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Page title without namespace (page_title ) | 'Rajinikanth' |
Full page title (page_prefixedtitle ) | 'Rajinikanth' |
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Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext ) | '{{Infobox actor
| name = Rajinikanth
| image = Rajinikanth in Chennai 2009.jpg
| caption =
| birthdate = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1950|12|12}}
| birthplace =[[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
| birthname = Shivaji Rao Gaekwad
| othername = Rajni
| occupation = [[Film actor]]
| yearsactive = 1975-present
| spouse = Latha Rangachari<br /><small>(1981-present)</small>
|
}}
'''Shivaji Rao Gaekwad''' (born on 12 December 1950),<ref name=BioData>{{cite web |title='Even more acclaim will come his way' - Times of India|url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bangalore/Even_more_acclaim_will_come_his_way/articleshow/2178985.cms |accessdate=2008-07-10 }}</ref> professionally known by his [[stage name]] '''Rajinikanth''' ({{lang-ta|ரஜினிகாந்த்}}; {{lang-kn|ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್}}; {{lang-mr|रजनीकांत}}), is an [[India]]n [[film actor]]. He received India's third highest honour, the [[Padma Bhushan]], for his contribution to Indian cinema.<ref name="CivilIndiaAwards">{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/awar2000.htm|title=Civilian Awards announced on 26 January 2000|accessdate=2007-04-20|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|language=Tamil}}</ref> He is best known for his mass popularity and appeal, largely drawn from his mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue in films. Other than [[film actor|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 favoured in portraying antagonistic characters and gradually rose to acting in lead roles. After the release of his [[1978 in film|1978]] film ''[[Bhairavi]]'', he became known as the "[[super star]]" of Tamil cinema, which was the title given to him by film producer S. Thanu and till this date used by many people to refer to him.<ref>http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/02/24/stories/2005022400450300.htm</ref><ref>http://rajinifans.com/celebrity/dhanu.php</ref> He also appeared in the cinemas of other nations, including [[Cinema of the United States|American cinema]]. He was paid [[Rupee|Rs.]] 26 [[crore]]s (approximately [[United States Dollars|USD]] 6 million) for ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'', making him the highest paid actor in Asia after [[Jackie Chan]].<ref>[ http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/news/business/-sivajito-net-rs-25-cr-profitpyramid-saimira/286756 Profits from the Sivaji Movie]</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/rajnikanth-rules-at-rs-15-cr-a-film/13623-8.html |title=Superstar: Rajnikanth second highest paid actor in Asia - CNN IBN |publisher=Ibnlive.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
==Early life==
Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad into a [[Marathi people|Marathi]] family in [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]], India. He was the fourth child of his parents, Jijabai and Ramojirao Gaekwad, a police constable.<ref name=BioData/> 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 language|Marathi]],<ref name="Rajini-History">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/history.htm |title=Rajinikanth-History |publisher=Rajinikanth.com |date=1950-12-12 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> he has not yet acted in any [[Marathi cinema|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 Metropolitan Transport Corporation]] in Bangalore.<ref name="conductor">{{cite web | url = http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/13ssraj.htm | title = Meet the bus driver Rajni worked with | publisher = Rediff.com | date= 13 June 2007 | accessdate = 2007-06-14}}</ref> 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.<ref name="conductor"/>
== Acting career ==
Rajinikanth joined the Madras Film Institute in 1974.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.gomolo.in/features/article.aspx?ArticleID=186|title=“Rascal, I will teach you how to behave. Mind it!”|accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref> As of 2002, he has acted in over 150 films, which includes [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada language|Kannada]], [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[Hindi langauge|Hindi]], [[English langauge|English]] and [[Bengali language]] films. Rajinikanth made his debut in Bollywood with ''[[Andha Kanoon]]'' but the film went on to become a poor grosser. He still appeared in several Hindi films, such as ''[[Chaalbaaz]]'', ''[[Uttar Dakshan]]'', ''[[Giraftaar]]'' and ''[[Hum]]''. He starred in the [[1988 in films|1988]] American film ''[[Bloodstone (film)|Bloodstone]]'', which released with much fanfare in India, however, unsuccessful in the United States. He also made brief stints in the [[Japanese language|Japanese]] and [[German language]] film industries. His 1995 film ''[[Muthu]]'' was dubbed into Japanese while his 2005 film ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' was dubbed in German and released in all German-speaking nations.
