Rajinikanth: How a Marathi rebel from Karnataka became Thalaiva in Tamil Nadu

Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in a Marathi family settled in the then Bangalore on December 12, 1950.

Named after Maratha warrior ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, Rajinikanth was the fourth child of Jijabai and Ramoji Rao Gaekwad. His father was a police constable. In his childhood and early youth, Rajinikanth had to face acute financial problems and emotional stress. His mother died while he was only 8. His studies were not smooth. But, Rajinikanth always wanted to do something big. He wanted to enter the world of films.

CHANGE OF FORTUNE FOR RAJINIKANTH

Rajinikanth's professional life began when he started doing some odd jobs including that of a carpenter and a coolie. Rajinikanth's tryst with destiny began when he got a job with the Bangalore Transport Service (BTS, which later developed into Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) as a conductor in 1973.

While working as a bus conductor, Rajinikanth came across an advertisement in a newspaper about acting classes in Madras Film Institute.

Rajinikanth's family was dead against the idea of him treading that path. They were worried about his future especially after he was employed with the BTS. Rajinikanth rebelled against his family. His friend and co-worker Raj Bahadur encouraged Rajinikanth to join acting classes in the then Madras. Raj Bahadur financed Rajinikanth during his time at the Madras Film Institute.

While doing a stage play at the Madras Film Institute, Rajinikanth impressed noted film-maker upon K Balachander, who advised him to learn Tamil.

AND, NOW CAME FILMS

Rajinikanth did not waste time thinking over the advice of a veteran film director. He mastered the language soon. The film debut was just round the corner.

Two years after joining the BTS as bus conductor, Rajinikanth acted in his first Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal in 1975. He played the character of an abusive husband opposite Srividya, who was a big name in Malayalam films.

Balachander-directed Apoorva Raagangal went on to win three national awards and Rajinikanth instantly shot to fame. Soon, Rajinikanth was doing both Kannada and Tamil films, which were being received very well by the audience. His films made good money. Rajinikanth had become a hero.

FROM HERO TO STAR

Director SP Muthuraman recast Rajinikanth in his film 'Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai', which came out in late 1970s. This film was the turning point of Rajinikanth. Rajinikanth played the character of a man, who sacrificed everything for his siblings. The performance of Rajinikanth in the film moved the audience to tears. Rajinikanth followed this film with a series of similar performances. All turned into blockbusters. Suddenly at the height of his popularity during later 1980s, Rajinikanth announced that he is quitting films. This was also the time when another superstar from Bollywood Vinod Khanna had quit films to pursue his spiritual quest.

But Rajinikanth was persuaded by his family and friends against this idea and the box office responded with joy as his Billa - the Tamil remake of Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Don - turned out to be a super-hit. Rajinikanth gave most of his biggest hits during 1990s.

MAKING OF THALAIVA

During the 1990s, Rajinikanth experimented with various subjects in his films. Rajinikanth teamed up with Mani Ratnam to make Thalapathi, which was inspired by epic Mahabharata. It was received well by audience and appreciated by critics. Rajiikanths' Basha became a big hit and attained cult status propelling him to the status of a demigod.

Now, his films were being dubbed in many foreign languages including Japanese. Padayappa - his 150th film - became the biggest hit of his career till date. But, then he again took a break from films. Rajinikanth came back three years after in 2002 with his home production film Baba, which was an instant hit. This was the time when Rajinikanth started showing interest in politics.

His films also talked about the issues of youths and people of Tamil Nadu. He made Shivaji, which broke all previous records at the box office. The film became top 10 grosser even in the United Kingdom. Through his films, Rajinikanth has tried to project himself as the leader of the people - Thalaiva. His films from Shivaji to Kabali - all have this streak. And, now Rajinikanth is dropping hints off-screen to join politics. He now calls himself a 'true Tamilian'.

Also Read

Rajinikanth will join politics, for sure. The question is when?

EXCLUSIVE: Rajinikanth to join politics? Thalaivar has this to say