12 Dec, 1950 | Bangalore, Karnataka
Actor/Singer/Story Writer
Rajinikanth (aka Superstar Rajinikanth) is one of the most influential and bankable movie stars in Indian cinema. Rajinikanth's mass popularity and appeal are largely drawn from his mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue. He received India's third-highest honour, the Padma Bhushan, for his contribution to Indian cinema. Other than acting, Rajinikanth worked as a screenwriter, film producer, and also playback singer. Personal Life Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in a Marathi family in Karnataka, India. His ancestors are from the village of NachiKuppam in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. He was the fourth child of his parents, Jijabai and Ramojirao Gaekwad, a police constable. He lost his mother at the age of eight. He did his schooling at the Acharya Paathshala in Basavanagudi, Bangalore, and then at the Vivekananda Balaka Sangha. He married Latha Parthasarathy, sister of actor Y. G. Mahendran's wife, on February 26, 1981, at the age of 31 in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, and they have two daughters named Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth. Career He joined the Madras Film Institute in 1973 with the help of his friend Raj Bahadur, a fellow bus driver, and completed a basic course in acting. In the film institute, he was helped by his vice principal, A. Prabhakaran. Rajinikanth has acted in a total of 190 movies, which include 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 a few films in Hindi, such as Chaalbaaz with Sridevi, Uttar Dakshan, Geraftaar, and Hum. He made his Hollywood debut with the movie Bloodstone in 1988, which was released to much fanfare in India at the time of its release. However, the movie failed in the United States. 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. The film was directed by K. Balachander, who is constantly referred to by Rajinikanth as his "guru" or "mentor". 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 guru or mentor, it was director S. P. Muthuraman who actually revamped Rajinikanth’s image entirely.
| Movie | Director | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Cibi Chakaravarthi | Jan 2027 | |
| Nelson Dilipkumar | Jul 2026 | |
| Nelson Dilipkumar | Oct 2026 | |
| Lokesh Kanagaraj | 14 Aug 2025 |
| Name | Rajinikanth |
| Profession(s) |
Main Profession Actor, Producer |
| Date Of Birth | 12 Dec 1950 |
| Age | 76 |
| Birth Place | Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Current Residence | Poes Garden, Chennai 600086 Tamil Nadu, India |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 1.73 m |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Hobbies | Reading, meditation |
Rajinikanth Family |
|
| Father | Ramoji Rao Gaekwad |
| Mother | Jijabai |
| Sibling | Satyanarayana Rao, Aswath Balubhai, Nageshwara Rao |
| Spouse | Latha Rajinikanth (m. 26 Feb 1981) |
| Children | Aishwarya Rajinikanth, Soundarya |
Rajinikanth Education |
|
| Education Qualification | Diploma in acting from Madras Film Institute |
| College(s) | Madras Film Institute |
| School(s) | Gavipuram Government Kannada Model Primary School in Bangalore, Acharya Pathasala Public School |
Rajinikanth Net Worth |
|
| Net Worth | $55 Million (Rs 410 Crore) |
Rajinikanth Debut Movies |
|
| Tamil | Apoorva Raagangal |
| Kannada | Katha Sangama 1976 |
| Telugu | Anthuleni Katha |
| Hindi | Anthuleni Katha |
Reports emerged on March 28, 2026, indicating that Rajinikanth is set to film a high-octane action sequence with Shah Rukh Khan for the upcoming sequel Jailer 2. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the sequence is reportedly scheduled to be filmed at a location in Chandigarh. The film, which features Rajinikanth reprising his role as Muthuvel Pandian, is currently in its final stages of production and has a tentative release date of June 12, 2026.
Rajinikanth is reportedly re-shooting several action sequences for his upcoming film, Jailer 2, to deliver more realistic stunts for the audience. According to reports from March 27, 2026, the actor is taking on more physically intensive choreography in the Nelson Dilipkumar-directed sequel, which is also expected to feature a significant action block alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The film, produced by Sun Pictures, remains one of the most anticipated Tamil releases of the year.
Rajinikanth is reportedly re-shooting several action sequences for his upcoming film Jailer 2 to enhance the realism of the stunts. According to production sources, the veteran actor is performing more grounded, physical action blocks under the direction of Nelson Dilipkumar, including a significant sequence featuring Shah Rukh Khan. The highly anticipated sequel is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on June 12, 2026.
Rajinikanth has reportedly shortlisted three distinct looks from nearly 85 different test designs for his upcoming project, Thalaivar 173, directed by Cibi Chakravarthi. The film, which is being produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International, is expected to feature the actor in a completely new avatar as part of its extensive pre-production design process.
