Photos: Rajinikanth meets fans on birthday

Tamil cinema icon Rajinikanth, idolised by millions, turned 62 today on a day of special significance for his fans, who have lined up a slew of programmes for the 'special' date of 12-12-12. Actor-director Raghavendra Lawrence and music director Vijay Antony have come out with a special musical video dedicated to Rajinikanth, even as TV channels will telecast a series of programmes on him, including airing some of his biggest hits. Radio FM channels were not far behind in celebrating his birthday.

Born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, he transformed his simple life from a bus conductor in Bangalore to a much followed superstar a decade later, with a larger than life style and mannerisms in his films. Discovered by celebrated director K Balachander, a recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and cast along another top star of Indian cinema Kamal Hassan in his Apoorva Raagangal in the mid 70s, Rajinikanth shaped his initial career with negative roles, including Moondru Mudichu, which also starred Kamal Hassan.

The duo, often referred to as pivotal points in Tamil cinema after the MGR-Sivaji era, shared space in a number of films before each carved a place for themselves in the industry. With his gimmicks and dialogue delivery instantly touching a chord with the younger audience, Rajnikanth delivered some of the biggest blockbusters, including Thalapathi directed by Mani Ratnam, Annamalai, Basha, Padayappa and the more, also recent Enthiran, a sci-fi thriller.

Rajinikanth Addresses Media

He had his tryst with Hindi cinema also, featuring in movies including the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Hum, besides doing a cameo in Shahrukh Khan's Ra.One.

Rajinikanth Addresses Media

A very religious man, he was cast as Saint Raghavendra in the film named after the guru Baba, a film with religious undertones.

Rajinikanth Addresses Media

The actor faced a health scare due to a reported kidney ailment last year, but was soon back in action. He is presently shooting for his daughter Soundarya's much-hyped Kochadaiyaan.

Rajinikanth Addresses Media

However, Rajinikanth addressed media and met his fans outside his Pose Garden house.

Rajinikanth Addresses Media

Rajinikanth has been poured with birthday wishes from all across the globe.

Rajinikanth Addresses Media

Kamal Hassan, K Balachander and other have also sent their birthday wishes to Rajinikanth. Click Here To See Rare Photos of Rajini