Rajinikanth turns 75: A look at the ‘rags-to-riches’ rise of the Indian superstar

Adding to the milestone, Rajinikanth’s iconic 1999 blockbuster Padayappa returned to theatres in a newly restored and remastered 4K version by Prasad, enhanced with Dolby Atmos sound, delighting fans old and new.

Popularly known as ‘Thalaiva’—loosely translating to leader or boss—Rajinikanth has ruled South Indian cinema for decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, actors Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal and several others extended warm birthday wishes.

Tamil megastar Rajinikanth during a surprise visit to the BMTC bus stand at Shanti Nagar in Bengaluru on August 29, 2023, revisiting the depot where he once worked as a bus conductor. Born Shivaji Rao Gaikwad in 1950, he rose from humble beginnings—the son of a police constable and a homemaker—to become an enduring icon of Indian cinema.

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in Apoorva Raagangal (1975). Rajinikanth’s stage performances led him to the Madras Film Institute, from where director K. Balachander launched him into Tamil cinema with this National Award–winning film.

Initially cast in antagonist roles, he left a strong impression in films such as 16 Vayadhinile.

From the early 1980s, he transitioned into leading roles, delivering classics like Mullum Malarum and Thillu Mullu.

The 1990s cemented his superstardom with hits including Thalapathi, Annamalai, Muthu, and Padayappa. Above, Rajinikanth and Shobhana in 'Thalapathi' (1991).

After a brief setback with Baba (2000), he reinvented himself through films like Chandramukhi, Sivaji, and Enthiran, continuing to redefine stardom even at 75.

Rajnikanth in Baashha

One of Rajinikanth’s most iconic mannerisms, the effortless flip of his stole or ‘mel thundu’ has become a signature style moment, repeatedly celebrated on screen across decades, including in his film Kaala.

Fans dance outside a cinema hall celebrating the release of Indian actor Rajinikanth’s new Tamil-language film ‘Coolie,’ in Chennai on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Fans of Indian superstar Rajinikanth gather outside a cinema hall in Chennai, celebrating his film release with cheers, cut-outs and festivities as they await the screening of Jailer on August 10, 2023.