Superstar Rajinikanth officially lauded Aditya Dhar's latest directorial venture, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, describing it as a "must-watch film" in a statement shared on March 24, 2026. The actor complimented the film's cast and the director's box office success following the project's global performance. This professional recognition comes as pre-production activities continue for his own upcoming projects, including Thalaivar 173.
Rajinikanth took to his official social media account on March 23, 2024, to praise the film 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', calling it a must-watch and congratulating director Aditya Dhar and the lead cast. The filmmaker responded to the endorsement on March 24, 2026, describing the actor's appreciation as a significant professional milestone.
Latha Rajinikanth addressed the ongoing professional developments regarding the veteran actor on March 23, 2026, expressing pride in the upcoming on-screen reunion between Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. While an official start date for the project's filming remains unconfirmed, the collaboration is being celebrated as a significant milestone in their respective cinematic journeys.
Rajinikanth issued an official statement on March 22, 2026, to address and deny claims regarding his previous decision to refrain from entering politics. The actor clarified that his decision was based on personal health considerations and was not influenced by external political pressure. In his message, he also expressed gratitude to political leaders, industry colleagues, and fans for their continued support.
Kamal Haasan provided a production update on March 20, 2026, regarding his upcoming collaboration with Rajinikanth, tentatively titled KH x RK and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Haasan confirmed that the filming for the project is scheduled to commence following the conclusion of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The film, produced by Red Giant Movies, features a technical team including composer Anirudh Ravichander and cinematographer Rajiv Menon.
Superstar Rajinikanth officially confirmed that the highly anticipated sequel Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 12, 2026. The film, produced by Sun Pictures with music by Anirudh Ravichander, reportedly features an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, and Mithun Chakraborty. Recent reports also indicate that the actor's subsequent project with director Cibi Chakravarthi, produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, is slated to commence principal photography in April 2026.
Reports surfaced on March 18, 2026, indicating that Rajinikanth is set to collaborate with Shah Rukh Khan for a high-octane action sequence in the upcoming film Jailer 2. The sequence is reportedly scheduled to be filmed at a specialized industrial facility in Chandigarh under the direction of Nelson Dilipkumar. This project marks a significant professional milestone as it brings together the two iconic actors for their first major on-screen pairing.
Rajinikanth released an official statement on March 17, 2026, dismissing recent claims regarding his past political decisions as contrary to the truth. The actor expressed gratitude to the various political leaders, film industry colleagues, and fans who supported him following the public remarks. On the professional front, he has recently completed filming for the sequel Jailer 2 and is scheduled to begin work on his upcoming project with director Cibi Chakravarthy in April.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and other political leaders issued statements on March 17, 2026, defending Rajinikanth's professional legacy and his personal decision to remain focused on his cinematic career. The remarks highlighted the actor's five-decade contribution to the film industry and his recipient status of honours such as the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Vibhushan.
Rajinikanth took to social media on March 14, 2026, to officially congratulate poet-lyricist Vairamuthu on being honored with the Jnanpith Award. In his message, the actor described the recipient as a dear friend and noted that the recognition is a significant honor for the nation.
Actor Yogi Babu shared a professional update regarding the progress of Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Jailer 2, confirming that script work is moving at a strong pace under director Nelson Dilipkumar. During a recent interaction, the comedian noted that the sequel is being developed to feature more significant character roles and an enhanced mix of action and dark humor compared to the first installment. Production activities for the project are reportedly in their final stages as the team prepares for the next phase of filming.
Actor Rajinikanth shared a message of condolence on March 12, 2026, following the passing of senior journalist KJ Kumar. In a social media post, the actor described Kumar as a dear friend who provided significant encouragement and support since the beginning of his acting career.
The Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in Chennai has set aside a service tax demand against Rajinikanth on March 11, 2026. The tribunal ruled that the superstar's leased property qualified as a building used by a hotel, thereby falling under specific tax exclusions. This decision provides significant legal relief to the actor regarding long-standing tax liabilities related to his commercial premises.
Reports emerged on March 10, 2026, indicating that the filming for the highly anticipated sequel Jailer 2 is nearing completion, with the final schedule featuring an extended cameo by Shah Rukh Khan as a police officer. Rajinikanth has reportedly finished most of his portions for the Nelson Dilipkumar directorial, which is targeting a release around Independence Day 2026. Following this project, the actor is expected to begin work on his next film, Thalaivar 173, in April.
Latest industry reports indicate that Rajinikanth is set to reunite with Kamal Haasan for a highly anticipated project directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. Tentatively titled KH x RK, the film is expected to begin principal photography in August 2026, with a targeted theatrical release during the Dussehra or Diwali festival season in 2027.
