Rajnikanth
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Born: | December 12, 1949 Karnataka, India |
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Occupation: | Actor |
Rajnikanth (Tamil: ரஜினிகாந்த், Marathi: रजनीकांत, Kannada: ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್ ) , real name Sivaji Rao Gaekwad (Tamil: சிவாஜி ராவ் காயகவாட், Marathi: शिवाजीराव गायकवाड, Kannada: ಶಿವಾಜಿ ರಾವ್ ಗಾಯಕ್ವಾಡ್) (born December 12, 1949 in Karnataka, India)[1] is the highest paid actor [2] in India and a popular Indian film actor.
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[edit] Early life
Rajinikanth was born on December 12 1949 in Karnataka, India. He is also called as "SUPER STAR", He was the fourth child to his parents Ramabai and Ramoji Rao Gaekwad. His original name was Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. He lost his mother at the age of five. He had his schooling at the Acharya Patasala in Bangalore and then at the Vivekananda Balak Sangh, a unit of the Ramakrishna Mission. His mother tongue is Marathi, though he has not done any movie in it. Before starting his career in the film industry, he had to take up all sorts of odd jobs. He served as a bus conductor for Karnataka state transport corporation in Bangalore. It was during this time that he nurtured his acting interests by performing in various stage plays.
[edit] Acting career
A friend helped him to join the Madras Film institute and Rajinikanth completed basic acting course in 1974 at the age of 25.[citation needed]
He started his acting career in Kannada in the movie Kathaa Sangama (ಕಥಾ ಸಂಗಮ) directed by Puttanna Kanagal in 1976.
In Tamil, he started with playing supporting roles, beginning as a cancer patient in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by K. Balachander, who assigned him his stage name Rajnikanth. After several villainous roles, his first positive role was Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri (1979), in which Rajnikanth played a failed lover in the first half and a do-gooder in the second.
After several hits in the Eighties, he played a Hindu saint in his 100th movie, Sri Raghavendra. Many others followed, among them dramas, comedies (notably 'Thillu Mullu') and, at the end of the eighties, action-oriented family entertainers like Velaikkaran and Manidhan.
Several movies during his nineties were successful, like Muthu or Basha. At 53, his Baba released amid fanfare. Although the film grossed enough to cover its budget, it was viewed as a miserable showing and fell short of market expectations accumulating heavy losses for the distributors. Rajnikanth himself returned the losses back to the distributors who had immense faith in him. The whole affair cost him dear in terms of repute of making a comeback. Hit hard by the turnout for that movie, he was reluctant to accept any new offers until he was satisfied the script was a sure seller.
And then came along his next release, the successful Chandramukhi, a remake of the Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu. Chandramukhi was claimed as one of the most successful Tamil films ever as it ran in theatres (particularily in one theatre in Mount Road, Chennai) for over 600 days since release and still running. His next movie, Sivaji: The Boss, directed by S. Shankar will be released in 2007.
Apart from Tamil, Rajnikanth has acted in over 160 movies, including Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Bengali and which were mostly the remakes of his Tamil movies[citation needed]. He has also acted in a Hollywood movie Bloodstone in 1988.
Rajnikanth was awarded the Padma Bhushan award in the year 2000 and was rated as one of the most influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek. Rajnikanth has won the Filmfare Best Actor Award, South on 2 occasions. He is the highest paid actor in India[3]and the second highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan[citation needed]
Rajinikanth was requested by his fans for a many years to stand in the State election of Tamil Nadu, but has constantly resisted entering politics directly.
[edit] Personal life
Rajinikanth married Latha on 26 February 1981. The wedding took place in the holy temple at Tirupathi. He has two daughters, Aishwarya and Soundarya. Aishwarya married actor Dhanush on 18 November 2004.
Rajinikanth has claimed tutelage from Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sri Raghavendra. Rajinikanth frequently makes pilgrimages to shrines in the Himalayas and Rishikesh. [citation needed]
His favourite food includes the hot idly which he has (due to lack of privacy at other places) at Chola Sheraton. [citation needed]
He still loves his dingy fiat which he used to drive around. [citation needed]
The lyrics of the song "annan oda patu" in his movie Chandra mukhi to an extent summarizes his philosophy.
"Kan imaikkum nodiyill ethuvum nadakkum ithu yennakku theriyum nalai unnakku puriyum, anju kula naala vai aazham pathu kala vai" Translated , in the blink of an eye anything can happen, i know this and you will understand tommorow,you put 4 within 5,and see the depth and put your leg.
[edit] Politics
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- 1995 Announced that he is willing to support the Congress party after meeting Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. An opinion poll conducted by Kumudam magazine predicted that Congress with Rajini support may win upto 130 seats in Tamilnadu Assembly
- 1996 Congress decided to align with AIADMK. Rajinikanth supported DMK-TMC alliance. DMK-TMC alliance used Rajini photos extensively in political campaigning. The TMC used the Bicycle as their election symbol and used Rajiniganth's riding Bicycle in Annamalai movie in their posters. Rajini uttered "Even God cannot save Tamilnadu if AIADMK returns to power".
