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Rajinikanth

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Rajinikanth
File:Rajini in spain.jpg
Rajinikanth in Bilbao, Spain for the shooting of his forthcoming venture, Sivaji: The Boss
Born
Shivaji Rao Gaekwad
Other namesSuper Star
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
SpouseLatha Rajinikanth
Websitehttp://www.rajinikanth.com/

Rajinikanth (Tamil: ரஜினிகாந்த்; Kannada: ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್);Marathi: रजनीकांत (born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1949) is an Indian film actor. He began his career doing various jobs in Karnataka, while also attending a theatre for stage plays, to follow his dream to act. After five years of critically acclaimed and negative roles in Indian films, Rajinikanth gained the Indian cinema's attention in 1980 by playing the dual roles of Indiran and Chandran in Thillu Mullu , his first blockbuster and since then he has acted in over a hundred and fifty Indian films earning him the prestigous title of Superstar in 1987, the title name is now mentioned in the credits of all his projects. He is currently India's highest paid actor, aswell as Asia's second highest paid actor after Jackie Chan. He has high fan followings in the Indian subcontinent, Europe and The Far East.

An accomplished dramatic actor and celebrity, he received India's highest honour, The Padmabhushan for his services to Indian cinema in 2000. Rajinikanth performs predominantly in leading roles in high-budget and major studio films, ranging from romantic comedies and drama to science fiction and action thrillers. His most popular films include Thillu Mullu (1980), Thalapathi (1991), Basha (1995), and Chandramukhi (2005).

Early life

Rajinikanth was born on December 12 1949 in Karnataka, India. He was the fourth child to his parents, Jija bai and Ramoji Rao Gaekwad. His original name was Sivaji Rao Gaekwad. He lost his mother at the age of five. He had his schooling at the Acharya Patasala in Bangalore and then at the Vivekananda Balak Sangh, a unit of the Ramakrishna Mission. His mother tongue is Marathi, though he has not done many films in it.

There is a famous saying about Rajinikanth in southern part of India, recited as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Rajini is a Super Star". Before starting his career in the film industry, he had to take up all sorts of odd jobs. He served as a bus conductor for Karnataka state transport corporation in Bangalore. It was during this time that he nurtured his acting interests by performing in various stage plays.

Acting career

A friend helped him to join the Madras Film institute where Rajinikanth completed basic acting course in 1974 at the age of 25.[citation needed]

He started his acting career in Kannada in the movie Kathaa Sangama (ಕಥಾ ಸಂಗಮ), directed by Puttanna Kanagal, in 1976.

In Tamil, he started with playing supporting roles, beginning as a cancer patient in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by K. Balachander, who assigned him his stage name Rajnikanth. After several villainous roles, his first positive role was Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri (1979), in which Rajnikanth played a failed lover in the first half and a do-gooder in the second.

After several films in the Eighties, he played a Hindu saint in his 100th movie, Sri Raghavendra. Many others followed, among them dramas, comedies (notably 'Thillu Mullu', a remake of Amol Palekar's Golmaal) and, at the end of the eighties, action-oriented family entertainers like Velaikkaran and Manidhan.

Annamalai, which released in 1992, was the first Rajini film to gross almost Rs. 100 million at the box office.

Unlike the eighties, several movies during his nineties were successful, like Muthu[1][2] or Basha. At 53, his Baba released amid fanfare. Although the film grossed enough to cover its budget, it was viewed as a miserable showing and fell short of market expectations accumulating heavy losses for the distributors. Rajnikanth himself returned the losses back to the distributors who had immense faith in him. The whole affair cost him dear in terms of repute of making a comeback.

Chandramukhi, a remake of the Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu. Chandramukhi was claimed as one of the most successful Tamil films ever as it ran in theatres (particularly in one theatre in Mount Road, Chennai) for over 600 days since release and still running. His next film, Sivaji: The Boss, directed by S. Shankar will be released in 2007.

Apart from Tamil, Rajnikanth has acted in over 160 movies, including Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Bengali. He has also acted in a Hollywood movie Bloodstone in 1988.