Reports on March 8, 2026, indicate that Rajinikanth's upcoming film Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2026. The actor has reportedly completed a significant portion of his filming for the project, which is currently in active production alongside his other high-profile collaboration with Kamal Haasan.
Director Sundar C recently clarified that his departure from the upcoming project tentatively titled Thalaivar 173 was due to prior long-term professional commitments rather than any creative differences. The film, which is being produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, is now moving forward under the direction of Cibi Chakravarthi, with principal photography scheduled to commence in April 2026.
The Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in Chennai has ruled in favor of Rajinikanth, setting aside a service tax demand of ₹56.8 lakh related to the leasing of his property, Raghavendra Mandapam. The tribunal clarified that buildings leased for hotel operations, such as the agreement in this case with Vasantha Bhavan Hotels, are specifically excluded from taxable renting services under the Finance Act. The final order granting this tax relief was officially pronounced and reported as favorble to the actor within the last 24 hours.
The makers of Rajinikanth’s upcoming film, tentatively titled #Thalaivar173, officially announced on March 5, 2026, that the project is scheduled for a theatrical release during the Pongal festival in January 2027. Directed by Cibi Chakravarthy and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, the film has moved into full-scale pre-production following the finalization of the script, with principal photography expected to commence in mid-April 2026.
Reports emerged on March 5, 2025, that Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is confirmed to appear in a significant role alongside Rajinikanth in the upcoming sequel Jailer 2. Professional updates from the film's set indicate that actor Jatin Sarna has wrapped his filming schedule, while a major sequence featuring Rajinikanth with multiple industry legends is planned for the final production phase.
The age of Rajinikanth in the 2026 was 76.
The Rajinikanth's was born in Bangalore, Karnataka.
The DOB for Rajinikanth was 12 Dec 1950.
The Rajinikanth is approximately 1.73 m tall.
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Rajinikanth is best known for the films Apoorva Raagangal and Baasha.
When Rajini was working as a conductor his salary was around Rs.750 and Rajinikanth was born to Jijabai and Ramoji Rao Gaikwad, a Maharashtrian couple living in Bangalore, and was named Shivaji Rao Gaikwad..
The Rajinikanth had $55 Million (Rs 410 Crore)'s worth of wealth.
Thalaivar 173 were Rajinikanth's upcoming films.
The educational background of Rajinikanth was Diploma in acting from Madras Film Institute.
was Rajinikanth first movie in
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The Rajinikanth Twitter handle is superstarrajini.
Rajinikanth's next feature film with Cibi Chakaravarthi.
When Rajini was working as a conductor his salary was around Rs.750
Rajinikanth was born to Jijabai and Ramoji Rao Gaikwad, a Maharashtrian couple living in Bangalore, and was named Shivaji Rao Gaikwad.
He started off his acting career with mythological Kannada plays. His most prominent role was that of Duryodhana.
His friend Raj Bahadur, with whom he is still close, encouraged him to pursue his dreams and become an actor. Bahadur asked him to enrol in the Madras Film Institute.
Rajinikanth was noticed in a Kannada play at the Film Institute by director K Balachander. 'Learn Tamil,' the director told Rajini before leaving.
After playing several negative roles and characters with grey shades, his first positive role was in S P Muthuraman's Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri.
Rajinikanth's first big commercial success was Billa, a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan-starrer, Don.
Moondru Moogam had Rajini playing a triple role for the first time. It earned him a Best Actor award from the Tamil Nadu government.
T Rama Rao's Andha Kanoon was Rajinikanth's first Bollywood film.
In 1988, Rajinikanth made an appearance in the English action adventure Bloodstone.
Rajinikanth's film Raaja Chinna Roja was the first Tamil film that included animation in the movie.
Thalapathi was also the superstar's only film that was released by the Censor Board with a U/A certificate.
The first movie that Rajinikanth wrote the screenplay for was Valli. He did a guest role in the film as well.
Baasha, which released in 1995, established the actor as a superstar and broke several box-office records.
Besides starring in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu films, Rajinikanth also starred in a Bengali film, Bhagya Debata.
Enthiran is the only Tamil film that made it into IMDb's Top 50 films from around the world list in 2010.
Rajinikanth usually goes to the Himalayas after the release of his films. Also to Bangalore however, is his favourite spot to hang out with his old buddies.
Enthiran has been included as a case study in an IIM-A postgraduate elective course, Contemporary Film Industry: A Business Perspective.
Meena is the only actress who has acted with him as a child artist and then as his heroine.
The superstar's blockbuster movie Enthiran was originally supposed to be done by Kamal Haasan.
A few of Rajini's fans started a political party called Desiya Dravadar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam in 2008 to pressure him to enter politics.But he refused, saying that nobody can force him to enter politics or stop him from doing so.
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