- 1998 Rajinikanth supported the DMK-TMC alliance in parliamentary elections. SUN TV broadcast Rajini's speech throughout the day of the election.AIADMK-BJP alliance won around 30 out of 39 seats riding on sympathy wave generated by Coimbatore bomb blasts.
- 2002 Rajini undertook one day fasting condemning Karnataka's decision to not to release Cauvery water to Tamilnadu. Announced that he would contribute 10 Million rupees towards interlinking of Indian rivers scheme. He met Prime Minister Vajpayee and many experts to canvass support for Interlinking Indian rivers scheme. Based on efforts taken by Rajinikanth and others, Prime minister announced committee to study River Interlinking scheme.
- 2004 Supported BJP-AIADMK alliance in Parliamentary elections and quoted PMK's violence and BJP's support to interlinking of Indian rivers as reason for his support. But the alliance failed to win any seats.
[edit] Awards
Rajinikanth won many awards during his career for his acting skills.[2]
- Tamilnadu Government
- 1978 Best Actor Mullum Malarum
- 1984 Kalaimamani
- 1989 MGR Award
- 1995 Best Actor Muthu
- 1999 Best Actor Padayappa
- Central Government
- Padma Bhushan
- Filmfare Awards
- 1984 Best Actor Nallavanukku Nallavan
- Cinema Express Awards
- 1984 Best Actor Nallavanukku Nallavan
- 1985 Best Actor Raghavendra
- 1988 Best Achiever Blood Stone
- 1991 Best Actor Thalapathi
- 1992 Best Actor Annamalai
- 1995 Best Actor Baasha, Muthu
- Screen Awards
- 1995 Best Actor Peaddarayadu
[edit] The use of Punch Dialogues
Rajinikanth films are known for their witty punch lines. These are rhyming lines of dialogue delivered by the film's protagonist to express his stand or principles or even to warn villains. For an elaboration and examples, go to punch dialogue.
[edit] Philanthrophical Activities
Rajinikanth is known for philonthropical activities.[3]
- His wife runs "The Ashram" school.
- Recently they converted the Raghavendra marriage hall into a charity trust to help needy and poor".
- He shared his "Arunachalam" film income with four people who helped him in his life.
[edit] Trivia
- Rajini wrote screenplay for the film Valli. He had sung songs in the movie Mannan (Adikkuthu Kuliru) and also in Sivaji.
- Rajini's film roles were mainly as a villain during the period 1975 to 1977.
- He has never acted in Marathi-language films (films in his mother tongue).
- His movie Muthu was dubbed in Japanese and was a very popular in Japan.[4]
- Rajni is singing a song for Rahman in his upcoming movie Sivaji The Boss
[edit] Controversies
- He did not participate in agitation sponsored by Tamil film artistes in Neyveli protesting against Karnataka's refusal to release Cauvery water. Instead he participated in token fasting at chennai. Bharathiraja who organized agitation attacked him vehemently and assigned bad intentions for his non participation in the agitation.[5]
- PMK leader Ramadoss condemned his Baba movie for his posture with cigarette.He criticised him for spoiling Tamil youth by glorifying smoking and drinking. PMK volunteers attacked theatres which screened Baba movie and usurped film roles and burnt it.[6]. Famous film producers like M. Saravanan accused that cigarette smoking/drinking are shown in all movies and Rajini movie is chosen by PMK because of his popularity in [Vanniar] areas which is considered PMK bastion.