=== Supporting roles: 1975-1977 ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:bwraj.jpg|right|thumb|150px| Rajinikanth in the late 70s as a villain. A screenshot from the film ''[[Moondru Mudichu]]''. {{ffdc|Bwraj.jpg|9 September 26}}]] -->
Rajinikanth's first film was in [[Tamil cinema]], where he was initially cast in supporting roles, debuting as a cancer patient in ''[[Apoorva Raagangal]]'' in [[1975 in film|1975]].<ref name="Filmography">[[Rajinikanth filmography]]</ref> The film was directed by [[K. Balachander]], who is constantly referred to by Rajinikanth as his own "guru" or mentor.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} The following year, Rajinikanth acted in his first [[Cinema of Karnataka|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|date=August 2009}} Muthuraman first experimented with him in a positive role in ''[[Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri]]'' ([[1977 in film|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|date=August 2009}} 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]]''.
=== Lead roles: 1978-1989 ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Billraj.JPG|left|thumb|150px| Rajinikanth in his comeback movie [[Billa (1980 film)|Billa]] {{ffdc|Billraj.JPG|9 September 26}}]] -->
During this phase of his career, Rajinikanth abruptly chose to quit acting, but was coaxed back.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=88218 |title='Yesterday I was a conductor, today I'm a star' |publisher=Expressindia.com |date=2007-06-15 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> He continued acting with the blockbuster Tamil film ''[[Billa (1980 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 (1980 film)|Murattu Kaalai]]'', ''[[Pokkiri Raja]]'', ''[[Thanikattu Raja]]'', ''[[Naan Mahaan Alla]]'', ''Pudukavithai''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadapalani |title=Vadapalani - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |publisher=En.wikipedia.org |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> 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 ''[[Padikkadavan (1986 film)|Padikkathavan]], [[Thee]], [[Velaikaran]], [[Dharmathin Thalaivan]], [[Mr. Bharath]], and [[Maaveeran]]''.<ref name="First Experience">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/first.htm|title= First Experience of Rajinikanth |accessdate=2007-10-29|publisher=Rajinikanth.com}}</ref> In his 100th movie, ''[[Sri Raghavendra]]'', he played the Hindu saint [[Raghavendra Swami]].
=== Career peak: 1989-1999 ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Thalpraj.jpg|right|thumb|150px| Rajinikanth in ''[[Thalapathi]]'' (1991). {{ffdc|Thalpraj.jpg|9 September 26}}]] -->
The movies released during the nineties included ''[[Thalapathy]]'', ''[[Mannan (film)|Mannan]]'', ''[[Annamalai (film)|Annamalai]]'', ''[[Uzhaippali]]'', ''[[Veera]]'', ''[[Basha (film)|Baasha]]'', ''[[Muthu (film)|Muthu]]'',<ref name="IndiaJanDay">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121506571400.htm|title= It's India-Japan Friendship Year|accessdate=2007-04-20|publisher=The Hindu|language=Tamil}}</ref> ''[[Arunachalam]]'' and ''[[Padayappa]]''. Rajinikanth wrote his first screenplay and acted as a special appearance in the film ''[[Valli (film)|Valli]]'' (1993). His film ''[[Basha (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.<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/history.htm|title=RajiniKanth.com - History|accessdate=2007-04-20|publisher=RajiniKanth.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/01/06/stories/2002010601320900.htm| title= Rajnikanth casts spell on Japanese viewers | author = Gautaman Bhaskaran | publisher = The Hindu | date= 6 January 2002 | accessdate = 2007-05-10}}</ref> ''[[Padayappa]]'s'' release in 1999. ''Padayappa'' was directed by [[K. S. Ravikumar]].