Rajnikanth was awarded the Padma Bhushan award in the year 2000 and was rated as one of the most influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek. Rajnikanth has won the Filmfare Best Actor Award, South on 2 occasions. He is the highest paid actor in India[1]and the second highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan[citation needed]

Rajinikanth was requested by his fans for many years to stand in the State election of Tamil Nadu, but has consistently resisted entering politics directly. But he did some indirect attempts in politics by announcing support to a Political Party in Tamil Nadu

Politics

    • 1995 Announced that he is willing to support the Congress party after meeting Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. An opinion poll conducted by Kumudam magazine predicted that Congress with Rajini support may win upto 130 seats in Tamilnadu Assembly
    • 1996 Congress decided to align with AIADMK. Rajinikanth supported DMK-TMC alliance. DMK-TMC alliance used Rajini photos extensively in political campaigning. The TMC used the Bicycle as their election symbol and used Rajinikanth's riding Bicycle in Annamalai movie in their posters. Rajini uttered "Even God cannot save Tamilnadu if AIADMK returns to power".
    • 1998 Rajinikanth supported the DMK-TMC alliance in parliamentary elections. SUN TV broadcast Rajini's speech throughout the day of the election.AIADMK-BJP alliance won around 30 out of 39 seats riding on sympathy wave generated by Coimbatore bomb blasts.
    • 2002 Rajini undertook one day fasting condemning Karnataka's decision to not to release Cauvery water to Tamilnadu. Announced that he would contribute 10 Million rupees towards interlinking of Indian rivers scheme. He met Prime Minister Vajpayee and many experts to canvass support for Interlinking Indian rivers scheme. Based on efforts taken by Rajinikanth and others, Prime minister announced committee to study River Interlinking scheme.
    • 2004 Supported 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. But the alliance failed to win any seats.

Awards

Rajinikanth won many awards during his career for his acting skills.[3]

Tamil Nadu Government
Central Government
  • 1999 - Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award from the Government of India
Filmfare Awards
Cinema Express Awards
Screen Awards

Recognition

The use of Punch Dialogues

Rajinikanth films are known for their punch lines. These are rhyming lines of dialogue delivered by the film's protagonist to express his stand or principles or even to warn villains. For an elaboration and examples, go to punch dialogue.

Philanthropic Activities

Rajinikanth is known for philanthropic activities.[4]

  • His wife runs "The Ashram" school.
  • Recently they converted the Raghavendra marriage hall into a charity trust to help needy and poor".
  • He shared his "Arunachalam" film income with four people who helped him in his life.
  • He is planning to construct a new hospital and a new school in a land near Chennai. [5]

Trivia

  • Rajini wrote screenplay for the film Valli.
  • He had sung a song in the film Mannan (Adikkuthu Kuliru) and will make another attempt in his next film Sivaji: The Boss.
  • Rajini's film roles were mainly as a villain during the period 1975 to 1977.
  • He has never acted in Marathi-language films even though it was his mother-tongue.
  • His film Muthu was dubbed in Japanese as Muthu: The Dancing Maharajah and was a very popular in Japan.[6]
  • Rajini's film Chandramukhi has grossed the highest amount of money than any other film in Kollywood.
  • Rajini's next film Sivaji: The Boss, directed by S. Shankar is expected to be the most expensive film in India and is the most expected film in Kollywood.

Controversies

Political

Arising out of his involvement in politics

  • There are two types of politics involving him; 1. Whether he supports a party or not. 2. parties that he is not involved which is run by the rumours, media and his fans own politics.
  • He did not participate in agitation sponsored by Tamil film artistes in Neyveli protesting against Karnataka's refusal to release Cauvery water. Instead he participated in token fasting at chennai. Bharathiraja who organized agitation attacked him vehemently and assigned bad intentions for his non participation in the agitation.[7]
  • PMK leader Ramadoss condemned his Baba movie for his posture with cigarette. He criticised him for spoiling Tamil youth by glorifying smoking and drinking. PMK volunteers attacked theatres which screened Baba movie and usurped film roles and burnt it.[8]. Famous film producers like M. Saravanan accused that cigarette smoking/drinking are shown in all movies and Rajini's film was chosen by the PMK leader because of his popularity in Vanniar areas which is considered PMK bastion.

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

References

  1. ^ http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies -articles/movies-02/06-07-06-bollywood-1.html

Rajnikanth, the highest paid actor in India

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