Today is Superstar Rajini's birthday

Today is a very special day for lakhs of Rajinikanth fans. Yes, it is the birthday of the one and only superstar of the country and the icon in the industry.

At 58, he is still in the industry like an unparallel and determining force of the market. He is still enjoying the status of the Baadshah of Box Office after ruling for three long decades.

Born in Nachikuppam, near Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu, the actor's family was settled in Bangaluru and later Rajini moved to Chennai and became an actor. Within a short period, he attained the superstardom in Kollywood and other south Indian languages. He is the only South Indian actor who got recognition as a hero in Bollywood.

Rajini is the pioneer who opened the doors of international market to the South Indian Movies. He is the first Tamil actor who grabbed the attention of international viewers through his stylish action and way of marketing.

His Sivaji set a new standard for an entertainment film and even Kuselan had done a fantastic business in the overseas (though it failed in domestic), especially in the UK and US. In both these countries, Kuselan was in the second place with a record collection. Remember, Rajini appeared in the movie for just 25 - 30 minutes. He has proved that his short time appearance is enough to create the magic in global market.

Rajinikanth never encourages his fans to celebrate his birthday. He doesn't stay in the city on his birthday and advises his fans not to waste money and time by visiting him. But the enthusiastic fans around the globe are celebrating the day meaningfully by donating blood, serving free food and cloth to poor and providing free medical camps at their own cost.

This year, Rajini announced that he would not celebrate his birthday to show his grief over the killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka and Mumbai massacre. He left the city for Hyderabad a couple of days ago and attended the shooting of his daughter Soundarya directed movie Sultan – The warrior at the Ramoji Rao Film City.

Though his recent movie Kuselan bombed at the local box office, he bounced back from that setback through his charismatic activities. At the box-office, he is a role model for all young stars including Ajith, Vijay, Dhanush, Jayam Ravi etc. in Tamil and other languages.

At his age, when most of the others would have faded out or do films that suit their age, Rajini is still capable of bringing in the youth audience and children, who were not even born when he got superstardom!

Oneindia.in wishes the superstar a very Happy Birthday!