[edit] Filmography
Film Number | Film | Language | Date |
1. | Apoorva Raagangal | Tamil | 18.08.1975 |
2. | Katha Sangama | Kannada | 23.01.1976 |
3. | Anthuleni Katha | Telugu | 27.02.1976 |
4. | Moondru Mudichu | Tamil | 22.10.1976 |
5. | Baalu Jenu | Kannada | 10.12.1976 |
6. | Avargal | Tamil | 25.02.1977 |
7. | Kavikkuyil | Tamil | 29.07.1977 |
8. | Raghupathi Raghavan Rajaram | Tamil | 12.08.1977 |
9. | Chilakamma Cheppindi | Telugu | 13.08.1977 |
10. | Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri | Tamil | 02.09.1977 |
11. | Ondu Premada Kathe | Kannada | 02.09.1977 |
12. | 16 Vayathinile | Tamil | 15.09.1977 |
13. | Sahodara Saval | Kannada | 16.09.1977 |
14. | Aadu Puli Attam | Tamil | 30.09.1977 |
15. | Gaayathri | Tamil | 07.10.1977 |
16. | Kumkuma Rakshe | Kannada | 14.10.1977 |
17. | Aarupushpangal | Tamil | 10.11.1977 |
18. | Tholireyi Gadichindi | Telugu | 17.11.1977 |
19. | Aame Katha | Telugu | 18.11.1977 |
20. | Galate Samsara | Kannada | 02.12.1977 |
21. | Shankar Salim Simon | Tamil | 10.02.1978 |
22. | Kiladi Kittu | Kannada | 03.03.1978 |
23. | Annadammula Savaal | Telugu | 03.03.1978 |
24. | Aayiram Janmangal | Tamil | 10.03.1978 |
25. | Maathu Tappada maga | Kannada | 31.03.1978 |
26. | Mangudi Minor | Tamil | 02.06.1978 |
27. | Bairavi | Tamil | 02.06.1978 |
28. | Ilamai Oonjaladukirathu | Tamil | 09.06.1978 |
29. | Sadurangam | Tamil | 30.06.1978 |
30. | Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye | Tamil | 14.07.1978 |
31. | Vayasu Pilichindi | Telugu | 04.08.1978 |
32. | Mullum Malarum | Tamil | 15.08.1978 |
33. | Iraivan Kodutha Varam | Tamil | 22.09.1978 |
34. | Thappida Thala | Kannada | 06.10.1978 |
35. | Thappu Thalangal | Tamil | 30.10.1978 |
36. | Aval Appadithan | Tamil | 30.10.1978 |
37. | Thai Meethu Sathiyam | Tamil | 30.10.1978 |
38. | En Kelvikku Enna Bathil | Tamil | 09.12.1978 |
39. | Justice Gopinath | Tamil | 16.12.1978 |
40. | Priya | Tamil | 22.12.1978 |
41. | Priya | Kannada | 12.01.1979 |
42. | Kuppathu Raja | Tamil | 12.01.1979 |
43. | Iddaru Asadhyule | Telugu | 25.01.1979 |
44. | Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum | Malayalam | 14.04.1979 |
45. | Ninaithale Inikkum | Tamil | 14.04.1979 |
46. | Andhamaina Anubhavam | Telugu | 19.04.1979 |
47. | Allaudinaum Arputha Vilakkum | Tamil | 08.06.1979 |
48. | Dharma Yuddam | Tamil | 29.06.1979 |
49. | Naan Vazhavaippen | Tamil | 10.08.1979 |
50. | Tiger | Telugu | 05.09.1979 |
51. | Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai | Tamil | 14.09.1979 |
52. | Annai | Tamil | 19.10.1979 |
53. | Amma Evarikkaina Amma | Telugu | 08.11.1979 |
54. | Billa | Tamil | 26.01.1980 |
55. | Ram Robert Rahim | Telugu | 31.05.1980 |
56. | Anbukku Naan Adimai | Tamil | 04.06.1980 |
57. | Kali | Tamil | 03.07.1980 |
58. | Mayadari Krishnudu | Telugu | 19.07.1980 |
59. | Naan Potta Saval | Tamil | 07.08.1980 |
60. | Johnny | Tamil | 15.08.1980 |
61. | Kaali | Telugu | 19.09.1980 |
62. | Ellam Un Kairasi | Tamil | 09.10.1980 |
63. | Pollathavan | Tamil | 06.11.1980 |
64. | Murattu Kalai | Tamil | 20.12.1980 |
65. | Thee | Tamil | 26.01.1981 |
66. | Kazhugu | Tamil | 06.03.1981 |
67. | Thillu Mullu | Tamil | 01.05.1981 |
68. | Garjanai | Tamil | 06.08.1981 |
69. | Garjanam | Malayalam | 14.08.1981 |
70. | Netrikan | Tamil | 15.08.1981 |
71. | Garjane | Kannada | 23.10.1981 |
72. | Ranuva Veeran | Tamil | 26.10.1981 |
73. | Pokkiri Raja | Tamil | 14.01.1982 |
74. | Thanikattu Raja | Tamil | 12.03.1982 |
75. | Ranga | Tamil | 14.04.1982 |