=== ''Baba'': 2002 ===
After more than a three year sabbatical from cinema, at 52 years of age, he starred in his home production, ''[[Baba (2002 film)|Baba]]'' which released on 15 August 2002. The screenplay revolved around the story about a gangster who later engages in spirituality. It fell short of market expectations and the high bids reportedly translated to heavy losses for the distributors which Rajinikanth repaid.<ref>{{cite web | author = N Sathiya Moorthy | url = http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/03gv.htm | title = Film producer GV commits suicide | publisher = Rediff.com | date= 3 May 2003 | accessdate = 2007-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Sudhish Kamath | title = Superstar wannabes | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/05/12/stories/2004051200960100.htm | publisher = The Hindu: Metro Plus | date= 12 May 2004 | accessdate = 2007-05-17}}</ref>
=== Recent work: 2005-present===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Rajni.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Rajinikanth in his comeback movie [[Chandramukhi]] (2005) after [[Baba (2002 film)|Baba]] {{ffdc|Rajni.jpg|9 September 26}}]] -->
Rajinikanth chose to act in director [[P. Vasu]]'s Tamil remake of ''[[Manichithrathazhu]]'', ''[[Chandramukhi]]''. ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' was released on 14 April 2005, and went on to create new box office records such as being the longest running Tamil film, as of 2007.<ref> name="The Final Vedict">{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13736924|title=The Final Verdict - History|accessdate=2005-05-08|publisher=Movie Buzz}}</ref> 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 (film)|Sivaji: The Boss]]'' and released on 15 June 2007 went on to become ranked among other major [[Bollywood]] and [[Cinema of the United States|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.<ref name="United Kingdom Box Office June 15-17, 2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/uk/?yr=2007&wk=24&p=.htm|title=United Kingdom Box Office June 15-17, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-18|publisher=BoxOfficeMojo.com}}</ref><ref name="South Africa Box Office August 3-5, 2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/southafrica/?yr=2007&wk=31&p=.htm|title=South Africa Box Office August 3-5, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-08|publisher=BoxOfficeMojo.com}}</ref>
Following ''Sivaji'', Rajinikanth worked with P. Vasu again for ''[[Kuselan]]'', a remake of the [[Malayalam]] film ''[[Kadha Parayumbol]]'', in which Rajinikanth played a cameo role 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40636.html |title='Kuselan' – A boon or bane to Tamil cinema - Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=31682 |title=Rajinikanth returns Rs. 10 crores? | Regional News - Yahoo! India Movies |publisher=In.movies.yahoo.com |date=2008-08-22 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
During the course of the production for ''[[Sivaji: The Boss|Sivaji]]'', Ocher Studios, the animation company of Rajinikanth's daughter [[Soundarya Rajinikanth]], in association with Adlabs announced their intention of producing a [[Computer-generated imagery|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: The Boss|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 (2008 film)|Ghajini]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40908.html |title=Murugadoss to direct Rajini? - Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> Rajinikanth has stated that he is interested in starring in [[Pyramid Saimira]]'s next production, in order to compensate for ''Kuselan''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40971.html |title=Rajinikanth budges, Exhibitor's still adamant - Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> Rajinikanth announced that he will no longer be acting in "youth roles" after ''Endhiran'' and will begin to act in roles which will be closer to his real age.
== Awards and honours ==
Rajinikanth was named as one of the influential persons in South Asia by [[Asiaweek]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/celebrities/specials/rajinikanth-030407.html |title=Actor Rajinikanth | Tamil Superstar | Indian Film Industry |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=2007-04-03 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> He has won a [[Filmfare Best Actor Award (Tamil)|Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award]] for ''[[Nallavanuku Nallavan]]'' in 1984 and ''[[Muthu]]'' in 1994 respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Awards for RajiniKanth Movies |url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/awards.htm |accessdate=2007-04-05 }}</ref>
