Shivaji Rao Gaekwad (born on 12 December 1949),professionally known by his stage name Rajinikanth is the highest paid Indian film actor and a prominent media personality.He is best known for his mass popularity and appeal, largely drawn from his mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue in films. He received India’s third highest honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 2000 for his contribution to Indian cinema.Other than acting, Rajinikanth worked as a screenwriter, film producer, and also a playback singer. Apart from his film career, he is a philanthropist and serves as an influence in the politics of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Rajinikanth made his debut as an actor in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by Kailasam Balachander, whom the actor considers as his mentor. He was later favoured in Tamil cinema for portraying antagonistic characters and gradually rose to acting in lead roles. After the release of his film Bairavi (1978), he became known as the “superstar” of Tamil cinema, a title given to him by film producer S. Dhanu and still used by many people to refer to him.While acting in many Indian languages, he also appeared in films of other nations, including one American film. After being paid Rs. 20 crores, about US$4.3 million, for his role in Sivaji (2007),he became the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan.
Rajinikanth made his debut as an actor in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by Kailasam Balachander, whom the actor considers as his mentor. He was later favoured in Tamil cinema for portraying antagonistic characters and gradually rose to acting in lead roles. After the release of his film Bairavi (1978), he became known as the “superstar” of Tamil cinema, a title given to him by film producer S. Dhanu and still used by many people to refer to him.While acting in many Indian languages, he also appeared in films of other nations, including one American film. After being paid Rs. 20 crores, about US$4.3 million, for his role in Sivaji (2007),he became the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan.