76. | Puthukavithai | Tamil | 11.06.1982 |
77. | Enkeyo Ketta Kural | Tamil | 14.08.1982 |
78. | Moondru Mugam | Tamil | 01.10.1982 |
79. | Paayum Puli | Tamil | 14.01.1983 |
80. | Thudikkum Karangal | Tamil | 04.03.1983 |
81. | Andha Kanoon | Hindi | 07.04.1983 |
82. | Thai Veedu | Tamil | 14.04.1983 |
83. | Sivappu Sooriyan | Tamil | 27.05.1983 |
84. | Jeet Hamaari | Hindi | 17.06.1983 |
85. | Adutha Varisu | Tamil | 07.07.1983 |
86. | Thanga Magan | Tamil | 04.11.1983 |
87. | Meri Adaalat | Hindi | 13.01.1984 |
88. | Naan Mahaan Alla | Tamil | 14.01.1984 |
89. | Thambikku Entha Ooru | Tamil | 20.04.1984 |
90. | Kai Kodukkum Kai | Tamil | 15.06.1984 |
91. | Ethe Naasaval | Telugu | 15.06.1984 |
92. | Anbulla Rajinikanth | Tamil | 02.08.1984 |
93. | Gangvaa | Hindi | 14.09.1984 |
94. | Nallavanuku Nallavan | Tamal | 22.10.1984 |
95. | John Jani Janardhan | Hindi | 26.10.1984 |
96. | Naan Sikappu Manithan | Tamil | 12.04.1985 |
97. | Mahaguru | Hindi | 26.04.1985 |
98. | Un Kannil Neer Vazhindal | Tamil | 20.06.1985 |
99. | Wafadaar | Hindi | 01.09.1985 |
100 | Sri Raghavendra | Tamil | 01.09.1985 |
101 | Bewafai | Hindi | 20.09.1986 |
102 | Padikkadavan | Tamil | 11.11.1985 |
103 | Mr.Bharath | Tamil | 10.01.1986 |
104 | Nann Adimai Illai | Tamil | 01.03.1986 |
105 | Jeevana Poratam | Telugu | 10.04.1986 |
106 | Viduthalai | Tamil | 11.04.1986 |
107 | Bhagawann Dada | Hindi | 25.04.1986 |
108 | Asli Naqli | Hindi | 17.10.1986 |
109 | Dosti Dhushman | Hindi | 31.10.86 |
110 | Maaveeran | Tamil | 01.11.1986 |
111 | Velaikaran | Tamil | 07.03.1987 |
112 | Insaff Kaun Karega | Hindi | 19.06.1987 |
113 | Oorkavalan | Tamil | 04.09.1987 |
114 | Manithan | Tamil | 21.10.1987 |
115 | Uttar Dakshan | Hindi | 13.11.1987 |
116 | Tamacha | Hindi | 26.02.1988 |
117 | Guru Sishyan | Tamil | 13.04.1988 |
118 | Dharmathin Thalaivan | Tamil | 24.09.1988 |
119 | BloodStone | English | 07.10.1988 |
120 | Kodi Parakuthu | Tamil | 08.11.1988 |
121 | Rajathi Raja | Tamil | 04.03.1989 |
122 | Siva | Tamil | 05.05.1989 |
123 | Raja Chinna Roja | Tamil | 20.07.1989 |
124 | Mappillai | Tamil | 28.10.1989 |
125 | Bhrashtachar | Hindi | 01.12.1989 |
126 | Chaalbaaz | Hindi | 08.12.1989 |
127 | Panakkaran | Tamil | 14.01.1990 |
128 | Athisaya Piravi | Tamil | 15.06.1990 |
129 | Dharmadorai | Tamil | 14.01.1991 |
130 | Hum | Hindi | 01.02.1991 |
131 | Farishtay | Hindi | 22.02.1991 |
132 | Khoon Ka Karz | Hindi | 01.03.1991 |
133 | Phool Bane Angaray | Hindi | 12.07.1991 |
134 | Nattukku Oru Nallavan | Tamil | 02.10.1991 |
135 | Dalapathi | Tamil | 05.11.1991 |
136 | Mannan | Tamil | 14.01.1992 |
137 | Tyagi | Hindi | 29.05.1992 |
138 | Annamalai | Tamil | 27.06.1992 |
139 | Pandiyan | Tamil | 25.10.1992 |
140 | Insaniyat Ke Devta | Hindi | 12.02.1993 |
141 | Yejaman | Tamil | 18.02.1993 |
142 | Uzhaippali | Tamil | 24.06.1993 |
143 | Valli | Tamil | 24.06.1993 |
144 | Veera | Tamil | 14.04.1994 |
145 | Baasha | Tamil | 12.01.1995 |
146 | Peddarayudu | Telugu | 15.06.1995 |
147 | Aatank Hi Aatank | Hindi | 04.08.1995 |
148 | Muthu | Tamil | 23.10.1995 |
149 | Bhagyadevta | Bengali | 23.12.1995 |
150 | Arunachalam | Tamil | 10.04.1997 |
151 | Padayappa | Tamil | 10.04.1999 |
152 | Baba | Tamil | 15.08.2002 |
153 | Chandramukhi | Tamil | 14.04.2005 |
154 | Sivaji: The Boss | Tamil | 14.04.2007 |
[edit] References
- ^ [1]
- ^ http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-02/06-07-06-bollywood-1.html
- ^ http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies -articles/movies-02/06-07-06-bollywood-1.html