Between 1977 and 2005, Rajinikanth received several awards from [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]], [[Filmfare Awards South|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]], [[Basha (film)|Baasha]], [[Muthu]], [[Annamalai (film)|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 (film)|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.<ref name="CivilIndiaAwards" /> 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[[Shahrukh Khan]].<ref name="NDTV presents Indian of the Year awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080038814&ch=1/17/2008%209:59:00%20PM|title=NDTV presents Indian of the Year awards|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=NDTV.com}}</ref>
== Notable filmography ==
{{For|a complete list of films|Rajinikanth filmography}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Title !! Role(s) !! Language !! Notes
|-
|| 1975 || ''[[Apoorva Raagangal]]'' || || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||
|-
|| 1976 || ''[[Moondru Mudichu]]'' || || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1977 || ''[[16 Vayathinile]]'' || Parattai || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri]]'' || || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1978 || ''[[Mullum Malarum]]'' || Kali || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Ilamai Oonjaladukirathu]]'' || Murali || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1979 || ''[[Ninaithale Inikkum]]'' || || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai]]'' || Santhanam || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="3"| 1980 || ''[[Billa (1980 film)|Billa]]'' || Billa,<br />Raja || Tamil || Portrayed a dual role
|-
| ''[[Johnny (1980 film)|Johnny]]'' || Johnny,<br /> Vidhyasagar || Tamil || Portrayed dual role
|-
| ''[[Murattu Kaalai (1980 film)|Murattu Kalai]]'' || Kalaiyan || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1981 || ''[[Thee (film)|Thee]]'' || || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Thillu Mullu]]'' || Indran,<br />Chandran || Tamil || Single role but played both characters
|-
|| 1982 || ''[[Moondru Mugam]]'' || Alex Pandian,<br />Arun,<br />John || Tamil|| Portrayed three roles
|-
|| 1984 || ''[[Nallavanuku Nallavan]]'' || Manikkam || Tamil || '''Winner:''' [[Filmfare Best Actor Award (Tamil)|Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award]]
|-
|| 1985 || ''[[Sri Raghavendra]]'' || [[Raghavendra Swami]] || Tamil ||
|-
|| 1991 || ''[[Thalapathi]]'' || Surya || Tamil||
|-
|| 1992 || ''[[Annamalai (film)|Annamalai]]'' || Annamalai || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1995 || ''[[Baasha (film)|Baasha]]'' || Manick Baasha || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Muthu (film)|Muthu]]'' || Muthu,<br />Ejamaan || Tamil|| '''Winner:''' [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor]]<br />Portrayed a dual role
|-
|| 1997 || ''[[Arunachalam]]'' || Arunachalam,<br />Vedachalam || Tamil || Portrayed a dual role
|-
|| 1999 || ''[[Padayappa]]'' || Aaru Padayappan || Tamil || '''Winner:''' [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor]]
|-
|| 2002 || ''[[Baba (2002 film)|Baba]]'' || Baba || Tamil ||
|-
|| 2005 || ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' || Dr. Saravanan,<br />Vettaiyan || Tamil || '''Winner:''' [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor]]<br />Portrayed a dual role
|-
|| 2007 || ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji: The Boss]]'' || Sivaji Arumugam || Tamil || '''Winner:''' [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/50144.html |title=State awards for Rajini, Kamal? - Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=2005-08-31 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref><br />Nominated: [[Filmfare Best Actor Award (Tamil)|Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award]]
|-
|2010|| ''[[Endhiran]]'' || Vaseegaran,<br />Endhiran|| Tamil || Filming
|}
== Personal life ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2009}}
He married Latha Rangachari, on 26 February 1981, at the age of 31 in [[Tirumala - Tirupati|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 18 November 2004 and they have one son named Yathra. His second daughter, [[Soundarya Rajinikanth]], works in the film industry as a [[film director|director]], [[film production|producer]] and [[graphic designer]].
