.[24]

Awards and honours

Rajinikanth was named as one of the influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek.[25] He has won a Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award for Nallavanuku Nallavan in 1984 and Muthu in 1994 respectively.[26]

Between 1977 and 2005, 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.[2] In September 2005, Rajinikanth won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Chandramukhi. Recently, he was selected as the Indian Entertainer of the Year for 2007 by NDTV, competing against the likes of Shah Rukh Khan.[27]

Notable filmography

For a complete list of films, see Rajinikanth filmography.
Year Titel Role(s) Sprache Notes
1975 Apoorva Raagangal Tamil
1976 Moondru Mudichu Tamil
1977 16 Vayathinile Parattai Tamil
1978 Mullum Malarum Kali Tamil
1979 Ninaithale Inikkum Tamil
1980 Billa Billa,
Raja		 Tamil Portrayed a dual role
Johnny Johnny Tamil
Murattu Kalai Kalaiyan Tamil
1981 Thee Tamil
Thillu Mullu Indran,
Chandran		 Tamil Portrayed a dual role
1982 Moondru Mugam Alex Pandian,
Arun,
John		 Tamil Portrayed three roles
1984 Nallavanuku Nallavan Tamil
1984 Sahodarara Savaal Kannada
1985 Sri Raghavendra Raghavendra Swami Tamil
1991 Thalapathi Surya Tamil
1992 Annamalai Annamalai Tamil
1995 Baasha Manick Baasha Tamil
Muthu Muthu,
Ejamaan		 Tamil Winner: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
Portrayed a dual role
1997 Arunachalam Arunachalam Tamil Portrayed a dual role
1999 Padayappa Aaru Padayappan Tamil Winner: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
2002 Baba Baba Tamil
2005 Chandramukhi Dr. Saravanan,
Vettaiyan		 Tamil Winner: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
Portrayed a dual role
2007 Sivaji: The Boss Sivaji Arumugam Tamil Nominated: Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award
2008 Kathanayakudu(film) Ashokkumar Telugu BIG FLOP
2010 Endhiran Vaseegaran,
Robot		 Tamil IN TELUGU AS ROBO Filming

Personal life

He married Latha Rangachari, on February 26, 1981, at the age of 31 in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh and 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 Rajinikanth married actor Dhanush on November 18, 2004 and they have one son named Yathra. His second daughter, Soundarya Rajinikanth, works in the film industry as a director, producer and graphic designer.

Politics

Supported political parties

In 1995 Rajinikanth announced that he is willing to support the Congress party after meeting Prime Minister Narasimha Rao.[28] An opinion poll conducted by Kumudam magazine predicted that Congress with Rajinikanth support may win up to 130 seats in Tamil Nadu Assembly. In 1996, when the Congress Party decided to align with AIADMK, Rajinikanth supported DMK-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[28]

In 1996 Rajinikanth supported the DMK-TMC alliance in parliamentary elections.[29] The television channel Sun TV broadcasted Rajini's speech throughout the day of the election in 1998 in which he spoke about the allaince of DMK and TMC in 1996. AIADMK-BJP alliance won around 30 out of 39 seats riding on sympathy wave generated by Coimbatore bomb blasts.

In 2004 Rajinikanth supported the BJP-AIADMK alliance in Parliamentary elections and quoted PMK's violence and BJP's support to interlinking of Indian rivers as reason for his support. The support was said to be half-hearted and the alliance failed to win any seats. [citation needed]

Cauvery river strikes

In 2002 Rajinikanth undertook a day-long fast to protest Karnataka's decision to not to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.[30] and announced that he would contribute Rs.10 million towards interlinking of Indian rivers scheme. He met Prime Minister Vajpayee and many experts to canvass support for interlinking Indian rivers scheme.[31] During the 2008 Hunger Strike organized by the South Indian Film Artistes' Association in support of the Hogenakkal drinking water project, he reprimanded Karnataka politicians. "I unequivocally condemn Karnataka for this reprehensible act of denying us what is rightfully ours." "Those who are raising the issue are doing it for the elections." "A national political party I respect is forcing me to wonder by its despicable acts whether there is (rule of law) in this country (guaranteed by) the Supreme Court and who they will listen to." He said "It was a cheap act by a leader of a big national party and an election gimmick. I do not approve it. The party’s (BJP) Tamil Nadu unit is keeping quiet," he added.[citation needed] Further, he appealed to the leaders M. Karunanidhi, H. D. Deve Gowda, H. D. Kumaraswamy, B. S. Yeddyurappa and Siddaramaiah not to flame up this issue for political gains. He requested the Tamil Nadu leaders including M. Karunanidhi that, this issue should be resolved soon. He urged the Karnataka politicians "to speak the truth." "People are equal to God. They cannot be fooled and will not remain silent if you continue to act in such manner," he stated.[32] Leader of the Pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Vatal Nagaraj demanded an apology from Rajinikanth and threatened that he will not be allowed in the state of Karnataka and all his films will be boycotted for Rajinikanth's speech against Kannada politicians.[33]

2008 Mock party

Several local fan associations of Rajinikanth in Tamil Nadu have continuously wanted him to take active participation in politics. In this regard, a few fans in Coimbatore started their own political party in the name of Rajinikanth and introduced their own flags and symbols for the party in mid-2008. When the actor heard about this, he wrote an open letter to the press and declared that he had no connection with these events and has strictly warned fans not to indulge in such activities, and failing to adhere would cause him to take up legal action against them. He also mentioned that he was not interested in politics and thus, was only committed to the production of his film Endhiran. He also added that nobody can force him to enter politics, as clear as the fact that none can stop him from entering it at the right time too.[34]