== Politics ==
===Supported political parties===
In 1995 Rajinikanth announced that he is willing to support the [[Indian National Congress]] after meeting Prime Minister [[Narasimha Rao]].<ref name="NewIndPress">{{cite news|url=http://www.newindpress.com/sunday/sundayitems.asp?id=SEV20070615103833&eTitle=Focus&rLink=0 |title=The making of 'Sivaji' |publisher=NewIndPress.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> 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 [[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.<ref name="NewIndPress" />
In 1996 Rajinikanth supported the DMK-TMC alliance in parliamentary elections.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/highlights/01-01-99/yearhig2.htm |title=Tamil Cinema 1998-Year Highlights (Part-2) |publisher=Dinakaran |date=1998-01-21 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
===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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/13cau2.htm |title=Rediff India News: Rajinikanth fasts for Cauvery waters |publisher=Rediff.com |date=2002-10-13 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/14cau.htm |title=Rediff India News:Rajinikanth to meet Indian PM |publisher=Rediff.com |date=2002-10-14 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> Other members of the Tamil film industry, including members of the Actors Association the DMK, had planned a solidarity protest and 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".<ref>{{cite web |title=Rally exposes politicised film industry |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/10/13/stories/2002101304130100.htm |date=2002-10-12 |accessdate=2007-04-05 }}</ref>
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. Further, he appealed to leaders not to flame up this issue for political gains and requested that the 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/rajnikanth-blasts-karnataka-over-water-project_10034510.html |title=» Rajnikanth blasts Karnataka over water project - Thaindian News |publisher=Thaindian.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14638604 |title=Karnataka groups demand apology |publisher=Sify.com |date=2008-04-05 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
===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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101457960100.htm |title=No one can compel me to enter politics |publisher=Thehindu.com |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
== Philanthropy ==
He converted one of his banquet halls, the ''Raghavendra Marriage Hall'', to a charitable trust to help the needy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/history.htm |title=History |publisher=RajiniKanth.com |date=1949-12-12 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> He is planning to construct a new hospital and a new school on a piece of land near [[Chennai]].<ref name="RajiniBuildHS">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/29224.html|title=Rajini to build hospital, school|accessdate=2007-04-20|publisher=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
* {{imdb name|id=0707425}}
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:Indian film actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Marathi people]]
[[Category:People from Bangalore]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan]]
[[Category:Tamil actors]]
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New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext ) | '{{Infobox actor
| name = Rajinikanth
| image = Rajinikanth in Chennai 2009.jpg
| caption =
| birthdate = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1950|12|12}}
| birthplace =[[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
| birthname = Shivaji Rao Gaekwad
| othername = Rajni
| occupation = [[Film actor]]
| yearsactive = 1975-present
| spouse = Latha Rangachari<br /><small>(1981-present)</small>
|
}}
'''Shivaji Rao Gaekwad''' (born on 12 December 1950),<ref name=BioData>{{cite web |title='Even more acclaim will come his way' - Times of India|url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bangalore/Even_more_acclaim_will_come_his_way/articleshow/2178985.cms |accessdate=2008-07-10 }}</ref> professionally known by his [[stage name]] '''Rajinikanth''' ({{lang-ta|ரஜினிகாந்த்}}; {{lang-kn|ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್}}; {{lang-mr|रजनीकांत}}), is an [[India]]n [[film actor]]. He received India's third highest honour, the [[Padma Bhushan]], for his contribution to Indian cinema.<ref name="CivilIndiaAwards">{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/awar2000.htm|title=Civilian Awards announced on 26 January 2000|accessdate=2007-04-20|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|language=Tamil}}</ref> He is best known for his mass popularity and appeal, largely drawn from his mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue in films. Other than [[film actor|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 favoured in portraying antagonistic characters and gradually rose to acting in lead roles. After the release of his [[1978 in film|1978]] film ''[[Bhairavi]]'', he became known as the "[[super star]]" of Tamil cinema, which was the title given to him by film producer S. Thanu and till this date used by many people to refer to him.<ref>http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/02/24/stories/2005022400450300.htm</ref><ref>http://rajinifans.com/celebrity/dhanu.php</ref> He also appeared in the cinemas of other nations, including [[Cinema of the United States|American cinema]]. He was paid [[Rupee|Rs.]] 26 [[crore]]s (approximately [[United States Dollars|USD]] 6 million) for ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'', making him the highest paid actor in Asia after [[Jackie Chan]].<ref>[ http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/news/business/-sivajito-net-rs-25-cr-profitpyramid-saimira/286756 Profits from the Sivaji Movie]</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/rajnikanth-rules-at-rs-15-cr-a-film/13623-8.html |title=Superstar: Rajnikanth second highest paid actor in Asia - CNN IBN |publisher=Ibnlive.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
==Early life==
Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad into a [[Marathi people|Marathi]] family in [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]], India. He was the fourth child of his parents, Jijabai and Ramojirao Gaekwad, a police constable.<ref name=BioData/> 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 language|Marathi]],<ref name="Rajini-History">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/history.htm |title=Rajinikanth-History |publisher=Rajinikanth.com |date=1950-12-12 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> he has not yet acted in any [[Marathi cinema|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 Metropolitan Transport Corporation]] in Bangalore.<ref name="conductor">{{cite web | url = http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/13ssraj.htm | title = Meet the bus driver Rajni worked with | publisher = Rediff.com | date= 13 June 2007 | accessdate = 2007-06-14}}</ref> 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.<ref name="conductor"/>
== Acting career ==
Rajinikanth joined the Madras Film Institute in 1974.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.gomolo.in/features/article.aspx?ArticleID=186|title=“Rascal, I will teach you how to behave. Mind it!”|accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref> As of 2002, he has acted in over 150 films, which includes [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada language|Kannada]], [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[Hindi langauge|Hindi]], [[English langauge|English]] and [[Bengali language]] films. Rajinikanth made his debut in Bollywood with ''[[Andha Kanoon]]'' but the film went on to become a poor grosser. He still appeared in several Hindi films, such as ''[[Chaalbaaz]]'', ''[[Uttar Dakshan]]'', ''[[Giraftaar]]'' and ''[[Hum]]''. He starred in the [[1988 in films|1988]] American film ''[[Bloodstone (film)|Bloodstone]]'', which released with much fanfare in India, however, unsuccessful in the United States. He also made brief stints in the [[Japanese language|Japanese]] and [[German language]] film industries. His 1995 film ''[[Muthu]]'' was dubbed into Japanese while his 2005 film ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' was dubbed in German and released in all German-speaking nations.
=== Supporting roles: 1975-1977 ===
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Rajinikanth's first film was in [[Tamil cinema]], where he was initially cast in supporting roles, debuting as a cancer patient in ''[[Apoorva Raagangal]]'' in [[1975 in film|1975]].<ref name="Filmography">[[Rajinikanth filmography]]</ref> The film was directed by [[K. Balachander]], who is constantly referred to by Rajinikanth as his own "guru" or mentor.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} The following year, Rajinikanth acted in his first [[Cinema of Karnataka|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|date=August 2009}} Muthuraman first experimented with him in a positive role in ''[[Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri]]'' ([[1977 in film|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|date=August 2009}} 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]]''.
=== Lead roles: 1978-1989 ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Billraj.JPG|left|thumb|150px| Rajinikanth in his comeback movie [[Billa (1980 film)|Billa]] {{ffdc|Billraj.JPG|9 September 26}}]] -->
During this phase of his career, Rajinikanth abruptly chose to quit acting, but was coaxed back.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=88218 |title='Yesterday I was a conductor, today I'm a star' |publisher=Expressindia.com |date=2007-06-15 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> He continued acting with the blockbuster Tamil film ''[[Billa (1980 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 (1980 film)|Murattu Kaalai]]'', ''[[Pokkiri Raja]]'', ''[[Thanikattu Raja]]'', ''[[Naan Mahaan Alla]]'', ''Pudukavithai''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadapalani |title=Vadapalani - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |publisher=En.wikipedia.org |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> 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 ''[[Padikkadavan (1986 film)|Padikkathavan]], [[Thee]], [[Velaikaran]], [[Dharmathin Thalaivan]], [[Mr. Bharath]], and [[Maaveeran]]''.<ref name="First Experience">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/first.htm|title= First Experience of Rajinikanth |accessdate=2007-10-29|publisher=Rajinikanth.com}}</ref> In his 100th movie, ''[[Sri Raghavendra]]'', he played the Hindu saint [[Raghavendra Swami]].
=== Career peak: 1989-1999 ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Thalpraj.jpg|right|thumb|150px| Rajinikanth in ''[[Thalapathi]]'' (1991). {{ffdc|Thalpraj.jpg|9 September 26}}]] -->
The movies released during the nineties included ''[[Thalapathy]]'', ''[[Mannan (film)|Mannan]]'', ''[[Annamalai (film)|Annamalai]]'', ''[[Uzhaippali]]'', ''[[Veera]]'', ''[[Basha (film)|Baasha]]'', ''[[Muthu (film)|Muthu]]'',<ref name="IndiaJanDay">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121506571400.htm|title= It's India-Japan Friendship Year|accessdate=2007-04-20|publisher=The Hindu|language=Tamil}}</ref> ''[[Arunachalam]]'' and ''[[Padayappa]]''. Rajinikanth wrote his first screenplay and acted as a special appearance in the film ''[[Valli (film)|Valli]]'' (1993). His film ''[[Basha (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.<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/history.htm|title=RajiniKanth.com - History|accessdate=2007-04-20|publisher=RajiniKanth.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/01/06/stories/2002010601320900.htm| title= Rajnikanth casts spell on Japanese viewers | author = Gautaman Bhaskaran | publisher = The Hindu | date= 6 January 2002 | accessdate = 2007-05-10}}</ref> ''[[Padayappa]]'s'' release in 1999. ''Padayappa'' was directed by [[K. S. Ravikumar]].