Criticism

In 2002, during Rajinikanth's own hunger strike for agitating the state of Karnataka to release Cauvery river water into Tamil Nadu, another hunger strike was organized by the Tamil film directors' association. Rajinikanth had yet continued with his own strike. leading to several criticism of Rajinikanth. Director Bharathi Raja, who also condemned other actors and politicians of Tamil Nadu, had stated that Rajinikanth was on the verge of dividing the film industry.[35]

Also in 2002, Pattali Makkal Katchi leader S. Ramadoss condemned him for smoking and posing with beedi's in his film Baba. 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.[36]

Philanthropy

Rajinikanth is also widely known for his philanthropic activities.[13] He converted one of his banquet halls, the Raghavendra Marriage Hall, to a charitable trust to help the needy.[37] He is planning to construct a new hospital and a new school on a piece of land near Chennai.[38] He has distributed Rs 12 Lakhs as relief to the family members of the bereaved in the bomb blast in Coimbatore[citation needed]. He also donated 1 crore rupees to the 2004 Tsunami Relief Fund by the state of Tamil Nadu, in January 2005 to the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalitha, in person. Dance choreographer-turned-actor and director Lawrence Raghavendra, who is also a philanthropist in Chennai, has reportedly merged with Rajinikanth, who agreed to pay the food expenses of Lawrence's disability home. [citation needed]

On October 31, 2008, Rajinikanth donated 10 lakh (1 million) rupees to the Sri Lankan Tamil humanitarian aid during the protest and hunger strike, organized by the South Indian Film Artistes' Association, in support of the Sri Lankan Tamils struggling in the on going civil war on the island. It was the highest amount given, in a draw with Lawrence Raghavendra who set up his own campaign to raise money.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ a b "'Even more acclaim will come his way' - Times of India". Retrieved 2008-07-10.
  2. ^ a b "Civilian Awards announced on January 26, 2000" (in Tamil). Ministry of Home Affairs (India). Retrieved 2007-04-20.
  3. ^ [ http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/news/business/-sivajito-net-rs-25-cr-profitpyramid-saimira/286756 Profits from the Sivaji Movie]
  4. ^ http://www.ibnlive.com/news/rajnikanth-rules-at-rs-15-cr-a-film/13623-8.html Superstar: Rajnikanth second highest paid actor in Asia - CNN IBN
  5. ^ Rajinikanth-History
  6. ^ Tamil now achievers
  7. ^ a b "Meet the bus driver Rajni worked with". Rediff.com. June 13, 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-14.
  8. ^ Rajinikanth filmography
  9. ^ 'Yesterday I was a conductor, today I'm a star'
  10. ^ [1]
  11. ^ "First Experience of Rajinikanth". Rajinikanth.com. Retrieved 2007-10-29.
  12. ^ "It's India-Japan Friendship Year" (in Tamil). The Hindu. Retrieved 2007-04-20.
  13. ^ a b "RajiniKanth.com - History". RajiniKanth.com. Retrieved 2007-04-20.
  14. ^ Gautaman Bhaskaran (January 6, 2002). "Rajnikanth casts spell on Japanese viewers". The Hindu. Retrieved 2007-05-10.
  15. ^ N Sathiya Moorthy (May 3, 2003). "Film producer GV commits suicide". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  16. ^ Sudhish Kamath (May 12, 2004). "Superstar wannabes". The Hindu: Metro Plus. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  17. ^ "Will Sivaji be Rajini's biggest hit?- History". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2007-05-06.
  18. ^ name="The Final Vedict">"The Final Verdict - History". Movie Buzz. Retrieved 2005-05-08.
  19. ^ "United Kingdom Box Office June 15-17, 2007". BoxOfficeMojo.com. Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  20. ^ "South Africa Box Office August 3-5, 2007". BoxOfficeMojo.com. Retrieved 2007-06-08.
  21. ^ http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40636.html
  22. ^ http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=31682
  23. ^ http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40908.html
  24. ^ http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40971.html
  25. ^ Actor Rajinikanth | Tamil Superstar | Indian Film Industry
  26. ^ "Awards for RajiniKanth Movies". Retrieved 2007-04-05.
  27. ^ "NDTV presents Indian of the Year awards". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  28. ^ a b NewIndPress.com: The making of 'Sivaji'
  29. ^ Dinakaran: Tamil Cinema 1998-Year Highlights (Part-2)
  30. ^ Rediff India News: Rajinikanth fasts for Cauvery waters
  31. ^ Rediff India News:Rajinikanth to meet Indian PM
  32. ^ » Rajnikanth blasts Karnataka over water project - Thaindian News
  33. ^ Karnataka groups demand apology
  34. ^ No one can compel me to enter politics
  35. ^ "Rally exposes politicised film industry". 2002-10-12. Retrieved 2007-04-05.
  36. ^ "Rajini keeps everyone guessing". 2004-03-23. Retrieved 2007-04-05.
  37. ^ RajiniKanth.com - History
  38. ^ "Rajini to build hospital, school". IndiaGlitz.com. Retrieved 2007-04-20.

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