=== ''Baba'': 2002 ===
After more than a three year sabbatical from cinema, at 52 years of age, he starred in his home production, ''[[Baba (2002 film)|Baba]]'' which released on 15 August 2002. The screenplay revolved around the story about a gangster who later engages in spirituality. It fell short of market expectations and the high bids reportedly translated to heavy losses for the distributors which Rajinikanth repaid.<ref>{{cite web | author = N Sathiya Moorthy | url = http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/03gv.htm | title = Film producer GV commits suicide | publisher = Rediff.com | date= 3 May 2003 | accessdate = 2007-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author = Sudhish Kamath | title = Superstar wannabes | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/05/12/stories/2004051200960100.htm | publisher = The Hindu: Metro Plus | date= 12 May 2004 | accessdate = 2007-05-17}}</ref>
=== Recent work: 2005-present===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Rajni.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Rajinikanth in his comeback movie [[Chandramukhi]] (2005) after [[Baba (2002 film)|Baba]] {{ffdc|Rajni.jpg|9 September 26}}]] -->
Rajinikanth chose to act in director [[P. Vasu]]'s Tamil remake of ''[[Manichithrathazhu]]'', ''[[Chandramukhi]]''. ''[[Chandramukhi]]'' was released on 14 April 2005, and went on to create new box office records such as being the longest running Tamil film, as of 2007.<ref> name="The Final Vedict">{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13736924|title=The Final Verdict - History|accessdate=2005-05-08|publisher=Movie Buzz}}</ref> 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 (film)|Sivaji: The Boss]]'' and released on 15 June 2007 went on to become ranked among other major [[Bollywood]] and [[Cinema of the United States|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.<ref name="United Kingdom Box Office June 15-17, 2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/uk/?yr=2007&wk=24&p=.htm|title=United Kingdom Box Office June 15-17, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-18|publisher=BoxOfficeMojo.com}}</ref><ref name="South Africa Box Office August 3-5, 2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/southafrica/?yr=2007&wk=31&p=.htm|title=South Africa Box Office August 3-5, 2007|accessdate=2007-06-08|publisher=BoxOfficeMojo.com}}</ref>
Following ''Sivaji'', Rajinikanth worked with P. Vasu again for ''[[Kuselan]]'', a remake of the [[Malayalam]] film ''[[Kadha Parayumbol]]'', in which Rajinikanth played a cameo role 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40636.html |title='Kuselan' – A boon or bane to Tamil cinema - Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=31682 |title=Rajinikanth returns Rs. 10 crores? | Regional News - Yahoo! India Movies |publisher=In.movies.yahoo.com |date=2008-08-22 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
During the course of the production for ''[[Sivaji: The Boss|Sivaji]]'', Ocher Studios, the animation company of Rajinikanth's daughter [[Soundarya Rajinikanth]], in association with Adlabs announced their intention of producing a [[Computer-generated imagery|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: The Boss|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 (2008 film)|Ghajini]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40908.html |title=Murugadoss to direct Rajini? - Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> Rajinikanth has stated that he is interested in starring in [[Pyramid Saimira]]'s next production, in order to compensate for ''Kuselan''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40971.html |title=Rajinikanth budges, Exhibitor's still adamant - Tamil Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> Rajinikanth announced that he will no longer be acting in "youth roles" after ''Endhiran'' and will begin to act in roles which will be closer to his real age.
== Awards and honours ==
Rajinikanth was named as one of the influential persons in South Asia by [[Asiaweek]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/celebrities/specials/rajinikanth-030407.html |title=Actor Rajinikanth | Tamil Superstar | Indian Film Industry |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=2007-04-03 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> He has won a [[Filmfare Best Actor Award (Tamil)|Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award]] for ''[[Nallavanuku Nallavan]]'' in 1984 and ''[[Muthu]]'' in 1994 respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Awards for RajiniKanth Movies |url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/awards.htm |accessdate=2007-04-05 }}</ref>
Between 1977 and 2005, Rajinikanth received several awards from [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]], [[Filmfare Awards South|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]], [[Basha (film)|Baasha]], [[Muthu]], [[Annamalai (film)|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 (film)|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.<ref name="CivilIndiaAwards" /> 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[[Shahrukh Khan]].<ref name="NDTV presents Indian of the Year awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080038814&ch=1/17/2008%209:59:00%20PM|title=NDTV presents Indian of the Year awards|accessdate=2008-01-17|publisher=NDTV.com}}</ref>
== Personal life ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2009}}
He married Latha Rangachari, on 26 February 1981, at the age of 31 in [[Tirumala - Tirupati|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 18 November 2004 and they have one son named Yathra. His second daughter, [[Soundarya Rajinikanth]], works in the film industry as a [[film director|director]], [[film production|producer]] and [[graphic designer]].
== Politics ==
===Supported political parties===
In 1995 Rajinikanth announced that he is willing to support the [[Indian National Congress]] after meeting Prime Minister [[Narasimha Rao]].<ref name="NewIndPress">{{cite news|url=http://www.newindpress.com/sunday/sundayitems.asp?id=SEV20070615103833&eTitle=Focus&rLink=0 |title=The making of 'Sivaji' |publisher=NewIndPress.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> 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 [[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.<ref name="NewIndPress" />
In 1996 Rajinikanth supported the DMK-TMC alliance in parliamentary elections.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/highlights/01-01-99/yearhig2.htm |title=Tamil Cinema 1998-Year Highlights (Part-2) |publisher=Dinakaran |date=1998-01-21 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
===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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/13cau2.htm |title=Rediff India News: Rajinikanth fasts for Cauvery waters |publisher=Rediff.com |date=2002-10-13 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/14cau.htm |title=Rediff India News:Rajinikanth to meet Indian PM |publisher=Rediff.com |date=2002-10-14 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> Other members of the Tamil film industry, including members of the Actors Association the DMK, had planned a solidarity protest and 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".<ref>{{cite web |title=Rally exposes politicised film industry |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/10/13/stories/2002101304130100.htm |date=2002-10-12 |accessdate=2007-04-05 }}</ref>
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. Further, he appealed to leaders not to flame up this issue for political gains and requested that the 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/rajnikanth-blasts-karnataka-over-water-project_10034510.html |title=» Rajnikanth blasts Karnataka over water project - Thaindian News |publisher=Thaindian.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14638604 |title=Karnataka groups demand apology |publisher=Sify.com |date=2008-04-05 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
===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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101457960100.htm |title=No one can compel me to enter politics |publisher=Thehindu.com |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
== Philanthropy ==
He converted one of his banquet halls, the ''Raghavendra Marriage Hall'', to a charitable trust to help the needy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/history.htm |title=History |publisher=RajiniKanth.com |date=1949-12-12 |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> He is planning to construct a new hospital and a new school on a piece of land near [[Chennai]].<ref name="RajiniBuildHS">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/29224.html|title=Rajini to build hospital, school|accessdate=2007-04-20|publisher=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
* {{imdb name|id=0707425}}
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:Indian film actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Marathi people]]
[[Category:People from Bangalore]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan]]
[[Category:Tamil actors]]
[[de:Rajnikant]]
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[[hi:रजनीकांत]]
[[kn:ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್]]
[[ml:രജനികാന്ത്]]
[[mr:रजनीकांत]]
[[ja:ラジニカーント]]
[[no:Rajanikanth]]
[[ta:ரசினிகாந்து]]
[[te:రజినీకాంత్]]
[[wuu:拉吉倪甘斯]]' |
Whether or not the change was made through a Tor exit node (tor_exit_node ) | 0 |
Unix timestamp of change (timestamp ) | 1265108217 |